Missing Elderly Grandparents Found Dead; Grandson In Custody

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Law enforcement say a man has been arrested after his elderly grandparents, who were missing for more than 24 hours, were found dead.

On Thursday, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reported 93-year-old Wilbert Scheel, his wife 80-year-old Gloria Scheel and their grandson 33-year-old Gregory Scheel were missing and had last been seen at Teal's Market in Paynesville Wednesday at around 12:45 p.m. Neighbors say the elderly Scheels went there every Wednesday for senior day.

The three lived together. Their two cars were missing as well, but were found Thursday night.

Stearns County officials say the elderly victims' bodies were discovered inside their car under some carpet on a rural road in Kandiyohi County late Thursday afternoon. The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office ruled their cause of death a homicide, and will conduct autopsies.

Gregory Scheel was taken into custody at around 9:09 p.m. after someone spotted him on foot just south of where police found the car. He was booked into the Kandiyohi County Jail.

WCCO featured Willie Scheel in a story last year. The great-grandfather spoke to us about his love for ping pong. He's a seven-time cancer survivor who played the game four nights a week to stay in shape.

The elderly couple even delivered Meals On Wheels for nearly 20 years.

Neighbors say the Scheels knew their grandson had problems, but were always willing to let him stay with them and help him out.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on Scheels whereabouts on March 21 and March 22 is asked to call 320-251-4240 and ask to speak to investigators.