Colonial Parkway Killer
Virginia Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Virginia, United States
TIME PERIOD
1986-1989
VICTIMS
10 confirmed
The Colonial Parkway murders involved the serial killings of at least ten individuals, primarily young couples, in Virginia between 1986 and 1989, with the crimes occurring along the isolated Colonial Parkway. While four pairs of victims have been confirmed, several additional homicides are tentatively linked to these cases, and the investigation has recently identified Alan Wilmer Sr. as a primary suspect based on DNA evidence. The case remains partially unsolved, with ongoing efforts to connect additional evidence to Wilmer and other potential suspects.
Theories surrounding the Colonial Parkway murders suggest that at least two of the killings have been conclusively linked to Alan Wilmer Sr., a local fisherman, through DNA evidence. Despite being considered "suspect number one," Wilmer was previously cleared after passing a polygraph test, leading to speculation about whether he was indeed the killer or if other suspects may be involved. Additionally, the circumstantial nature of linking the four confirmed murders raises questions about the possibility of multiple perpetrators or connections to other unsolved homicides in the area.
The Colonial Parkway Murders: A Dark Chapter in Virginia's History
Between 1986 and 1989, a haunting series of crimes unfolded along the Colonial Parkway in Virginia, claiming at least ten lives. This picturesque 22-mile stretch, linking Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, became a sinister backdrop for a killer who preyed on unsuspecting couples. The Parkway's dimly lit, remote areas made it a popular spot for romantic rendezvous, but it would soon be stained by tragedy.
Overview of the Murders
The Colonial Parkway murders involved the brutal slayings of young couples, with both partners killed in each incident. Three pairs of victims were recovered, while another couple remains missing and presumed dead. The methods of murder varied, including strangulation, gunshot, and stabbing. The killer or killers drove the victims’ vehicles away from the crime scenes, leading investigators to suspect a calculated, premeditated approach.
In January 2024, authorities announced a significant breakthrough: DNA evidence conclusively linked at least two of the murders to Alan Wilmer Sr., a local fisherman who passed away in 2017. Wilmer was already regarded as "suspect number one" in two of these cases, yet he walked free after passing an FBI polygraph test. Disturbingly, his DNA had never been entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), the national DNA database.
Confirmed and Suspected Victims
The Colonial Parkway became synonymous with fear and loss.
Rebecca Dowski and Cathy Thomas
The initial victims of this tragic saga were Cathleen Marian "Cathy" Thomas, a 27-year-old Naval Academy graduate, and Rebecca Ann "Becky" Dowski, a 21-year-old business management major at the College of William & Mary. On October 9, 1986, the couple disappeared after leaving a computer lab around 6:30 p.m.
Just days later, on October 12, a jogger stumbled upon their vehicle at the Cheatham Annex Overlook. The white 1980 Honda Civic had veered off the road, with the bodies hidden inside. Autopsy results revealed that both women had suffered rope burns, signs of strangulation, and deep cuts to their throats—one nearly severing Cathy’s head. In a chilling twist, the killer had attempted to destroy evidence by dousing the vehicle in diesel fuel, but had not ignited it. Over a hundred fingerprints were found, yet none matched known offenders.
David Knobling and Robin Edwards
In 1988, David Lee Knobling, a 20-year-old salesman, and 14-year-old Robin Margaret Edwards met fate during a seemingly innocent outing. They were last seen on September 19, when David picked Robin up for a date to see Dragnet. Their truck, a black Ford Ranger, was discovered days later at Ragged Island Wildlife Refuge, with doors ajar and the radio still playing. On September 23, their bodies washed ashore on the banks of the James River. David had been shot twice, while Robin was executed with a shot to the back of her head. Their clothing suggested a possible sexual assault, but the exact circumstances remain murky.
