Fully researched, completely skeptical, unreservedly on the side of the victims. Virginia State Police, who are handling the Knobling and Edwards and Phelps and Lauer cases, declined to comment if they had DNA in either of the cases. Between 1986 and 1989, three young couples were found brutally murdered while one couple is still missing and presumed dead, on or near the Colonial Parkway, a roadway that connects Jamestown,. To his knowledge, the DNA still has not been tested. A few key facts primarily that Davids black Ford Ranger pick-up truck was discovered with the side window partially rolled down that made investigators question whether the killer had ties to lay-enforcement or was posing as a police officer. And remember, this was the 1980s. Cathleen Thomas was just starting a new chapter after leaving the U.S. Navy, when her life was cut short. This murder series is the single greatest unsolved murder series in the history of Virginia and it needs attention, Thomas said. This is an ongoing criminal investigation, we are not in a position to discuss what evidence we are working with as part of the case, said Corrine Geller, public relations director for VSP. Their throats had been viciously slashed and they had been strangled to death. Gays and lesbians were banned from the Navy at that time, and she had been investigated by nine agents regarding her sexuality, her brother told producers. [25], On July 23, 2021, The Daily Beast published an article about the Colonial Parkway murders, primarily focusing on the murder of Cathleen Thomas and Rebecca Dowski, the first known victims of the Colonial Parkway killer. All of the victims were young, White, and were either a romantic couple or could resemble one to an outsider. WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) The FBI and Virginia State Police have uncovered DNA from three of the four crimes scenes of the 1986 Colonial Parkway Murders that may belong to a perpetrator,. Despite her drive and determination, Cathy left the Navy just before her death. He became a well-known whistleblower, and thanks to his action, the FBI was put under the proverbial microscope. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. All of the slayings, known as "The Colonial Parkway Murders," are stillunsolved. They show how the Colonial Parkway Killer stalk 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays Dateline Crime Capsule: The Colonial Parkway Murders, SpaceX launches international crew to space station, At least 2 dead after exposure to unknown substance at N.Y. senior facility, Clark Atlanta University students mourn loss of athlete fatally shot near campus, Iranian government to investigate series of poisonings, Pennsylvania man accused of trying to bring explosive on plane, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle asked to leave Frogmore Cottage. Naval Academy in 1981, as part of its second class to admit women. From 1986 to 1989, four double homicides occurred either on or near the scenic, seemingly safe road. He said extremely graphic crime scene photos were leaked to the public, fueling the familys anguish. ", "We told her upfront and we express concern that going to the Naval Academy was going to be very tough," he continued. Phelps had been stabbed, but Lauers body was too decomposed to determine cause of death. Three days later, the two bodies were discovered by Knobling's father and a search party along the water's edge of the James River. For the the other half, the parents who have died, they will never see justice for their childrens deaths. Months later, they were found murdered, wrapped in a blanket in the woods. Many who believe the homicides are connected think the killer presented himself as a police officer or park ranger, or someone with authority. It also fuels a theory about a possible copycat killer who used the 1986 Colonial Parkway slaying as a way to misdirect investigations into the 1988 double homicide. "She discovered after graduating from the Naval Academy that she was a lesbian. According to Moore, there may be reasons why the DNA has not been tested yet, such as the sample size of the DNA could be too small or too severely degraded to undergo genetic genealogy analysis. In the case of the Golden State Killer, DeAngelo was identified through third cousins. Between 1986 and 1989, at least eight people were murdered near or along Virginias Colonial Parkway by an apparent serial killer. The burden gets a little easier, but in such a small incremental way that you dont realize it at first, Thomas said. A year later in September 1989, the outlet reported Annamarie Phelps, 18, and Daniel Lauer, 21, vanishedfrom a rest stop in New Kent County. The Colonial Parkway. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. [26], In June 2010, the victims' families requested the assistance of a retired Milwaukee Police Department homicide detective Steve Spingola. Because of the Colonial Parkways reputation, Thomas and Dowski could have been chosen at random. The investigations into all eight murders are ongoing and active, the Virginian Pilot reported. Soon, other victims family members followed with Thomas leading the charge, providing interviews to the media and speaking out about their frustration with the lack of progress on the case. It's a roadway and state route, partly manned by the National Park Service, that interlocks Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Ryan Noah Yawel Criminal Psychologist. The second night airs Friday at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. [30], Last edited on 16 September 2022, at 11:09, Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of fugitives from justice who disappeared, List of serial killers in the United States, "Colonial Parkway Murders Remain Unsolved", "Fred Atwell, Controversial Figure In Colonial Parkway Murders, Arrested In Georgia", "Part 1 | Agent stalks dark path of serial killer", "Part 2 | Serial Killer's Trademark: Colonial Parkway Murders", "Part 3 | Scores of suspects but no serial killer", "Sensitive FBI photos from Colonial Parkway murders leaked to the public", "FBI takes new approach in hunt for Colonial Parkway killer", "A cold case heats up: The Colonial Parkway murders", "The Colonial Parkway Murders | Dark Minds", "After 30 years, relatives of victims in Parkway Murders hope for break in cases", "Colonial Parkway Murders: Help Find a Killer", "10 Disturbing Facts About The Colonial Parkway Murders", "Authorities have 'potential perpetrator DNA' in Colonial Parkway murders, family says", "Dateline Crime Capsule: The Colonial Parkway Murders", "Former deputy's death leaves Parkway victims' families wondering what he knew", "Sooner or Later Your Cousin's DNA Is Going to