Crime and Coffee Couple – Colonial Parkway Murders | Ep 228

Release Date: January 18, 2026
Hosts: Allison and Mike

Overview

In this episode, Allison and Mike—true crime podcasting couple—delve into the notorious unsolved case known as the Colonial Parkway Murders. With their trademark blend of warmth, offbeat humor, and deep empathy, they guide listeners through the details of a chilling series of double homicides that terrorized Virginia from 1986 to 1989. They explore the victims’ stories, investigative missteps, forensic developments, and the most recent break in the decades-old case, all while honoring the lives lost and reminding listeners of crime’s emotional impact.

Episode Structure

• Welcome & Banter: (03:01–11:28)
• Case Introduction and Historical Context: (11:36–13:12)
• Detailed Walkthrough of Each Murder Pair: (13:12–47:06)
  • Kathy Thomas & Becky Dowski (1986)
  • David Knobling & Robin Edwards (1987)
  • Keith Call & Cassandra Hailey (1988)
  • Anna Phelps & Daniel Lauer (1989)
• Suspect Theories and Investigative Developments: (47:06–63:10)
• 2024 DNA Breakthrough and Alan Wilmer: (53:48–63:32)
• Reflections, Safety Advice, and Closing Thoughts: (63:34–69:41)

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Colonial Parkway

• Scenic but secluded 23-mile road in Virginia linking Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.
• Became a known “lovers’ lane”—private but dangerous.
  • “...this also made it the perfect spot for a predator to hunt for distracted, innocent victims.” (12:28)

The Victims and Attacks

1. Kathy Thomas (27) & Becky Dowski (21) — October 1986

• Kathy: Pioneering woman and lesbian, US Naval Academy graduate.
• Both went missing after leaving a computer lab.
• Found days later in Kathy’s car, violently murdered (severe throat wounds, both also strangled with rope).
• Bodies and car had been doused with diesel, but not set alight.
• Robbery ruled out; possessions left untouched.
• Quote:
  “The only desire is just to kill.” – Allison (18:29)
• Early profiling suggested law enforcement or fisherman as possible suspect.

2. David Knobling (20) & Robin Edwards (14) — September 1987

• David: Had a pregnant girlfriend, out with Robin after driving her home from an arcade.
• Both disappeared, found days later shot execution-style on a riverbank.
• David’s truck found staged; items (wallet, clothes) left behind.
• Robin was only 14.
• Allison discusses Robin’s struggles and maturity, reflecting on vulnerability and family tragedy.
• Families were “absolutely horrified” to learn of their children's deaths via the news, not directly from police. (25:09)

3. Keith Call (20) & Cassandra Hailey (18) — April 1988

• On their first date, last seen at a party.
• Keith’s car found abandoned, clothing and personal items left inside, but no bodies ever found.
• “...their families do not believe that they would have stopped along the Colonial Parkway for any reason.” (37:12)
• Investigators theorize they may have been forced by the killer, perhaps impersonating an officer, to stop or undress as a method of control.

4. Anna Phelps (18) & Daniel Lauer (21) — September 1989

• Not a couple but may have appeared to be; Daniel helping Anna and his brother move.
• Disappeared en route from Amelia County to Virginia Beach.
• Car found parked in an odd location; remains discovered 44 days later, skeletonized and wrapped in an electric blanket.
• Anna’s locket and other belongings found at the scene.

Investigative Theories and Evidence

• Consistent crime scene signatures: couples attacked in secluded locations, vehicles staged, personal items (wallets, keys) left behind.
• Similarities suggest a serial offender—possibly law enforcement or someone posing as police.
  • “It could have just been that it was dark outside and he's shining a flashlight in people's face saying, police.” (68:10)
• Forensic evidence: presence of hair, fingerprints, and nautical line at the scenes.
  • “...a piece of nautical line was found caught up in Kathy's hair.” (49:05)
• The “fisherman” theory emerges from fuel type, knife use, and river proximity.
• Breaks between murders: three double homicides within three years; last one (Anna and Daniel) happened a bit farther from the Colonial Parkway but similar in manner.

