Yarianna Wheeler: Pregnant Teen’s Body Found In Lake Michigan; Man Arrested
The body of Yarianna Wheeler, 19, was discovered in Lake Michigan in August 2021. A man romantically linked to her has been arrested.
Yarianna Wheeler was only 19 years old but she was looking forward to being a mother. But she never made it.
Around August 7, 2021, Wheeler, who was about seven-months pregnant at the time, disappeared. On August 21, a fisherman spotted a body floating in the water In Lake Michigan.
Originally referred to as the "Jane Doe of Lake Michigan," Wheeler was identified after an intense investigation involving tips from the public based on a composite sketch and dental records.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office released this image to the public, which shows the last known sighting of Yarianna Wheeler, whose body would later be found in Lake Michigan.
An autopsy confirmed that Wheeler had been stabbed multiple times, the Lake County Sheriff's Office said. Police subsequently believe that she was then dumped in the vast lake.
Lake County detectives later found out that right before she vanished, Wheeler met with a person of interest and they were with each other near Oakwood Beach in Chicago.
After an investigation, Chicago police were able to arrest and charge Robert Drummond, 21, of Chicago with first-degree murder.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg praised officers in the investigation. "We will always do everything in our power to be the voice of victims who are unable to speak for themselves and hold those who victimized them accountable."
Although she had been reportedly living in Chicago, Wheeler was from nearby Bellwood, Illinois, according to police.
Drummond and Wheeler were romantically involved, according to law enforcement.
Domestic Violence Resources
National Domestic Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)