“Fisherman Linked to Cold-Case Homicides: Colonial Parkway Murders Suspect Identified as Alan W. Wilmer Sr.”

Accident – death – Obituary News : SUFFOLK, Va. — A local fisherman who passed away in 2017 has recently been connected to three cold-case homicides in Virginia from the 1980s, including two that were part of a series of unsolved slayings known as the “Colonial Parkway Murders,” law enforcement officials announced on Monday.

The suspect in question has been identified as Alan W. Wilmer Sr. by the Virginia State Police. However, limited information has been provided regarding the specific details of his involvement in the killings or when he became a suspect.

Nevertheless, authorities have stated that Wilmer would have faced charges if he were still alive today. The reopening of cold cases involves revisiting witness statements and examining all available evidence, which is a time-consuming process but has proven to be effective in solving previously unsolved crimes, according to Corinne Geller, a spokesperson for the Virginia State Police.

Investigators have revealed that they obtained Wilmer’s DNA legally after his death. As he was not a convicted felon, his DNA was not present in any law enforcement databases. It is worth noting that two of the three victims in these cases were sexually assaulted.

The “Colonial Parkway Murders” refer to a series of killings that occurred between 1986 and 1989. The victims were couples who were either found dead or went missing near a scenic drive connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown in southeastern Virginia.

One of the cases involved the fatal shooting of David Knobling, 20, and Robin Edwards, 14, in 1987. Their bodies were discovered near the south bank of the James River in Isle of Wight County. Geller mentioned that there is currently no forensic or physical evidence linking this double homicide to the others, but investigations into the remaining cases are ongoing.

During a news conference, Geller read a joint statement from the Knobling and Edwards families, expressing their gratitude towards the investigating law enforcement agencies. The statement conveyed relief and a sense of justice, knowing that the perpetrator could no longer harm others. However, it also acknowledged that many unanswered questions would remain due to Wilmer’s death.

In addition to the “Colonial Parkway Murders,” Wilmer has also been identified as the suspect in the 1989 killing of Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell, 29, in Hampton. Her death, caused by strangulation, is not believed to be connected to the other killings that occurred on the Colonial Parkway.

Howell’s body was found at a construction site, approximately 11 miles away from where Knobling and Edwards were discovered nearly two years earlier. She was last seen outside a popular nightclub. Captain Rebecca Warren of the Hampton Police read a statement from Howell’s family, expressing their gratitude for the closure brought about by the investigators’ dedication and evolving technology. However, they also emphasized that nothing could fill the void left by Howell’s absence over the years.

Alan W. Wilmer Sr. passed away at the age of 63. Geller confirmed that investigators are actively pursuing leads regarding the other killings and have not ruled out the possibility of Wilmer’s involvement. They are currently reconstructing his movements and interactions throughout his lifetime.

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

Special Agent Brian Dugan, in charge of the FBI’s field office in Norfolk, appealed to anyone who knew Wilmer to come forward with any information they may have. Dugan acknowledged that relationships and loyalties change over time, along with people’s perspectives.

This is an ongoing story, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to email newstips@wtvr.com to provide tips to the authorities..