Brian Pettinger
Another victim, Brian Craig Pettinger, disappeared on December 4, 1987, after attending a dance studio. His wife found his vehicle two days later in a mall parking lot. Tragically, on February 3, 1988, Brian's body was discovered floating in a marshy area of the James River, his wrists and ankles bound, and a rope around his neck. Investigators believe he may have been thrown into the water alive.
Cassandra Hailey and Keith Call
On April 10, 1988, college students Cassandra Lee Hailey and Richard Keith Call went missing after attending a party. Their vehicle was located at the York River Overlook, with personal belongings left behind but no sign of the couple. Dogs tracked their scent to the nearby shore, but skepticism lingered about the drowning theory given the cold water and steep embankment.
Teresa Howell
Teresa Lynn Howell was murdered on July 1, 1989, after leaving the Zodiac Club in Hampton. Her body was found hours later in a nearby wooded area, having been sexually assaulted and strangled. It wasn’t until 2022 that DNA evidence linked her murder to the Colonial Parkway cases.
Annamaria Phelps and Daniel Lauer
The last confirmed victims, Annamaria Phelps and Daniel Lauer, disappeared on September 5, 1989, en route to Virginia Beach. Their car was abandoned at an Interstate 64 rest stop, the doors unlocked and the keys still in the ignition. Their remains were discovered on October 19, badly decomposed and covered with an electric blanket—a crime scene that left investigators baffled.
Possible Additional Victims
Beyond the confirmed cases, several other murders in the area have raised suspicions of a potential serial killer. The bodies of Michael Sturgis "Mike" Margaret and Donna Lynn Hall were found in 1984, leading some investigators to believe they were early victims of the Colonial Parkway Killer, given similarities in the modus operandi.
Theories and Investigations
As investigators delved into the case, several theories emerged. From the possibility of law enforcement involvement to the notion of multiple offenders, each angle presented its own challenges. Notably, a piece of nautical line found in Cathy Thomas's hair hinted at a connection to local fishermen like Alan Wilmer, who had a history of confronting couples on the Parkway.
Wilmer, who operated under the radar, had a background that made him a compelling suspect. The lack of DNA evidence in CODIS left investigators frustrated, as the killer continued to evade justice.
Media Coverage and Ongoing Investigations
The Colonial Parkway murders have gripped the public's attention for decades, inspiring documentaries, articles, and investigative reports. The case remains a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk in seemingly idyllic locales. In recent years, advancements in DNA technology have reignited hope for the victims' families, with renewed calls for justice as new evidence comes to light.
Timeline of Events
- October 9, 1986: Rebecca Dowski and Cathy Thomas last seen leaving campus.
- October 12, 1986: Dowski and Thomas found murdered.
- September 19, 1987: David Knobling and Robin Edwards last seen.
- September 23, 1987: Knobling and Edwards found murdered.
- December 4, 1987: Brian Craig Pettinger goes missing.
- February 3, 1988: Pettinger’s body recovered.
- April 10, 1988: Cassandra Hailey and Keith Call reported missing.
- July 1, 1989: Teresa Lynn Howell found murdered.
- September 5, 1989: Annamaria Phelps and Daniel Lauer go missing.
- October 19, 1989: Phelps and Lauer bodies found.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murders Discovered
Rebecca Dowski and Cathy Thomas found murdered in their car on the Colonial Parkway.
Knobling and Edwards Found
David Knobling and Robin Edwards discovered murdered on Ragged Island.
Hailey and Call Go Missing
Cassandra Hailey and Keith Call reported missing after a university party; their car found on the Colonial Parkway.
Teresa Howell Murdered
Teresa Lynn Howell found murdered hours after leaving a nightclub.
Phelps and Lauer Go Missing
Annamaria Phelps and Daniel Lauer reported missing; their car found abandoned at a rest stop.
Phelps and Lauer Bodies Found
The bodies of Annamaria Phelps and Daniel Lauer discovered in a wooded area.
Wilmer Linked to More Cases
Wilmer's DNA also linked to the murder of Teresa Howell, expanding the investigation.