Solve a Murder", "Victims, Families and America's Thirst for True-Crime Stories", "Lovers' Lane Murders Sets Out to Solve the Infamous Colonial Parkway Murders", "Why Would Law Enforcement Not Release All Records On A Case Like The Colonial Parkway Murders? Dowski was younger and still a student at the College of William and Mary. He explained it might be easier to wrap ones mind around one killer, not four or even more different ones. For more on the Colonial Parkway murders, watch Oxygens new limited series Lovers Lane Murders, airing Thursday, February 11 and Friday, February 12 at 9/8c and 10/9c. Fred Atwell: Fred Atwell is the former deputy sheriff that was active during the investigation in 1986. Spingola proposed that the murders are the work of different killers, especially the slayings of Cathleen Thomas and Rebecca Dowski. The Colonial Parkway murders were the slayings of at least eight people apparently by a serial killer along the Colonial Parkway of the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia (or nearby) between 1986 and 1989. Thomas said that over the years, there have been moments where he was frustrated with the investigation of his sisters murder. Thomas said he had been notified by the FBI a year ago that DNA in his sisters case was being sent for testing at Quantico. "I hope people will understand that the loss that weve suffered has not prevented us as families from continuing to focus on seeing some degree of justice done," Thomas, who serves as one of the shows producers, told Fox News. However, these victims were known to frequent the area on Thursday nights. Between 1986 and 1989, at least eight people were murdered near or along Virginia's Colonial Parkway by an apparent serial killer. Speaking Russian was very important because they were, at the time, probably our top adversary in the world.". Three pairs were definitively murdered, but another couple went missing but were suspected to have been targeted by the same killer. Though both are presumed dead, their bodies have never been found. Cathy had graduated from the U.S. But youre always reminded, in little ways, who is here and who is not., Em Holter, emily.holter@virginiamedia.com, 757-256-6657, @EmHolterNews, Abigail Adcox, abigail.adcox@virginiamedia.com, 757-264-8149, @abigailadcox. 19 talking about this. Williams and Winans were also a hate crime, no doubt perpetrated by the same killer. In 2018, 12 years after the Shenandoah murders, DNA studies including hair and biological samples potentially linked the two cases. The FBI got involved, even asking Russia to view satellite footage of the area, but no one was ever arrested. Hailey, 19, and Call, 20, were both students at Christopher Newport University. After Lauers, car a gold 1972 Chevrolet Nova, was found abandoned on the I-64 New Kent rest stop, investigators combed the countryside looking for what was no doubt a fresh crime scene. All rights reserved. According to the FBI, there are about 1400 murders that remain unsolved.. All the victims were killed with different methods (stabbing, strangulation, gunshot wound). And it pains me to think that 34 years have gone by now. "In 1986, DNA was barely out of the lab and it wasnt really used commonly in law enforcement applications. There is a pattern that OConnell said she cannot ignore.. The young woman had graduated from the U.S. We feellike we could be just as close to start to solve these cases. Santiago said she had previously been told by Virginia State Police that there was DNA evidence in her sisters case and the possibility of conducting more advanced testing on it, but has not heard anything since, as communication has varied over time as the case is handed down to new people. Bill Thomas shudders at the thought to this day. If they are smart enough not to get caught, theres very little we can do.. This time, their goal is to have DNA in the cases tested. The only thing found was Calls car on the parkway. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. On September 20, 1987, David Knobling, 20, and Robin Edwards, 14, were shot at point-blank range in the Ragged Island Wildlife Refuge, near the south shore of James River in Smithfield, Virginia. Naval Academy in 1981 as part of its second class to admit women. Theyre very, very different in force and intensity. In the 35 years since she passed, when I see all these amazing women running for president and vice president, Congress, senators, ambassadors, CEOs, Cathy Thomas would have been one of those amazing women, her brother said. A more micro look reveals that victims werent all killed in the same way. [citation needed], In January 2010, a team from FBI Norfolk and FBI Headquarters met with the victims' families to update them on the status of the investigation. Thomas, who was in Los Angeles at the time, had seen a story on WTKR detailing how sensitive photos in the Colonial Parkway murders were leaked to the public. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! In 2008, E! So as long as theres something left to analyze, theres always hope that it will be solved through genetic genealogy.. However, the young couple was struggling financially, so Lauer had agreed to move in with them to help them out with money. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Fred was always vocal about the case to the point that he had strong opinions on who the killer was. Throughout the years, it was usually the victims parents who spearheaded efforts to find justice, renew interest and pressure law enforcement to pursue their cases. Theres always hope that you might find more DNA, finding smaller amounts, with more advanced techniques of detecting DNA, said Moore. (Photo by Scott Neville/ For The Washington Post via Getty Images), Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for February 11, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry suffered Hollywood 'miscalculation' with explosive tell-alls: experts, Jussie Smollett files appeal argument in hate crime hoax conviction, Michael B. Jordan apologized to his mom before steamy Calvin Klein underwear ad was released, Kristin Cavallari jokes shes 'heartless' for breaking up with guys over text: 'I know thats horrible', Gisele Bndchen shares tips for when 'life gets challenging': 'Remember that the sun rises everyday', Amy Grant says she leaned on her faith after horrific bike accident: Its helped me not be afraid. Presented himself as a police officer or park ranger, or someone with authority micro look that... This time, probably our top adversary in the woods her drive determination... Her drive and determination, Cathy left the Navy just before her death investigation of sisters... 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