Summary: Virginia Suspect Linked to 1988 Teen Cold Case Murder | Crime Alert 6AM 12.09.25

Main Theme Overview

This episode of “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace”—delivered by John Laemmle for CrimeOnline—dives into a recent breakthrough in a long-unsolved Virginia murder. Using modern DNA analysis, investigators connect a deceased suspect to the 1988 killing of teenager Laurie Ann Powell, offering a sense of closure to her family and reigniting questions about related cold cases from the era. The episode also highlights major recent crime developments nationally, providing concise reporting and expert commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Break in the 1988 Laurie Ann Powell Cold Case

• Background:
  • Laurie Ann Powell, 18, disappeared in March 1988.
  • Her body was found in Virginia’s Elizabeth River near Craney Island, stabbed multiple times.
• Breakthrough:
  • Modern DNA analysis identifies Allen Wilmer Sr. (died in 2017 at 63) as her killer, connecting him to the crime decades later.
• Broader Implications:
  • Wilmer was long suspected in multiple other cases:
    • 1987 Colonial Parkway murders (David Knobling & Robin Edwards).
    • 1989 murder of Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell.
  • Investigators are now combing through other unsolved regional cases for possible links to Wilmer.
• Family Response:
  • Powell’s sister reflects: "Laurie didn’t wait for life to happen. She made it happen." [00:51]
  • The family receives overdue closure after decades of uncertainty.

2. Other Major Crime Alerts

• Arrest in 1997 Cold Case Murder

  • Suspect: Andrew Dykes (66), arrested in Tampa, Florida.
  • Victims: Tanya Denise Jackson (“Peaches,” identified by tattoo) and her 2-year-old daughter Tatiana Marie Dykes.
  • Significance:
    • Jackson’s remains found in 1997; daughter’s remains linked years later near Gilgo Beach.
    • Genetic genealogy enabled law enforcement to ID the victims and link Dykes (the child’s father) to the murders.
    • No evidence ties Dykes to the Gilgo Beach serial killings despite proximity.
  • Quote: “Genetic genealogy helped law enforcement confirm their identities and ultimately led investigators to Dykes.” [03:56]

• National Guard Shooting in Washington, D.C.

  • Incident:
    • Two West Virginia National Guard members shot on duty near the White House.
    • Victims: Sarah Beckstrom (20, killed) and Andrew Wolf (24, recovering).
    • Suspect: Ramanola Lalakhinwal (Afghan national), wounded and pleads not guilty.
  • Aftermath:
    • Sparks national debate over the National Guard’s role in civilian policing and raises concerns about security.
    • Wolf is showing “encouraging signs of recovery, including responding to commands, giving a thumbs up and moving his toes.” [04:46]
  • Quote: “The shooting has sparked renewed debate over the role of the National Guard troops in civilian policing and raised concerns about security even in areas considered highly protected.” [05:22]

• Vermont Police Trainee Death

  • Incident:
    • Jessica Ebenhausen (19), Rutland City Police trainee, died during a pursuit when struck nearly head-on by suspect Tate Riome.
  • Findings:
    • Internal affairs report: pursuit was unauthorized; department violated procedures.
    • Defense questions criminal charges against Riome due to these failures.
  • Quote: “The findings portray a broader breakdown in procedure, suggesting that Ebenhausen's death stemmed not only from the pursuit itself, but from systemic lapses within the police department.” [06:21]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Laurie Ann Powell’s character

  “Laurie didn’t wait for life to happen. She made it happen.”
  — Powell’s sister, reflecting on the impact of the cold case’s resolution [00:51]

• On forensic breakthroughs

  “Through modern DNA analysis, authorities recently connected Wilmer to Powell's killing. Even though he died more than a quarter century ago.”
  — John Laemmle reporting on the pivotal role of new science [00:23]

• On the use of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases

  “Genetic genealogy helped law enforcement confirm their identities and ultimately led investigators to Dykes, who is the toddler's father.”
  — John Laemmle [03:56]

• On public safety and policing

  “The shooting has sparked renewed debate over the role of the National Guard troops in civilian policing and raised concerns about security even in areas considered highly protected.”
  — John Laemmle [05:22]

• On systemic failures in policing

  “The findings portray a broader breakdown in procedure, suggesting that Ebenhausen's death stemmed not only from the pursuit itself, but from systemic lapses within the police department.”
  — John Laemmle [06:21]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:01] - [01:21]: Virginia cold case breakthrough—Laurie Ann Powell’s murder solved via DNA, with reflections from her family.
• [03:13] - [06:39]:
  • Arrest in 1997 “Peaches” case and child’s murder (ties to Gilgo Beach investigation).
  • D.C. National Guard shooting incident—updates on victim recovery, suspect status, and security concerns.
  • Vermont police trainee's death—internal investigation findings and broader policing questions.

Conclusion

This episode delivers big updates on notorious cold cases—most impactfully, the 1988 murder of Laurie Ann Powell, solved at last with modern technology. It highlights the relentless nature of forensic advances, the lingering pain of unresolved crimes, and the importance of procedural integrity in law enforcement. The show’s tone remains urgent yet human, balancing relief for families with calls for accountability and reflection on the state of public safety.