Suffolk, Virginia – A Virginia fisherman, Alan W. Wilmer Sr., who passed away in 2017, has been posthumously linked to three unsolved homicides that occurred in the late 1980s. These cases include the disturbing murders of David Knobling, 20, and Robin Edwards, 14, at Colonial Parkway in September 1987, as well as the killing of Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell, 29, in Hampton in July 1989.
The families of the victims have lived for decades without closure, wondering about the identity of the person responsible for the heinous crimes. Since Wilmer’s death, authorities have been able to establish a DNA-based link between the suspect and the victims, detailing the grisly connections over 30 years later.
The Virginia Department of Forensic Science uncovered the genetic match between Wilmer and the victims in 2023, providing some semblance of closure to the families of the victims after decades of uncertainty and pain.
Corinne Geller, a Virginia State Police spokeswoman, highlighted the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies in revisiting the cases. She emphasized the complexity and time-consuming nature of cold case investigations, which ultimately proved to be effective in bringing forth crucial evidence and closure for the families involved.
The families of Knobling, Edwards, and Howell expressed gratitude towards the investigative efforts. They acknowledged the difficult journey they have endured, living with the anguish and fear stemming from the unresolved murders.
While Wilmer’s connection to these three homicides has been established, there is ongoing speculation regarding his potential involvement in other unsolved killings. Investigators are actively pursuing leads and reconstructing his movements throughout his lifetime, shedding light on a dark chapter in Virginia’s history.
Wilmer’s link to these long-unsolved murders serves as a haunting reminder of the enduring impact of violent crimes and the quest for justice. Despite the passage of time, the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies and advancements in forensic technology continue to bring closure and answers to the families of victims who have long awaited justice.