Breakthrough: The Alan Wilmer Revelation

• In 2024, DNA links Alan Wilmer Sr. to the murders of David Knobling and Robin Edwards.
  • Wilmer was a fisherman, tree service owner, and local “nice guy.”
  • Previously dismissed after passing an FBI polygraph in 1988, despite erratic behavior (stalking couples, cleaning/spray-painting his truck, handcuffs/porn found in his trailer).
  • DNA from his remains (collected posthumously for identification in 2017) matched evidence from multiple cases.
    • Quote:
      “...why not just take a DNA swap? Oh, no, you passed your polygraph test. Run along. Toodaloo. Enjoy your life.” – Allison (62:53)
  • Wilmer is also forensically tied to two other single-victim murders: Lori Ann Powell (1988) and Teresa Howell (1989).
  • No conclusive link yet to the other Colonial Parkway murders (Kathy/Becky, Keith/Cassandra, Anna/Danny), but investigators are revisiting evidence.

Investigative Hurdles and Missed Opportunities

• Polygraph tests led to premature elimination of suspects.
• Law enforcement did not always obtain DNA or follow up on behavioral red flags.
• Families left in limbo for decades; some learned of developments through the media rather than direct notification.
• Leak of graphic crime scene photos in 2009 caused added trauma to families and prompted case review.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On how true crime changes your perspective:
  “...now that we're true crime podcasters, it's like everything is a murder situation.”
  — Mike (13:06)

• Allison’s empathy for victims and families:
  “...they have never been held accountable for it. That’s always something that just gets me so much because, like, the horror that these people lived through and the way their lives ended...”
  — Allison (66:31)

• On the “nice guy” phenomenon:
  “Like, no, he's responsible for four murders... and rapes. Like, sickening.”
  — Allison (67:24)

• On Wilmer’s double-life:
  “...the man who committed these crimes was not someone we knew. The revelation of what he has done has deeply impacted our family as we are forced to reconcile who we believed him to be with the unimaginable things that he has done.”
  — Reading Wilmer family statement (60:34)

• On trusting your instincts (Safety Advice):
  “...if you have that sense inside of you that a red flag is rising, something doesn't feel right. Trust your gut instinct and don't freaking worry about hurting someone's feelings because your safety is of the utmost importance.”
  — Allison (68:38)

Timeline — Important Segments

• Case begins, Colonial Parkway description – (11:36)
• Kathy Thomas & Becky Dowski’s murders – (13:12)
• David Knobling & Robin Edwards’ story – (19:00)
• Robin’s background and family reaction – (25:10)
• Keith Call & Cassandra Hailey’s disappearance – (34:25)
• Anna Phelps & Daniel Lauer’s case – (40:44)
• Forensic & suspect discussion (fisherman & law enforcement hypotheses) – (49:03)
• DNA breakthrough and Wilmer’s identification – (53:48–63:32)
• Wilmer’s background, additional murders, family statement – (59:20–61:28)
• Safety reflections and closing thoughts – (63:34–69:41)

Tone & Style

• Warm, bantering, and respectfully empathetic
• Infused with humor, especially regarding their married life and personal asides, while never mocking victims or crime’s gravity.
• Dedicated to honoring victims and emphasizing vigilance and empathy.

Memorable Moments

• Mike’s astonishment at how a place for romance became a site of horror:
  “Well, how many of us have been out with a loved one and just been fooling around? ...Imagine you're, you know, in a situation where you can be taken advantage of.” (18:41)
• Both hosts' strong reactions to Robin’s age and the 20-year-old involved:
  “If I found a 20-year old talking to my daughter, I would beat the living out of him.” — Mike (29:38)
• The careful distinction between evidence and speculation—Allison’s research consistently focuses on provable facts, honoring nuance.
• The real-life relevance: repeated reminders to trust instincts, take responsibility for your safety, and not feel guilty for taking “impolite” action to protect yourself.

Closing Reflections

• The case remains partly unresolved: only the murder of David and Robin has been officially linked (via DNA) to Alan Wilmer; other double homicides remain open.
• The episode underscores how advances in forensic science—even after decades—can still bring answers, accountability, and some measure of closure.
• Hosts close with heartfelt sympathy for victims’ families and a call to listeners to honor their own safety and share the podcast’s mission.

For More: Visit crimeandcoffeecouple.com

End of Summary