Accident – death – Obituary News :

Virginia Cold Case Murders Linked to Small-Time Fisher

A small-time fisherman, Alan Wilmer Sr, who passed away in 2017, has been linked to three cold-case murders in Virginia from the 1980s. These murders include two cases that were part of a series of unsolved killings of couples known as the Colonial Parkway murders, according to officials.

Virginia state police have recently identified Alan Wilmer Sr as the suspect in the 1987 and 1989 murders, but they have not provided specific details on how he is connected to these crimes. However, authorities have stated that if Wilmer were still alive, he would be charged.

During a news conference, Corinne Geller, a spokesperson for the Virginia state police, mentioned that the investigation involves a comprehensive review of witness statements and evidence. She emphasized that this approach is time-consuming and complex but has proven to be highly effective in solving cold cases.

Investigators obtained Wilmer’s DNA legally after his death. As Wilmer was not a previously convicted felon, his DNA was not present in any law enforcement databases. Two of the three victims were sexually assaulted.

The Colonial Parkway murders refer to a series of killings that occurred between 1986 and 1989 in southeastern Virginia, near Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. These murders involved the deaths of three couples, and there is a suspected fourth couple whose bodies were never found.

One of the unsolved cases from this series is the 1987 double murder of David Knobling, 20, and Robin Edwards, 14, who were found shot dead near the south bank of the James River in Isle of Wight county. Geller mentioned that currently, there is no forensic or physical evidence connecting this double murder to the other Colonial Parkway murders, but investigations into all the cases remain active.

Geller read a joint statement from the Knobling and Edwards families, expressing gratitude to the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. The families stated that for 36 years, they have lived with the fear that the person responsible for killing their loved ones might attack again. They now feel relief and a sense of justice in knowing that the suspect can no longer harm others.

In addition to the Colonial Parkway murders, Alan Wilmer Sr has also been identified as the suspect in the 1989 killing of Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell, 29, in Hampton. Howell was strangled to death and her body was found at a construction site approximately 11 miles away from where Knobling and Edwards were discovered. She was last seen outside a popular nightclub.

Captain Rebecca Warren of the Hampton police read a statement from Howell’s family, thanking investigators for their dedication to solving the case.

Alan Wilmer Sr passed away at the age of 63. Geller mentioned that investigators are actively pursuing leads related to the other killings 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, the Denni Wade, which he often lived on while docked at various marinas along the waterways in southeastern Virginia. In addition to his fishing activities, Wilmer operated a small business called Better Tree Service.

Special Agent in Charge Brian Dugan of the FBI’s Norfolk field office appealed to anyone who knew Wilmer to come forward and provide any information that could assist the investigation.

“We understand that relationships and loyalties change over time,” Dugan said. “As do people and their perspectives.”

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