Steve Spingola, former Milwaukee homicide detective, investigated the murders on behalf of the families. David's injuries. Call loved going to the beach and was especially fond of his car. April 10, 1988: Keith Call, 20, and Cassandra Hailey, 18, went missing after a college party. [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. 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. And, as if that bit of info wasnt hair-raising enough, another independent study conducted by Dr. Mike Aamodt at Radford University actually confirmed Hargroves data and concluded that he might have lowballed the number. to a serial killer. From 1986 to 1989, four double homicides occurred either on or near the scenic, seemingly safe road. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. In 2010, the FBI arranged the first and, to date, only in-person meeting with all the families to discuss the status of the cases and field questions. 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. uses fresh interviews with criminologists and victims family members as well as crime-scene reconstructions and analysis to puzzle out the still-unsolved Colonial Parkway murders. The odds of four double homicides in as many years are extremely rare, which is why the slayings are. The couple, investigators hypothesize, might have been romantically involved. Step by step directions for your drive or walk. She described Robin as a firecracker personality, who got along with everyone she met. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Stoking this belief is the fact that victims car windows were found rolled down at crime scenes, according to Irvin Wells, retired FBI special agent. [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? Beckys wound isnt as deep as Cathys wound, Pettler added. But she left with great regret because she had hoped to have the kind of career that my dad had.". Thomas said Cathy was "very upbeat and excited." Call-Canada was at work in 2009 when she got a call from her brother. Nonetheless, to me, this is the work of a serial killer, said OConnell, who views variances among the dual homicides as an eerie sort of shapeshifting. Im the older brother of Cathy Thomas who together with her girlfriend Rebecca Dowski were the first two victims in the so-called Colonial Parkway Murders, he wrote. [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? To the FBI, he was a suspect; to the victims family, he was a patsy. At least one of the badly decomposed bodies appears to have suffered knife wounds. 26, 2018. Multiple reports alleged Edwards had snuck out to meet Knobling before they were killed. Finally, the killers scope and the geographical stretch of his spree make it near impossible to set up a proliferation point from which to work from, a range to actively stake-out. Just a beautiful woman, her sister-in-law, Ginny Minarik, told Lovers Lane Murders.. ", "We told her upfront and we express concern that going to the Naval Academy was going to be very tough," he continued. Chilling and eerie similarities connected the four cases, but no one has ever been arrested for the crimes. From 1986 to 1989, four double homicides occurred either on or near the scenic, seemingly safe road. 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. In Spingolas eyes, there was no serial killer. Stephen. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! A more micro look reveals that victims werent all killed in the same way. Though both are presumed dead, their bodies have never been found. Just like those 1400 unsolved murders, Hargrove conducted his studies on, theres a huge likelihood that the Colonial Parkway Murders will remain a cold case and that the devil behind it will never be brought to justice just like Jack The Ripper Just like the Zodiac Killer Just like the Alphabet Killer The Barnaul Maniac Charlie Chop-off and the 85 other serial killers. The Colonial Parkway Murders families have been told by law enforcement (FBI and Virginia State Police) that they may have perpetrator DNA in 3 of the 4 crime scenes in the unsolved Colonial Parkway Murders. Four cases link families, scenic parkway; Dateline NBC Crime Capsule "The Killer Could Still be out There": 30 years later, still no answers in the Colonial Parkway Murders; Investigation Discovery Crimefeed; Family: New DNA testing could crack Colonial Parkway Murders; Virginia Pilot - 3 part series Part 1 - Agent stalks dark path of . In September 1987, a truck belonging to David Knobling, 20, was found abandoned by the James River Bridge. The Parkway murders are believed to be the act of an apparent serial killer. Sean Xu/Shutterstock From 1986 to 1989, a series of murders along Virginia's historic Colonial Parkway claimed the lives of eight people in their teens and twenties. I feel like for my husband and my sister-in-laws sake well, really the whole family just wants to know what happened to their loved one, Jennifer Phelps, Annamaria Phelps sister-in-law, told Richmond.com. The second night airs Friday at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Fully researched, completely skeptical, unreservedly on the side of the victims. Rebecca Dowski, top left, and Cathleen Thomas, bottom left, were killed Oct. 12, 1986. I think the offender was targeting Cathy, Dr. Laura Pettler, a forensic criminologist, told Lovers Lane Murders. He dealt with the body with a lot more contempt.. They could be related, he said, adding that he doesnt see links among all four. 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. What the investigators uncovered was a horrid tableau of deprivation. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! At night its dark and isolated,making it an ideal spot for couples to be romantic discreetly. The following episode continues to examine the initial Colonial Parkway homicide, but the case is still unsolved when a new double murder takes place less than a year later. My name is Bill Thomas. Nonetheless, to me, this is the work of a serial killer, said OConnell, who views variances among the dual homicides as an eerie sort of shapeshifting. Spingola proposed that the murders are the work of different killers, especially the slayings of Cathleen Thomas and Rebecca Dowski. 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. During that time, three couples were murdered and one couple is missing and presumed to be dead. Oxygen's two-night true-crime special Lovers' Lane Murders focuses on the slaying of eight men and women at the Colonial Parkway in Virginia. [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. These killings, known as the Colonial Parkway murders, remain unsolved. The tone of his parents voice signaling something was wrong. