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Colonial Parkway Murders Explained: The Killer, the Couples, and What DNA Solved
Between 1986 and 1989, a series of attacks on young couples and victims in secluded areas across southeastern Virginia became known as the Colonial Parkway murders. In this episode of Deadly Truths with Becca, we break down the four core cases, the victims behind the headlines, the decades of dead ends, and the modern DNA breakthrough that identified Alan Wade Wilmer Sr. in some of the killings. But this is not a neatly solved story. Even after major forensic advances, key parts of the Colonial Parkway case remain unresolved. This episode examines what investigators know, what they still do not know, and why this case continues to haunt American true crime history.
Call to action
If this episode stayed with you, follow Deadly Truths with Becca on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with someone who cares about forgotten victims, unresolved cases, and the darker corners of American history.
Disclaimer
This episode discusses murder, missing persons, and violence against young victims. Listener discretion is advised. This episode is based on publicly available reporting and law-enforcement statements. Some aspects of the broader Colonial Parkway murders remain unresolved, and any discussion of offender psychology is interpretive unless directly stated by investigators or official records.
References
- Federal Bureau of Investigation, Norfolk Field Office. “FBI Norfolk Announces Resolution of 1986 Colonial Parkway Murders of Cathleen Thomas and Rebecca Dowski.” January 22, 2026.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation, Norfolk Field Office. “Colonial Parkway Murders Investigation Update.” December 18, 2009.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation archive. “Colonial Parkway Murders case summary / reward notice.” January 7, 2010.
- Associated Press. Coverage of the January 2024 DNA identification of Alan Wade Wilmer Sr. in the murders of David Knobling and Robin Edwards.
- Virginia State Police cold case materials on Daniel Lauer and Annamaria Phelps.
- WHRO reporting on the 2024 closure announcement for two linked Colonial Parkway homicide cases.
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By onlydeadlytruthsBetween 1986 and 1989, a series of attacks on young couples and victims in secluded areas across southeastern Virginia became known as the Colonial Parkway murders. In this episode of Deadly Truths with Becca, we break down the four core cases, the victims behind the headlines, the decades of dead ends, and the modern DNA breakthrough that identified Alan Wade Wilmer Sr. in some of the killings. But this is not a neatly solved story. Even after major forensic advances, key parts of the Colonial Parkway case remain unresolved. This episode examines what investigators know, what they still do not know, and why this case continues to haunt American true crime history.
Call to action
If this episode stayed with you, follow Deadly Truths with Becca on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with someone who cares about forgotten victims, unresolved cases, and the darker corners of American history.
Disclaimer
This episode discusses murder, missing persons, and violence against young victims. Listener discretion is advised. This episode is based on publicly available reporting and law-enforcement statements. Some aspects of the broader Colonial Parkway murders remain unresolved, and any discussion of offender psychology is interpretive unless directly stated by investigators or official records.
References
- Federal Bureau of Investigation, Norfolk Field Office. “FBI Norfolk Announces Resolution of 1986 Colonial Parkway Murders of Cathleen Thomas and Rebecca Dowski.” January 22, 2026.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation, Norfolk Field Office. “Colonial Parkway Murders Investigation Update.” December 18, 2009.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation archive. “Colonial Parkway Murders case summary / reward notice.” January 7, 2010.
- Associated Press. Coverage of the January 2024 DNA identification of Alan Wade Wilmer Sr. in the murders of David Knobling and Robin Edwards.
- Virginia State Police cold case materials on Daniel Lauer and Annamaria Phelps.
- WHRO reporting on the 2024 closure announcement for two linked Colonial Parkway homicide cases.