SUFFOLK, Va. – Authorities have made a significant breakthrough in solving three cold case homicides from the late 1980s, including two linked to the infamous Colonial Parkway Murders. DNA evidence has revealed that now-deceased Northern Neck resident Alan W. Wilmer Sr. was the suspect responsible for the 1987 Isle of Wight County murders of David L. Knobling, 20, and Robin M. Edwards, 14, as well as the 1989 murder of Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell, 29, in the City of Hampton.
The Colonial Parkway Murders, a series of four separate double homicides spanning from 1986 to 1989, have long haunted the region. Robin M. Edwards was sexually assaulted, and both she and Knobling were found shot to death along the shoreline of the Ragged Island Wildlife Management and Refuge Area on the south bank of the James River in Isle of Wight County.
Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell was last seen alive on July 1, 1989, before being found dead shortly afterward in a nearby wood line. Wilmer died in December 2017, prompting authorities to confirm that charges would have been filed against him in connection with the three homicides had he still been alive.
Despite Wilmer’s clean criminal record, DNA evidence collected from the crime scenes ultimately led to his identification and the closure of these long-running cold cases. All three families have been thanked for their patience and understanding during the lengthy investigative process.
The FBI is urging the public to come forward with any information. Wilmer was known for his distinctive blue 1966 Dodge Fargo pickup truck with the Virginia license plate “EM-RAW,” as well as his small commercial fishing boat named the Denni Wade. Those who may have known Wilmer are encouraged to contact the FBI or the Virginia State Police with any potential leads.
In conclusion, the identification of the suspect in these longstanding cold case homicides brings some closure to the families of the victims. The collaborative effort of law enforcement agencies and advancements in DNA technology demonstrate the commitment to pursuing justice, even in cases dating back decades. This breakthrough serves as a reminder that law enforcement never gives up on seeking justice for victims and their loved ones.