Suspect Identified
DNA evidence links Alan Wilmer Sr. to the murders of Knobling and Edwards.
The Colonial Parkway murders involved the serial killings of at least ten individuals, primarily young couples, in Virginia between 1986 and 1989, with the crimes occurring along the isolated Colonial Parkway. While four pairs of victims have been confirmed, several additional homicides are tentatively linked to these cases, and the investigation has recently identified Alan Wilmer Sr. as a primary suspect based on DNA evidence. The case remains partially unsolved, with ongoing efforts to connect additional evidence to Wilmer and other potential suspects.
Theories surrounding the Colonial Parkway murders suggest that at least two of the killings have been conclusively linked to Alan Wilmer Sr., a local fisherman, through DNA evidence. Despite being considered "suspect number one," Wilmer was previously cleared after passing a polygraph test, leading to speculation about whether he was indeed the killer or if other suspects may be involved. Additionally, the circumstantial nature of linking the four confirmed murders raises questions about the possibility of multiple perpetrators or connections to other unsolved homicides in the area.
The Colonial Parkway Murders: A Dark Chapter in Virginia's History
Between 1986 and 1989, a haunting series of crimes unfolded along the Colonial Parkway in Virginia, claiming at least ten lives. This picturesque 22-mile stretch, linking Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, became a sinister backdrop for a killer who preyed on unsuspecting couples. The Parkway's dimly lit, remote areas made it a popular spot for romantic rendezvous, but it would soon be stained by tragedy.
Overview of the Murders
The Colonial Parkway murders involved the brutal slayings of young couples, with both partners killed in each incident. Three pairs of victims were recovered, while another couple remains missing and presumed dead. The methods of murder varied, including strangulation, gunshot, and stabbing. The killer or killers drove the victims’ vehicles away from the crime scenes, leading investigators to suspect a calculated, premeditated approach.
In January 2024, authorities announced a significant breakthrough: DNA evidence conclusively linked at least two of the murders to Alan Wilmer Sr., a local fisherman who passed away in 2017. Wilmer was already regarded as "suspect number one" in two of these cases, yet he walked free after passing an FBI polygraph test. Disturbingly, his DNA had never been entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), the national DNA database.
Confirmed and Suspected Victims
The Colonial Parkway became synonymous with fear and loss.
Rebecca Dowski and Cathy Thomas
The initial victims of this tragic saga were Cathleen Marian "Cathy" Thomas, a 27-year-old Naval Academy graduate, and Rebecca Ann "Becky" Dowski, a 21-year-old business management major at the College of William & Mary. On October 9, 1986, the couple disappeared after leaving a computer lab around 6:30 p.m.
Just days later, on October 12, a jogger stumbled upon their vehicle at the Cheatham Annex Overlook. The white 1980 Honda Civic had veered off the road, with the bodies hidden inside. Autopsy results revealed that both women had suffered rope burns, signs of strangulation, and deep cuts to their throats—one nearly severing Cathy’s head. In a chilling twist, the killer had attempted to destroy evidence by dousing the vehicle in diesel fuel, but had not ignited it. Over a hundred fingerprints were found, yet none matched known offenders.
David Knobling and Robin Edwards
In 1988, David Lee Knobling, a 20-year-old salesman, and 14-year-old Robin Margaret Edwards met fate during a seemingly innocent outing. They were last seen on September 19, when David picked Robin up for a date to see Dragnet. Their truck, a black Ford Ranger, was discovered days later at Ragged Island Wildlife Refuge, with doors ajar and the radio still playing. On September 23, their bodies washed ashore on the banks of the James River. David had been shot twice, while Robin was executed with a shot to the back of her head. Their clothing suggested a possible sexual assault, but the exact circumstances remain murky.
Brian Pettinger
Another victim, Brian Craig Pettinger, disappeared on December 4, 1987, after attending a dance studio. His wife found his vehicle two days later in a mall parking lot. Tragically, on February 3, 1988, Brian's body was discovered floating in a marshy area of the James River, his wrists and ankles bound, and a rope around his neck. Investigators believe he may have been thrown into the water alive.