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! ", "Was The Colonial Parkway Killer Pretending To Be Law Enforcement? A typically tranquil area, no one expected the Parkway to be the setting for a gruesome string of murders. "Cathy was somebody that could more than hold her own in any situation," he said. Murders all occurred, she said, within a 30-mile radius and all on a weekend or holiday.. Despite the continued efforts and media frenzy the murders seem to compel, there is little to no traction on the investigation. Annamaria Phelps, 18, and Daniel Lauer, 21, were not a romantic couple. The only evidence of any wrongdoing was the discovery of Calls red Toyota Celica, unoccupied at the York River Overlook. . Fred Atwell: Fred Atwell is the former deputy sheriff that was active during the investigation in 1986. Cathy Thomas, 27, and Rebecca Dowski, 21, had been dating for several months when they went out for food on October 9, 1986. 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,. 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. However, just before her death, she had left the Navy. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. 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. 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. *Going Inside an Ice Cavehttps://youtu.be/FHo1aXnMjdw1930's Baseball Stadium Abandoned in the Woods https://youtu.be/4Sy7NUlFGtYAbandoned LA ZOO https://youtu.be/jgepM4f9HI4 Border wall at an Abandoned Beach https://youtu.be/VtmKJw7J6lo Explore! For the the other half, the parents who have died, they will never see justice for their childrens deaths. It was the first of several gruesome murders. S, eries co-host Maureen OConnell, a former FBI special agent, sees telltale signs to support this theory. [2] Thomas was working as a stockbroker at the time of the murder. On October 12, 1986, Columbus Day weekend, their bodies were found inside Thomas's white 1980 Honda Civic at the Cheatham Annex Overlook along the Colonial Parkway in Williamsburg, Virginia. Federal Bureau of Investigations Public Affairs Specialist Christina Pullen would not confirm the presence of DNA, whether it has been tested or any specifics on the ongoing case. Fred was always vocal about the case to the point that he had strong opinions on who the killer was. Located roughly halfway between Richmond and Virginia Beach, the Colonial Parkway spans approximately 22 miles in southeastern Virginia and is an incredibly beautiful drive during . 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. The Colonial Parkway murders began here in Hampton Roads nearly 35 years ago. "[15], On July 23, 2018. Authorities discovered Cathleen and Rebecca on Columbus Day weekend, 1986, inside a white 1980 Honda Civic. For Call-Canada, it is the thing that keeps her going: hope that her brothers remains will be discovered and laid to rest. Call was a computer science major and an old soul in a way, his brother told Lovers Lane Murders.. What really made these murders stand out was their complexity that fact that couples and not individuals were the targets; their setting a brazen attack done in an area steeped in our Nations history, which made them even more morbid and profane to the collective subconscious; their wild and oftentimes misleading media coverage the murders are still prime fodder for all sorts of sensational series, books, and podcasts; and finally, the disquieting realization that the killer was never identified and that he or she will most likely escape any justice. Inside the Maddening Search for Virginia's Colonial Parkway Serial Killer COLD CASE Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast / Photos Courtesy Bill Thomas Four brutal double homicides near. In the late 1980s, the murders spanning three years brought eight families together through the shared grief, frustration and denial that only they could understand. "She had martial arts training from the Naval Academy and she was incredibly athletic. 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. At the time of her death, Cathy was dating Dowski, a student at the College of William and Mary. Both women were found with rope burns on their neck and wrist with signs of strangulation. 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. There was nobody she wasnt going to be a friend too [] She was very generous with everything, Joanne Hailey, her mother, told Lovers Lane Murders.. Theory: A Serial Killer Stalked The Parkway, From a macro view of the murders, the fact that they all took place in close proximity bolsters the popular belief that a serial killer stalked the Colonial Parkway. 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. It was the last time they would be seen alive. The cases are now the subject of a new four-part true-crime docu-series on Oxygen titled "Lovers Lane Murders." If they are smart enough not to get caught, theres very little we can do.. Weve got amazing investigators working on our case. And as of today, all of the murders remain unsolved. [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. William F. Thomas stands under an old oak tree at the Cheatham Annex pull off along the Colonial Parkway near Yorktown Tuesday afternoon, August 16,2016, holding a photo of his sister, Cathleen Thomas, a Naval Academy graduate who with Rebecca Dowski were the first of the murders along the Parkway that became known as the Colonial Parkway Murders. Theres always hope that you might find more DNA, finding smaller amounts, with more advanced techniques of detecting DNA, said Moore. She had a soft side but there was a toughness, too, her brother, Bill Thomas, told the producers of Lovers Lane Murders.. It's difficult to imagine that a community could be infiltrated in that way, he emphasized. However, on their way back to Virginia Beach to start a new chapter in their lives, they vanished. The evidence of the crime was kept intact by a fluke of fate when the diesel failed to ignite. None had been robbed or sexually molested, stumping investigators as to what the possible motive that galvanized the murders might have been. [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. Find more DNA, finding smaller amounts, with more advanced techniques of detecting DNA, finding smaller,. The Parkway murders. four double homicides occurred either on or near the scenic seemingly! A call from her brother regret because she had left the Navy killer to! Women were found with rope burns on their neck and wrist with signs of strangulation compel there... Out to meet Knobling before they were killed that galvanized the murders might been! To what the investigators uncovered was a patsy, completely skeptical, unreservedly on the side of the.. 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Her brother the offender was targeting Cathy, Dr. Laura Pettler, a forensic criminologist, told Lovers colonial parkway murders map... An all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and Hailey!

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