The Colonial Parkway Murders

Multiple sources discuss the Colonial Parkway murders that occurred in Virginia during the late 1980s, a series of unsolved homicides, primarily of young couples. Recent developments, announced in January 2024, have led authorities to identify Alan W. Wilmer Sr. as a suspect in the 1987 murders of David Knobling and Robin Edwards, as well as the 1989 murder of Teresa Howell, through DNA evidence. Though Wilmer died in 2017, law enforcement confirms he would have faced charges if alive, and while he is linked to two cases previously considered part of the Colonial Parkway series, officials are still investigating his potential involvement in the other related cases. Family members of other victims expressed hope that this identification might lead to new information regarding their own cases, urging anyone who knew Wilmer to come forward. The sources also explore theories surrounding the initial Colonial Parkway murders, including the possibility of a single serial killer, a law enforcement official or impersonator, or multiple offenders, highlighting similarities in the crime scenes and victim profiles while also noting inconsistencies across the cases.

Sources:

'Colonial Parkway Murders' of Couples Terrorized Va. in 1980s. Now, a Suspect Has Been ID'd in 2 of Them - People.comwebA Special Kind Of Evil: The Colonial Parkway Serial Killings - Amazon.comwebCold Case: Ragged Island double murder still unsolved after 35 years - Smithfield TimeswebColonial Parkway murders - WikipediawebFamilies of other Colonial Parkway murder victims speak out: 'Someone here in Virginia has to know more' - WVECwebHistoric Triangle - WikipediawebNEW: Colonial Parkway Murders Update March 2025 - Apple PodcastswebThe Colonial Parkway Murders – The Investigation and Theories (Part 3) - RedditwebThe Colonial Parkway Murders: Eight Victims, No Witnesses (Part One) - Redditmore_vertVirginia police identify suspect in 3 cold-case homicides from the 1980s, including victims of the "Colonial Parkway Murders" - CBS News