Accident – death – Obituary News :

A Smalltime Fisherman Linked to Cold-Case Homicides in Virginia from the 1980s

A smalltime fisherman who passed away in 2017 has recently been connected to three unsolved cold-case homicides in Virginia from the 1980s, including two that were part of a series of murders known as the “Colonial Parkway Murders,” according to law enforcement officials who made the announcement on Monday.

The suspect in question has been identified as Alan W. Wilmer Sr. by the Virginia State Police. However, specific details regarding the nature of his connection to the killings, which occurred in 1987 and 1989, have not been disclosed by authorities. Nevertheless, they have stated that Wilmer would face charges if he were alive today.

During a news conference, Corinne Geller, a spokesperson for the Virginia State Police, explained that revisiting old witness statements and evidence is an integral part of the cold-case philosophy. She emphasized that this meticulous process is time-consuming, complex, but highly effective in solving such cases.

Investigators managed to legally obtain Wilmer’s DNA after his demise. It is worth noting that Wilmer was not a convicted felon, which explains why his DNA was not present in any law enforcement databases. Disturbingly, two of the three victims in these incidents were sexually assaulted.

The infamous “Colonial Parkway Murders” encompassed the deaths of three couples and the presumed death of a fourth couple whose bodies were never recovered. These tragic incidents took place between 1986 and 1989 in the vicinity of a scenic drive that connects Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown in southeastern Virginia.

In 1987, the lifeless bodies of David Knobling, 20, and Robin Edwards, 14, were discovered near the south bank of the James River in Isle of Wight County. Geller clarified that there is currently no forensic or physical evidence linking this double homicide to the other cases, though investigations into the remaining incidents are still ongoing.

Geller also read aloud a joint statement from the Knobling and Edwards families, expressing their gratitude towards the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. The statement reflected on how their families had lived in a state of uncertainty for 36 years, always fearing that the person responsible for Robin and David’s deaths would strike again. The families expressed relief and a sense of justice, knowing that the perpetrator can no longer harm anyone else. However, they acknowledged that their questions would forever remain unanswered due to the suspect’s death.

Wilmer has also been identified as the main suspect in the 1989 murder of Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell, 29, in the city of Hampton. It is important to note that this strangulation case is not directly linked to the “Colonial Parkway Murders.”

Howell’s body was discovered at a construction site approximately 11 miles away from where Knobling and Edwards were found nearly two years prior. She was last seen outside a popular nightclub in the area. Hampton Police Captain Rebecca Warren shared a statement from Howell’s family, expressing their gratitude towards investigators for their unwavering dedication over the past 34 years. The family acknowledged that while they appreciate the closure provided, nothing can bring Terry back, and the void left by her absence is indescribable.

Wilmer, who passed away at the age of 63, remains a person of interest in the other unsolved killings. Investigators are actively pursuing leads and have not ruled out his potential involvement. They are currently reconstructing his movements and interactions throughout his lifetime in an effort to uncover any additional evidence.

The late Wilmer was commonly known by the nickname “Pokey” and drove a blue 1966 Dodge Fargo pickup truck with the license plate “EM-RAW,” as stated by the police. He owned a small fishing boat named “the Denni Wade,” which he often resided on while it was docked at various marinas in southeastern Virginia. Aside from fishing, Wilmer made a living through clamming and oystering. He also operated a small business called “Better Tree Service.”

Brian Dugan, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s field office in Norfolk, urged anyone who had any knowledge or information about Wilmer to come forward. He emphasized that relationships and loyalties change over time, and individuals may have gained new perspectives that could be crucial to the investigation.

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