Cassandra Hailey and Keith Call
On April 10, 1988, college students Cassandra Lee Hailey and Richard Keith Call went missing after attending a party. Their vehicle was located at the York River Overlook, with personal belongings left behind but no sign of the couple. Dogs tracked their scent to the nearby shore, but skepticism lingered about the drowning theory given the cold water and steep embankment.
Teresa Howell
Teresa Lynn Howell was murdered on July 1, 1989, after leaving the Zodiac Club in Hampton. Her body was found hours later in a nearby wooded area, having been sexually assaulted and strangled. It wasn’t until 2022 that DNA evidence linked her murder to the Colonial Parkway cases.
Annamaria Phelps and Daniel Lauer
The last confirmed victims, Annamaria Phelps and Daniel Lauer, disappeared on September 5, 1989, en route to Virginia Beach. Their car was abandoned at an Interstate 64 rest stop, the doors unlocked and the keys still in the ignition. Their remains were discovered on October 19, badly decomposed and covered with an electric blanket—a crime scene that left investigators baffled.
Possible Additional Victims
Beyond the confirmed cases, several other murders in the area have raised suspicions of a potential serial killer. The bodies of Michael Sturgis "Mike" Margaret and Donna Lynn Hall were found in 1984, leading some investigators to believe they were early victims of the Colonial Parkway Killer, given similarities in the modus operandi.
Theories and Investigations
As investigators delved into the case, several theories emerged. From the possibility of law enforcement involvement to the notion of multiple offenders, each angle presented its own challenges. Notably, a piece of nautical line found in Cathy Thomas's hair hinted at a connection to local fishermen like Alan Wilmer, who had a history of confronting couples on the Parkway.
Wilmer, who operated under the radar, had a background that made him a compelling suspect. The lack of DNA evidence in CODIS left investigators frustrated, as the killer continued to evade justice.
Media Coverage and Ongoing Investigations
The Colonial Parkway murders have gripped the public's attention for decades, inspiring documentaries, articles, and investigative reports. The case remains a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk in seemingly idyllic locales. In recent years, advancements in DNA technology have reignited hope for the victims' families, with renewed calls for justice as new evidence comes to light.
Timeline of Events
- October 9, 1986: Rebecca Dowski and Cathy Thomas last seen leaving campus.
- October 12, 1986: Dowski and Thomas found murdered.
- September 19, 1987: David Knobling and Robin Edwards last seen.
- September 23, 1987: Knobling and Edwards found murdered.
- December 4, 1987: Brian Craig Pettinger goes missing.
- February 3, 1988: Pettinger’s body recovered.
- April 10, 1988: Cassandra Hailey and Keith Call reported missing.
- July 1, 1989: Teresa Lynn Howell found murdered.
- September 5, 1989: Annamaria Phelps and Daniel Lauer go missing.
- October 19, 1989: Phelps and Lauer bodies found.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murders Discovered
Rebecca Dowski and Cathy Thomas found murdered in their car on the Colonial Parkway.
Knobling and Edwards Found
David Knobling and Robin Edwards discovered murdered on Ragged Island.
Hailey and Call Go Missing
Cassandra Hailey and Keith Call reported missing after a university party; their car found on the Colonial Parkway.
Teresa Howell Murdered
Teresa Lynn Howell found murdered hours after leaving a nightclub.
Phelps and Lauer Go Missing
Annamaria Phelps and Daniel Lauer reported missing; their car found abandoned at a rest stop.
Phelps and Lauer Bodies Found
The bodies of Annamaria Phelps and Daniel Lauer discovered in a wooded area.
Wilmer Linked to More Cases
Wilmer's DNA also linked to the murder of Teresa Howell, expanding the investigation.
Suspect Identified
DNA evidence links Alan Wilmer Sr. to the murders of Knobling and Edwards.