Fisherman Identified as Suspect in Cold-Case Homicides from the 1980s

A deceased fisherman has been identified as the prime suspect in three cold-case homicides in Virginia from the 1980s, including two infamous “Colonial Parkway Murders.” Alan Wade Wilmer Sr., who passed away in December 2017 at the age of 63, has been linked to the 1987 double murder of David L. Knobling, 20, and Robin M. Edwards, 14, in Isle of Wight County, as well as the 1989 murder of Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell, 29, in Hampton.

According to Virginia State Police, the identification of Wilmer as the suspect came after a thorough examination of forensic evidence. Prosecutors for Isle of Wight County and Hampton stated that if Wilmer were still alive, charges would be filed against him for the three murders.

Details of the Slayings

The victims, Knobling and Edwards, were last seen alive on September 19, 1987. The following day, Knobling’s abandoned pickup truck was discovered at the Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area, with the keys still in the ignition and the radio and windshield wipers on. On September 23, 1987, their bodies were found along the shore of Ragged Island. The victims had been shot, and Edwards had also been sexually assaulted.

The deaths of Knobling and Edwards were part of a series of double homicides known as the Colonial Parkway Murders, which occurred between 1986 and 1989. However, authorities have stated that there is currently no forensic or physical evidence linking these cases to the other double murders.

The third murder, that of Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell, occurred on July 1, 1989. Howell, who was last seen outside the now-defunct Zodiac club in Hampton, was sexually assaulted and strangled. Her remains were discovered a few days later.

Investigation and Identification of Wilmer

After years of sifting through evidence and witness statements, authorities identified Wilmer as a potential suspect based on DNA found at the crime scenes. However, since Wilmer had no prior felonies, his DNA had never been entered into the system.

During the fresh investigation of the cold cases, authorities focused their attention on Wilmer. When they discovered that he had passed away, they legally obtained his genetic material and compared it to the evidence collected in the slayings. In June 2023, authorities received a positive match, conclusively linking Wilmer to the three murders.

Following this revelation, the Virginia State Police and the FBI are seeking information from the public to determine if Wilmer may be connected to additional cases. Wilmer was known for his involvement in fishing and owned a small commercial fishing boat named the “Denni Wade.” He frequented marinas in Gloucester and Middlesex counties. At the time of the murders, Wilmer worked as a fisherman and also operated a business called Better Tree Service. He was an avid hunter and belonged to a hunt club in the Middle Peninsula region.

Investigators have released several photographs of Wilmer, along with details about his watercraft and car, urging anyone with information to come forward. The FBI will also explore possible links between Wilmer and other Colonial Parkway Murders, including the killings of Cathleen Thomas, Rebecca Ann Dowski, Richard Keith Call, and Cassandra Lee Hailey.

Although Wilmer is deceased, law enforcement emphasizes that it is not too late for individuals with relevant information to provide assistance in these cases.