[10], In October 2016, there was extensive coverage of the 30th anniversary of the Colonial Parkway murders, including an eight-part multimedia presentation by the Daily Press newspaper. It connects Virginia's historic triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Between 1986 and 1989, at least eight people were murdered near or along Virginia's Colonial Parkway by an apparent serial killer. To truly understand what happened, we need to embrace and dissect some of the more vivid, abhorrent, and gruesome aspects of the case. Steve Spingola, former Milwaukee homicide detective, investigated the murders on behalf of the families. Was The Colonial Parkway Killer Pretending To Be Law Enforcement? If she had not been killed, Bill Thomas is sure she would have gone on to accomplish anything she wanted. The Colonial Parkway is a historic and scenic road that links together the three points of Virginia's Historic Triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. According to Thomas, three out of the four cases have DNA evidence. There is a possibility that the murders happened at the hand of a moral enforcer who viewed homosexuality, public sex, or a 20-year-old man with a teenaged girl as punishable acts, according to Clemente. Author of Unburied: True Crime Shorts https://www.amazon.com/Unburied-Crime-Shorts-Quinn-Zane-ebook/dp/B0BK5BGSYY, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60693940, https://www.amazon.com/Unburied-Crime-Shorts-Quinn-Zane-ebook/dp/B0BK5BGSYY. Over the years, things have changed, you know, my dad died and my mom mentally cant handle the stress of dealing with the case, said Santiago. The keys were still in the ignition, the door was open, and the windshield wipers were going. S, eries co-host Maureen OConnell, a former FBI special agent, sees telltale signs to support this theory. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Seven years after the final fatalities, another case reignited the investigation. Was it a serial killer or a coincidence? Unburieda true-crime blog with no illusions in the police, the privileged, or the powerful. Cathys throat was slit so deepthat she was nearly decapitated. All of the victims were young, White, and were either a romantic couple or could resemble one to. Call was a computer science major and an old soul in a way, his brother told Lovers Lane Murders.. The car had been pushed down an embankment off the Colonial Parkway. Theyre very, very different in force and intensity. He told Lovers Lane Murders that it suggests the driver was responding to authority. Their bodies were uncovered after an exhaustive three-day search party. "In those first classes at the service academies, they were subject to such levels of hatred and harassment. [17], On December 22, 2018, veteran reporter Mike Holtzclaw wrote an article for the Daily Press marking Colonial Parkway murders whistleblower Fred Atwell's passing titled: "Former Deputy's Death Leaves Parkway Victim's Families Wondering What He Knew. However, these victims were known to frequent the area on Thursday nights. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. ", JONBENET RAMSEYS HALF BROTHER STILL WANTS TO FIND HER KILLER: THIS CASE CAN BE SOLVED, Part 1 and 2 of Oxygen's 'Lovers Lane Murders' airs Thursday night. What the investigators uncovered was a horrid tableau of deprivation. She described Robin as a firecracker personality, who got along with everyone she met. However, just before her death, she had left the Navy. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. [22], On February 4, 2021, in advance of their Lover's Lane Murders television series, the Oxygen Network released a series of videos including "Why Would Law Enforcement Not Release All Records On a Case Like the Colonial Parkway Murders? "[15], On July 23, 2018. He may have been watching victims, the former profiler theorized, and when the opportunity arose he became a predator.. David's injuries. Mainly because no bodies have ever been uncovered. (Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press). The tone of his parents voice signaling something was wrong. Cathy Thomas, 27, and Rebecca Dowski, 21, were strangled and had their throats cut in 1986; David Knobling, 20, and Robin Edwards, 14, were shot in 1987; Keith Call, 20, and Cassandra Hailey, 19, disappeared after a college party in 1988 and are still missing; and the remains of Annamaria Phelps, 18, and Daniel Lauer, 21, were found by hunters in 1989. The Colonial Parkway murders were a series of four double homicides from 1986-89. Murders all occurred, she said, within a 30-mile radius and all on a weekend or holiday.. Theres always hope that you might find more DNA, finding smaller amounts, with more advanced techniques of detecting DNA, said Moore. The young woman had graduated from the U.S. During that time, three couples were murdered and one couple is missing and presumed to be dead. Calls beloved Toyota Celica was discovered at a York River overlook, just a few miles from where Thomas and Dowski had been murdered two years prior. Ryan Noah Yawel Criminal Psychologist. The remains were too decomposed to reveal the manner of death. The Parkway murders are believed to be the act of an apparent serial killer. Explore! Was The Colonial Parkway Killer Pretending To Be Law Enforcement? 19 talking about this. The car had been pushed down an embankment off the Colonial Parkway In Virginia. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Fred was considered something of a hero when he uncovered a slew of photographs leaked from the FBIs office in Norfolk. Knobling had taken Edwards out with his little brother and cousin that day. With portions built between 1930 and 1957, it links the three communities via a roadway . For Thomas, who has dedicated years of his life searching for answers, it is the hope that after three decades, his sisters cold case will be finally closed. