Accident – death – Obituary News :

Smalltime Fisherman Linked to Cold-Case Homicides in Virginia

A fisherman who passed away in 2017 has been connected to three unsolved homicides in Virginia from the 1980s, including two cases known as the “Colonial Parkway Murders,” authorities revealed on Monday.

The suspect, identified as Alan W. Wilmer Sr., would have faced charges if he were alive, according to Virginia State Police. However, little information has been disclosed regarding the specific details tying him to the murders or when he became a suspect.

During a press conference, Corinne Geller, a spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police, explained that revisiting cold cases and thoroughly reviewing witness statements and evidence is a time-consuming but effective approach to solving them.

After Alan Wilmer’s death, investigators legally obtained his DNA. Since Wilmer was not a convicted felon, his DNA was not present in any law enforcement databases. Notably, two of the three victims in these cold cases were sexually assaulted.

The Colonial Parkway Murders

The “Colonial Parkway Murders” involved the deaths of three couples and the suspected death of a fourth couple, whose bodies were never found. These killings took place between 1986 and 1989 near the scenic drive connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown in southeastern Virginia.

In 1987, David Knobling, 20, and Robin Edwards, 14, were discovered fatally shot 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, although the investigations into the remaining cases are still ongoing.

During the press conference, Geller shared a joint statement from the families of Knobling and Edwards, expressing gratitude towards the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. The statement reflected the families’ relief and satisfaction that the perpetrator can no longer harm others, but it also acknowledged the unanswered questions that haunted them for over three decades.

Alan Wilmer was also identified as the suspect in the 1989 murder of Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell, 29, in Hampton. Her strangulation death is not connected to the Colonial Parkway killings. Howell’s body was found at a construction site, approximately 11 miles away from where Knobling and Edwards were discovered 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 gratitude towards the investigators. The statement acknowledged that closure had been provided but emphasized that nothing can bring Terry back, and her absence over the years has left an indescribable void.

Alan Wilmer passed away at the age of 63. Geller confirmed that investigators continue to actively pursue leads in the other murder cases and have not ruled out Wilmer’s potential involvement. They are currently reconstructing his movements and interactions throughout his lifetime.

Wilmer, known by the nickname “Pokey,” drove a blue 1966 Dodge Fargo pickup truck with the license plate “EM-RAW.” He owned a small fishing boat named “the Denni Wade” and often resided on it while docked at various marinas in southeastern Virginia. In addition to fishing, Wilmer 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 had any knowledge of Wilmer to come forward and assist with the investigation. Dugan acknowledged that relationships and loyalties change over time, as do people and their perspectives.

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