The Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that is believed to have occurred on Monday, October 27, 2025, in the Lewis Chapel community.
Deputies were contacted on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, about a potential missing person, Silvia G. Vilchez, age 50, of 279 Snyder Loop, Graysville, TN, which quickly grew into a case of suspicious circumstances.
After multiple interviews and other investigative steps, Investigators were able to obtain a search warrant for the reported victim’s home, where she lived with her husband and adult son, as well as the property where the house is located. The search took place on October 30, 2025, and produced the discovery of what is believed to be the crime scene where the victim was beaten to death. Investigators then discovered an area near the home where recently charred human remains were found. The human remains have been taken to the State of Tennessee Medical Examiner’s Office in Nashville, where further examination will be conducted.
Due to information gathered throughout this investigation, both the victim’s husband and her son have been charged with her murder as well as abuse of her corpse.
David Gardiner
Husband: David W Gardiner, age 64
279 Snyder Loop
Graysville, TN. 37338
Charges: Criminal Homicide/Abuse of a Corpse
Gabriel Vilchez
Son: Gabriel M Vilchez, age 18
279 Snyder Loop
Graysville, TN. 37338
Charges: Criminal Homicide/Abuse of a Corpse
During this investigation, the Tennessee Highway Patrol and agents with the Tennessee Homeland Security Office assisted the Sheriff’s Office.
