Search warrants in John Wheeler homicide case to remain sealed

Two weeks after he was last seen alive, warrants related to the murder of a former Pentagon official are under seal, at the request of investigators.  The warrants concern searches of John Wheeler the 3rd’s home in New Castle, his car, and cellphone records. 

Wheeler, who served in the administrations of three U.S. Presidents and led efforts to raise funds for the Vietnam War Memorial, was last seen in the area of 10th and Orange Streets in Wilmington the night of December 30th.  His body was discovered the following morning as a refuse truck was being emptied at the Cherry Island Landfill in Wilmington.

Attorney General Beau Biden asked that the warrants concerning the search of Wheeler’s home be sealed, arguing that their release could compromise the investigation.

Newark Police also requested that additional warrants be sealed.  Newark Police are leading the investigation as they attempt to determine where and how Wheeler was killed.  His body was left in one of ten dumpsters in Newark that were emptied the morning of December 31st. 

Surveillance video released by Colonial Parking of Wilmington shows Wheeler, apparently disoriented and holding a shoe, wandering in the parking garage near 5th and King Streets December 29th, searching for his vehicle.  Wheeler’s car was later found and impounded at a different garage near the Wilmington train station.