Missing Paynesville couple found dead, grandson in custody

PAYNSVILLE, Minn. (KMSP) - An elderly couple that was reported missing Wednesday has been found dead and their grandson is in custody in Kandiyohi County, according to authorities. 

On Wednesday, the Paynesville Police Department received a report of a missing couple, Wilbert Scheel, 90, and Gloria Scheel, 80, both of Paynesville, Minnesota. 

The following day the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension issued a crime alert to located them, and their 30-year-old grandson Gregory Scheel, also from Paynesville. 

At 5:10 p.m. on Thursday, investigators responded to a County Road 5 on the east side of Game's Lake in Kandiyohi County where a Toyota Prius had been discovered. That part of the road is gravel and under construction. The caller told police it appeared as though the vehicle was stuck in the mud and "had been there for some time." 

When authorities searched the vehicle, they found the bodies of an elderly man and woman underneath some carpet. The bodies were transported to the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office for examination. Officials have tentatively identified the victims as Wilbert and Gloria Scheel. Their deaths have been ruled as homicides.

Shortly after 9 p.m., Gregory Scheel was found on foot south of where the Prius was found. Scheel was arrested and booked into the Kandiyohi County Jail on suspicion of two counts of intentional second degree murder.

Authorities say while this is still an active investigation, there is no threat to the public and they are not searching for any additional suspects at this time.

Anyone with information on the Scheels' whereabouts on March 21 and March 22 is asked to call 320-251-4240.