In a major development, Suffolk, Virginia, witnessed a collaborative announcement today by several law enforcement agencies, including the City of Hampton Police Division, the Commonwealth’s Attorneys of both the City of Hampton and Isle of Wight County, the Virginia State Police, and the FBI Norfolk Field Office. They disclosed a significant breakthrough in the cold case investigations of three unsolved homicides dating back to the late 1980s in Isle of Wight County and the City of Hampton.
The cases in question involve the 1987 Isle of Wight County murders of David L. Knobling, aged 20, and Robin M. Edwards, just 14, as well as the 1989 homicide of 29-year-old Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell in Hampton. Advanced DNA analysis has identified Alan W. Wilmer Sr. as the perpetrator of these crimes. Unfortunately, Wilmer passed away in December 2017 in Lancaster County, Virginia, at the age of 63, precluding any possibility of his prosecution.
Remarkably, Wilmer’s criminal record was free of any felonies, and it was only after his death that his DNA was obtained and analyzed, leading to this crucial identification. The Virginia Department of Forensic Science issued a “Certificate of Analysis” in 2023, confirming Wilmer’s DNA matched evidence found on the victims.
Lt. Col. Tim Lyon of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation expressed deep sympathy for the families of the victims, acknowledging their long-standing sorrow and frustration. He hoped that this revelation would bring them some measure of closure and peace.
City of Hampton Police Chief Jimmie Wideman praised the collaborative effort that led to this resolution, highlighting the effectiveness of teamwork and shared commitment to justice.
FBI Norfolk Special Agent in Charge Brian Dugan stressed the ongoing investigation into other possible crimes by Wilmer and urged the public to come forward with any relevant information.
Wilmer, who was 5’5” with a muscular build and weighed around 165 pounds, had sandy-brown hair and blue eyes, often sporting a close-cropped beard. He was known for driving a distinctive blue 1966 Dodge Fargo pickup, among other vehicles, and owned a small commercial fishing boat. Wilmer, a fisherman by trade, also operated a business called Better Tree Service and was an avid hunter, actively involved in local hunt clubs.
The community is encouraged to assist in the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about Wilmer’s activities or associations is urged to contact the FBI at 1–800-CALL-FBI or online at www.tips.fbi.gov. The Virginia State Police and the Peninsula Crime Line are also receiving information, welcoming anonymous tips.
Background on the 1987 Isle of Wight County and 1989 City of Hampton cases reveals the tragic nature of these crimes. In 1987, Knobling and Edwards were found murdered in the Ragged Island Wildlife Management and Refuge Area, part of a series of murders dubbed the “Colonial Parkway Murders.” In 1989, Howell was discovered murdered in Hampton after being last seen outside the Zodiac Club, marking a harrowing end to her life.