“DNA Evidence Links Deceased Fisherman to Three Unsolved Murders in Virginia Since the 1980s”

Accident – death – Obituary News : DNA Evidence Links Dead Virginia Fisherman to Three Decades-Old Unsolved Murders

In a major breakthrough in cold cases that have haunted the state of Virginia for decades, DNA evidence has finally linked a deceased fisherman to three unsolved murders from the 1980s. The suspect, Alan W. Wilmer Sr., who passed away in 2017 at the age of 63, has been identified by Virginia State Police as the perpetrator of these heinous crimes. The murders, including the sexual assault and slaying of a 14-year-old girl, have remained unsolved for over 30 years, leaving the victims’ families with a sense of sorrow and frustration.

It is unclear when Wilmer became a suspect in these homicides, which took place in 1987 and 1989. However, prosecutors have stated that if Wilmer were alive today, he would be charged with these crimes. The reason for the delay in identifying him as a suspect lies in the fact that Wilmer had no felonies on his criminal record, rendering his DNA unable to be legally collected and tested until his death. It was only in 2023, when forensic investigators confirmed the genetic evidence linking Wilmer to the crime scenes in Hampton, Virginia and Isle of Wight County.

One of the cold cases that Wilmer is now linked to is the infamous “Colonial Parkway Murders,” a series of unsolved homicides of couples in southeastern Virginia. In 1987, the bodies of David Knobling, 20, and Robin Edwards, 14, were found shot dead along the shoreline of the James River in Isle of Wight County. Edwards had also been sexually assaulted, according to investigators. The following day, Knobling’s abandoned pickup truck was discovered in the parking lot of the Ragged Island Wildlife Management and Refuge Area.

These murders became part of a string of three separate double homicides between 1986 and 1989, collectively known as the “Colonial Parkway Murders.” It is believed that there is a fourth couple who fell victim to this killing spree, although their bodies were never recovered. Alongside these crimes, Wilmer has also been identified as the suspect in the 1989 slaying of Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell, 29, in Hampton. Howell’s murder is not part of the “Colonial Parkway Murders,” but she was found sexually assaulted and strangled to death in a wooded area near a since-closed night club.

The identification of Alan W. Wilmer Sr. as the perpetrator of these long-unsolved murders brings a sense of closure and peace to the victims’ families, who have endured the pain and anguish of not knowing who was responsible for their loved ones’ deaths. In a joint statement, the Knobling and Edwards families expressed their gratitude to the investigators for their dedication and efforts in solving these cases. They also emphasized the relief they now feel, knowing that Wilmer can no longer harm anyone else.

Wilmer’s connection to these murders has raised suspicions about his involvement in other cold cases. Investigators are actively pursuing leads and reconstructing his movements to determine if he may be linked to additional killings. Prior to his death, Wilmer owned a small wooden commercial fishing boat called the Denni Wade, which he used for clam and oyster farming. He also ran a business called Better Tree Service and was known to frequent marinas in Gloucester and Middlesex counties in Virginia. Additionally, Wilmer was an avid hunter and belonged to a hunt club in the Middle Peninsula region. He drove a distinctive blue 1966 Dodge Fargo pickup truck with the Virginia license plate “EM-RAW.”

The FBI is urging anyone with information about Wilmer or any other potential crimes he may have been involved in to come forward. Special Agent in Charge Brian Dugan stated that people’s perspectives and loyalties can change over time, and it is never too late to provide crucial information that could help solve these cold cases. Individuals can contact the FBI’s anonymous tip line at 1-800-2255-324 or submit a tip online at www.tips.fbi.gov. The Virginia State Police can also be reached via email at questions@vsp.virginia.gov.

The identification of Alan W. Wilmer Sr. as the suspect in these long-unsolved murders brings a glimmer of hope to the victims’ families, who have endured decades of pain and uncertainty. While the void left by their loved ones’ absence cannot be filled, the closure provided by these developments is a step towards healing. The relentless efforts of law enforcement and the advancement of technology have finally shed light on these cold cases, giving the families a sense of justice they have long sought..