A fisherman who died more than six years ago was named this week as the prime suspect in three unsolved murders in Virginia. Among them were two people once implicated in an infamous serial murder spree known as the Colonial Parkway Murders.
Alan W. Wilmer Sr. has been linked through DNA evidence to the 1987 shooting deaths of David L. Knobling and Robin M. Edwards and the 1989 strangulation murder of Teresa Lynn Spough Howell. Ta. Virginia State Police announced Monday..
Wilmer died in December 2017 at the age of 63, according to state police.
“Because Wilmer had no prior felony criminal history, his DNA was not obtained until after his death and when it was needed for identification purposes,” the statement said.
“In 2023, the Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences issued a 'Certificate of Analysis' confirming a genetic match to Wilmer based on evidence collected from law enforcement agencies. [1987 shooting] and [1989 strangling] He is a victim,” the official added.
If Wilmer were alive today, “he would be charged in connection with the three murders,” Virginia State Police confirmed.
The bodies of Knobling, 20, and Edwards, 14, were discovered on the south bank of the James River in Isle of Wight County on September 23, 1987, authorities said.
Both victims were shot and killed, and Edwards was sexually assaulted.
This double murder ultimately led to the “Colonial Parkway Murders,” the unsolved murders of four couples that occurred between 1986 and 1989 along the scenic road between Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. It became known as part of the incident. CBS News Commentary.
The murders of Knobling and Edwards are now considered solved, although there is no forensic or physical evidence to suggest their killings are connected to other Colonial Parkway incidents. Those investigations remain active, Virginia State Police spokesman Colin Geller said. said at a press conference on Monday..
State police also released a joint statement from the families of Knobling and Edwards.
“For 36 years, our family has lived in an unknown vacuum. We fear that someone who could deliberately kill Robin and David might attack and claim new victims. “I have lived with this burden,” the emotional apology reads.
“Now we have a sense of relief and justice knowing that he can no longer sacrifice others. With his death, we are left with a sense of relief and justice that has long plagued us. You won't be able to find answers to.”
Police said Wilmer's DNA also linked him to the murder of 29-year-old Howell, who was last seen outside a popular Hamptons nightclub in the early morning hours of July 1, 1989.
Her body was discovered around 10 a.m. that morning at a construction site about 11 miles from where Knobling and Edwards were found.
Authorities say Howell was strangled and sexually assaulted. Her murder was not connected to the Colonial Parkway death.
“[Law enforcement’s] “Thanks to dedication, tireless efforts, and evolving technology, we have achieved the closure we have sought for the past 34 years,” Howell's family said in a statement shared by Hampton Police Chief Rebecca Warren. Stated.
“While we are grateful for the closure provided, nothing can bring Terry back. The void left by her absence over the years is indescribable.”
Police have not said how Wilmer, who was nicknamed “Porky,” died.
State police said the suspect was 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed about 165 pounds.
He had sandy brown hair, blue eyes, and a close-cropped beard.
Authorities said Wilmer drove several pickup trucks before and after the murders, including a blue 1966 Dodge Fargo pickup truck with a Virginia license plate that reads EM-RAW.
Wilmer made a living primarily by farming clams and oysters, but he also had a tree service business known as Better Tree Service.
He sometimes lived on the commercial fishing vessel Denny Wade, which docked at local marinas and shipyards.
He was an experienced hunter and belonged to at least one hunting club in the area.
Police are currently investigating whether Wilmer may be connected to any further incidents and are appealing to the public to come forward with any information.
“We recognize that relationships and loyalties change over time, as do people and their perspectives. We want people to know that it's never too late to come forward, even if you've felt reluctant to do so,” said Special Agent Brian Dugan. the head of the FBI's Norfolk field office told reporters.