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. There were little signs of struggle. And it pains me to think that 34 years have gone by now. Virginia's beautiful Colonial Parkway has a dark history of unsolved murders and disappearances. The autopsy was inconclusive and could not determine whether a blade had slashed their throats or if they had been strangled to near decapitation. While Phelps was stabbed, Lauers body was too decomposed to determinea manner of death. Cathy Thomas (left) andRebecca Ann Dowski were dating at the time of their murders. After a deep dive into the four Colonial Parkway murders. [citation needed]. Paula and Teri Hailey, Cassandra Haileys sisters, have written letters over the years to the FBI pleading for answers. From 1986 to 1989, four double homicides occurred either on or near the scenic, seemingly safe road. The place is a sightseeing extravaganza brimming with historical points, scenic pull-offs, markers, and memorials. "When Cathy and Becky were killed, we thought it might be a hate crime. Every couple weeks, he hears from someone new. All the investigation had to go by is circumstantial DNA evidence, a few forensic strands from a period where that whole branch was getting its wings, and a few similarities that dont help out; the proverbial needle in the haystack. The evidence of the crime was kept intact by a fluke of fate when the diesel failed to ignite. Step by step directions for your drive or walk. [26], In June 2010, the victims' families requested the assistance of a retired Milwaukee Police Department homicide detective Steve Spingola. Its difficult to imagine something as gruesome and shocking as a string of murders occurring on this seemingly safe road but thats exactly what happened decades ago. The car had been pushed down an embankment off the Colonial Parkway. Tying them all together helps in a way because, if they put a title to it and people want to put together a show, Paula Hailey said. We understand that were not going to be at the front of the line, but to hear that evidence hasnt been tested in over a year is unacceptable, Thomas said. My theory is that David saw something he wasnt supposed to see, Karl Knobling told Lovers Lane Murders. OConnells response: Wrong place, wrong time. Knoblings theory points to why innocent people become victims all too often. Now, more than 10 years later, the families are pushing for another meeting. Map to show the parkway (B) Is where I believe two bodies were found, . 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. The burden gets a little easier, but in such a small incremental way that you dont realize it at first, Thomas said. We have forensic genealogy available.". Laundry room crime scene. ", NASHVILLE TV PRODUCER VERONICA BOZZAS MURDER EXPLORED IN TRUE CRIME DOC: THE WHOLE THING WAS SENSELESS, The James River as seen from College Creek Beach on the Colonial Parkway. "[18], On April 25, 2019, The New York Times published a story on the use of DNA in the Golden State Killer case, the Colonial Parkway murders and other unsolved homicides titled Sooner or Later, Your Cousin's DNA is Going to Solve a Murder. Market data provided by Factset. "She discovered after graduating from the Naval Academy that she was a lesbian. For two decades, the crime-scene pictures have been secret, critical evidence in the hunt for a serial murderer. LA County Criminal Prosecutor Loni Coombs and former FBI Special Agent Maureen OConnell are seen here speaking with Bill Thomas. At least one of the badly decomposed bodies appears to have suffered knife wounds. Oct. 26, 2018. Dowski was younger and still a student at the College of William and Mary. His investigation came to the startling conclusion that the murders were committed by multiple assailants and arent tied together. Naval Academy in 1981 as part of its second class to admit women. Regardless, some of the remaining family members have formed a united front, choosing to work alongside each other to find answers, keeping in contact with each other on a regular basis. Three pairs were definitively murdered, but another couple went missing but were suspected to have been targeted by the same killer. Beckys wound isnt as deep as Cathys wound, Pettler added. Thomas had also entered a relationship with Dowski, and the two were known to regularly visit the area where they were murdered. The theory the first murder was a targeted hate crime adds heft to the notion the murders wereunconnected events. Three days later, the bodies of Knobling and Robin Edwards, 14, washed ashore on the James River at the Ragged Island Wildlife Refuge. But is it possible they are tragic, separate events? Were reverse engineering the family tree of this unknown person, and eventually their identity through the family tree with who they share DNA with one or two genealogy databases that we have access to, said Moore. 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. On September 5, 1989, just after Labor Day weekend, Annamaria Phelps, 18, and Daniel Lauer, 21, vanished while en route to Virginia Beach. The two-night special premiere of "Lovers Lane Murders" airs Feb. 11 at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. The investigations into all eight murders are ongoing and active, the Virginian Pilot reported. The odds of four double homicides in as many years are extremely rare, which is why the slayings are. Their bodies uncovered in Virginias Shenandoah National Park. In 1986, a 23-mile scenic road run by the National Park Service in Virginia became indelibly linked with a series of double homicides that came to be called the Colonial Parkway murders. Many who believe the homicides are connected think the killer presented himself as a police officer or park ranger, or someone with authority. No one has been standing in this line longer than the family members.. "Some longtime law enforcement people have said to me that it was like the wild West out there at night because it was only patrolled every few hours," said Thomas. "Im very optimistic," he said. And. Though two slayings took place on the actual parkway and two were in nearby areas, all four are tied together by the name, the Colonial Parkway Murders. Welcome to "Mind Over Murder." In this episode, co-hosts Kristin Dilley and Bill Thomas kick off an in-depth discussion of the Colonial Parkway Murders with criminologist and crime scene reconstruction expert Dr. Laura Pettler. On September 20, 1987, Knoblings truck was found abandoned by the James River Bridge, Richmond.com reported. The Colonial Parkway is a scenic, 23-mile stretch in Virginia that links the historic towns of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. 