Podcast Summary: Virginia Suspect Linked to 1988 Teen Cold Case Murder

Podcast: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Episode Air Date: December 23, 2025
Host: Nancy Grace
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Episode Overview

This episode centers on a significant break in the decades-old murder case of 18-year-old Laurie Ann Powell, who was killed in Virginia in 1988. Utilizing advances in DNA technology, authorities have finally linked a now-deceased man, Allen Wilmer Sr., to Powell’s murder and are investigating possible connections to other infamous cold cases, such as the Colonial Parkway murders. Host Nancy Grace and correspondent John Laemmle discuss the impact of this resolution, new developments in related criminal cases, and the continued importance of modern forensic science in cold case investigations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breakthrough in the 1988 Laurie Ann Powell Case

• Case Recap:
  • Laurie Ann Powell, age 18, was found dead in the Elizabeth River near Craney Island in March 1988, having suffered multiple stab wounds.
• Latest Development:
  • Authorities have identified Allen Wilmer Sr. (deceased since 2017) as Powell’s killer through modern DNA analysis techniques—closing a case that has been unsolved for over 35 years.
    • John Laemmle: “Investigators in Virginia say they finally identified the person responsible for the 1988 murder of 18-year-old Laurie Ann Powell.” (00:01)
  • Wilmer had been a suspect in multiple other unsolved murders, including:
    • The 1987 killings of David Knobling and Robin Edwards (the “Colonial Parkway murders”)
    • The 1989 murder of Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell
• Further Investigation:
  • Law enforcement is reviewing additional unsolved cases in the region for links to Wilmer.
  • This development brings “a measure of closure” for Powell’s surviving family members.

Notable Quote:

• “For the Powell family, this long delayed identification offers a measure of closure. Powell’s sister said that Laurie didn’t wait for life to happen. She made it happen.”
  — John Laemmle (00:52)

2. Genetic Genealogy Brings Break in Another Cold Case

• Case Overview:
  • Arrest of 66-year-old Andrew Dykes in Tampa, Florida, for his involvement in the deaths of Tanya Denise Jackson and her 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes, tied to cases previously considered part of the Gilgo Beach serial killings (04:32).
    • Victims nicknamed “Peaches” (for a tattoo) and her daughter’s remains found near Gilgo Beach years later.
  • Genetic genealogy helped establish their identities and connected Dykes, the child’s father, to their deaths; he’s pending extradition to New York.
  • Authorities now confirm there’s no evidence connecting Dykes to other Gilgo Beach victims.
• Insight:
  • Illustrates the growing power of DNA and genealogy in cracking long-cold cases.

Notable Quote:

• “Although this case had once been grouped with the Gilgo Beach killings, authorities say there is currently no evidence linking Dykes to the other victims in that case.”
  — John Laemmle (05:41)

3. Shooting of West Virginia National Guard Members in D.C.

• Incident Summary:
  • Two National Guard members, Sarah Beckstrom (killed, age 20) and Andrew Wolf (surviving, age 24), were shot while on duty near the White House.
  • The suspect, Romano Lalockinwal (an Afghan national), has pleaded not guilty; he was also wounded in the incident.
  • The FBI describes it as a targeted attack against federal forces.
• Public Debate:
  • The shooting has sparked a renewed debate over the role of National Guard troops in civilian policing and security, even in highly protected areas.

Notable 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.”
  — John Laemmle (06:39)

4. Rutland City Police Trainee Death: Systemic Failures Revealed

• Case Details:
  • Jessica Ebenhausen (age 19), a Rutland City Police trainee, was killed in 2023 during a pursuit when a suspect fleeing from police crashed into her cruiser.
  • A new internal report found the pursuit was unauthorized and policies were violated; supervisory failure is partly blamed for the fatal outcome.
  • Now, the appropriateness of the most serious charges against the fleeing suspect is being questioned due to procedural errors.
• Systemic Issues:
  • Emphasizes the need for police departments to strictly follow pursuit guidelines and demonstrates the consequences of institutional lapses.

Notable Quote:

• “The findings portray a broader breakdown in procedures, suggesting that Ebenhausen’s death stemmed not only from the pursuit itself, but from systemic lapses within the police department.”
  — John Laemmle (07:51)

Memorable Moments

• Family’s Reflection on Laurie Ann Powell:

  • “Laurie didn’t wait for life to happen. She made it happen.” (00:52)

• Nancy Grace’s Ongoing Mission:

  • “Please join us for our daily podcast, Crime Stories, where we do our best to find missing people, especially children, and solve unsolved homicides.” — Nancy Grace (07:59)

Important Timestamps

• 00:01 — John Laemmle reports breakthrough in the Laurie Ann Powell cold case
• 00:52 — Powell family statement on Laurie’s life
• 04:32 — Arrest in “Peaches”/Gilgo Beach cold case—Dykes identified and charged
• 05:41 — Clarification on no link between Dykes and other Gilgo Beach killings
• 06:13 — Shooting involving National Guard in D.C.; security concerns raised
• 07:10 — Update on Andrew Wolf’s recovery and status of suspect Lalockinwal
• 07:32 — Findings on Rutland Police trainee death; departmental failures detailed
• 07:59 — Nancy Grace underscores her show’s dedication to solving crimes

Final Thoughts

This episode exemplifies Nancy Grace’s commitment to bringing attention to cold cases, leveraging the power of new forensic technology, and emphasizing justice for victims and their families. Through careful reporting and compassionate reflection, the podcast highlights important advancements in the criminal justice system, ongoing systemic challenges, and the enduring impact of violent crime on communities.