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. It also happens to be ground zero for one of the nation's most brutal crime sprees, which remains clouded in doubt and tragedy more than three decades later The 22-mile-long stretch running between Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, Virginia, known as Colonial Parkway, is one such road. 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. But she left with great regret because she had hoped to have the kind of career that my dad had.". In 1986, a 23-mile scenic road run by the National Park Service in Virginia became indelibly linked with a series of double homicides that came to be called the Colonial Parkway murders. On October 19th, a month and a half after their disappearance, hunters along interstate 64 between Williamsburg and Richmond stumbled onto the skeletonized remains of both kids. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Although it is compelling and plausible, there is no evidence that it was law enforcement, said former prosecutor and series co-host Loni Coombs. In a way, the fact that such murders and foul deeds took place in that spot was nothing short of sacrilegious and a scar on the Parkways patriotic nature and what it represents. Legal Statement. 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. Both their purses and their money were found inside the car, ruling out robbery as a motive. Im sorry we met as a part of this club that no one wants to be invited to join, but they are wonderful, thoughtful people on their own and have done great things to keep their family members memories alive, Thomas said. By that time, local police were well aware that there was a predator on the loose, and they had a somewhat bivouac profile to work-off. Despite the fact that there have been no public updates on the case for nearly 11 years, some of the families have found renewed hope through genetic genealogy and a resurgence in public awareness. The first two known victims were United States Naval Academy Class of 1981 graduate Cathleen Thomas, 27, and College of William & Mary senior Rebecca Ann Dowski, 21. Becky was collateral damage.. The Parkway is surrounded by woods and has far fewer entries and exits than a typical highway. Just three days later, they were found murdered inside Thomas 1980 Honda Civic. 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, Williamsburg and Yorktown, the nations Historic Triangle. It's difficult to imagine that a community could be infiltrated in that way, he emphasized. Roadway Killers Are Still Active In United States Today, How Behavioral Profiling Works To Catch Killers. (Photo by Scott Neville/ For The Washington Post via Getty Images). Advocate. There has to be a degree of self-sabotage from a serial killer for an investigation to pan out. Lauer and Phelps might have been a settlement of scores and was carried out by a professional, while Knobling and Edward were murdered following a robbery. Inside The Unsolved Cases", "Inside the Maddening Search for Virginia's Colonial Parkway Serial Killer", "New Investigator Looking into the Colonial Parkway Murders", "New details published in Colonial Parkway murders", "Is note a break in Colonial Parkway murders? From 1986 to 1989, four double homicides occurred either on or near the scenic, seemingly safe road. Did The Colonial Parkway Victims Know The Killer? Cassandra Hailey, who was a talented gymnast and spent her time helping others in the sport, would have been 51 this year. At first, Thomas said his family suspected Cathy and Dowski were victims of a hate crime. Cathy Thomas, 27, and Rebecca Dowski, 21, were strangled and had their throats cut in 1986; David Knobling, 20, and Robin Edwards, 14, were shot in 1987; Keith Call, 20, and Cassandra Hailey, 19, disappeared after a college party in 1988 and are still missing; and the remains of Annamaria Phelps, 18, and Daniel Lauer, 21, were found by hunters in 1989. After speaking for hours with Call-Canada about their family members cases, the pair began planning their efforts to pressure law enforcement. "So people knew you could go there and basically be left alone, especially at night. While genetic genealogy offers the family members a new prospect, they have never given up hope that their siblings cases will be solved. Williams and Winans were also a hate crime, no doubt perpetrated by the same killer. "[21], On January 15, 2021, the Oxygen Network announced that a four-part true crime series, Lovers Lane Murders would cover the Colonial Parkway murders. [19], On July 30, 2019, The Washington Post ran a story on the search for answers in the Colonial Parkway murders and other cases titled Victims, Families and America's Thirst for True-Crime Stories [20], On September 17, 2020, the publication Forensic Genomics published an article by family member Bill Thomas covering the Colonial Parkway murders entitled "The Family Perspective. Since then, 62-year-old Fred had numerous encounters with the law, including a larceny charge; 100 dollars. Rebecca Dowski, top left, and Cathleen Thomas, bottom left, were killed Oct. 12, 1986. At the time of her death, Cathy was dating Dowski, a student at the College of William and Mary.