colonial parkway murders map

Remember, this was over 30 years ago in Virginia, which is a very conservative, military area. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. At night its dark and isolated,making it an ideal spot for couples to be romantic discreetly. The odds of four double homicides in as many years are extremely rare, which is why the slayings are often attributed to a serial killer. "And it saddens me that Cathy Thomas would have been one of those women. She was determined She was also a Russian scholar. With portions built between 1930 and 1957, it links the three communities via a roadway . At the time, she was also thinking about going to grad school and possibly studying international relations. 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. Knobling lived in Hampton while he worked for his fathers landscaping business, and was expecting a baby with his longtime girlfriend. They didnt use that expression much back then, but that was the idea. 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. At first, Thomas said his family suspected Cathy and Dowski were victims of a hate crime. Months later, they were found murdered, wrapped in a blanket in the woods. But is it possible they are tragic, separate events? He was shy at first, but once you got to know him he opened up, he said. 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. After a deep dive into the four Colonial Parkway murders, Coombs and OConnell reviewed commonalities and dissimilarities in terms of location, treatment of bodies, method of murder, time and date, victims, motive, and crime scene. And as of today, all of the murders remain unsolved. You cant exactly finger a suspect and develop a viable culprit on car displacement and fascination with couples. Both women were found with rope burns on their neck and wrist with signs of strangulation. [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. Robin Edwards, top row and second to the left, and David Knobling, bottom row and second to the left, were murdered Sept. 23, 1987. 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. A couple, romantically involved, was found bound, gagged and their throats slit almost 200 miles from the initial hunting grounds. Theyre very, very different in force and intensity. To learn more about the case, watch Lovers Lane Murders" on Oxygen, or stream episodes any time on Oxygen.com. 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. State police and local agencies are investigating the murders of Knobling, Edwards, Lauer, and Phelps. Soon, other victims family members followed with Thomas leading the charge, providing interviews to the media and speaking out about their frustration with the lack of progress on the case. Step by step directions for your drive or walk. Several million travelers a year use this route . It was the first of several gruesome murders. Thomas was nearly decapitated. Between 1986 and 1989, at least eight people were murdered near or along Virginias Colonial Parkway by an apparent serial killer. However, just before her death, she had left the Navy. And remember, this was the 1980s. Market data provided by Factset. At least one of the badly decomposed bodies appears to have suffered knife wounds. They are both presumed dead, and evidence points to the same madman or madwoman responsible for the other killings. The note, which was undated and purportedly written by Phelps, indicated that she was to meet someone in a blue van at a rest stop. [citation needed]. Keith Call, top row and third to the left, and Cassandra Hailey disappeared April 10, 1988. [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. Several clothing items were found in the vehicle, as were the car keys. And unfortunately . What were the Colonial Parkway Murders? According to Parabon NanoLabs Genetic Genealogist CeCe Moore, genetic genealogy involves linking DNA of unidentified bodies and/or potential suspects to relatives who have uploaded their DNA to genealogy sites that allow police to access their genetic information. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Was The Colonial Parkway Killer Pretending To Be Law Enforcement? He explained it might be easier to wrap ones mind around one killer, not four or even more different ones. This year, he would have been 53. And it pains me to think that 34 years have gone by now. It's difficult to imagine that a community could be infiltrated in that way, he emphasized. Both women were fully clothed and there was no evidence of robbery or sexual assault. Oct. 12, 1986: The bodies of Cathleen Thomas, 27 and Rebecca Dowski, 21, were found at a pull-off on the parkway in Thomas Honda Civic, which had been pushed over an embankment. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Victims were in cars and all were young and killed in pairs. On April 10, 1988, Christopher Newport University students Cassandra Lee Hailey, 18, and Richard Keith Call, 20, were reported missing after attending a party in the University Square area in Newport News during their first date together. 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 . Phelps had been stabbed, but Lauers body was too decomposed to determine cause of death. While Phelps was stabbed, Lauers body was too decomposed to determinea manner of death. Get extra footage on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/mobileinstinctMy T-Shirts \u0026 Sweatshirts available here - https://shop.spreadshirt.com/mobileinstinct/ If you want to buy me a beer - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mobileinstinctAll of my videos are organized by state on my website https://www.TheMobileInstinct.com More videos on My Second Channel - https://www.youtube.com/mobileinstinct2INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/mobileinstinct New FACEBOOK page - Lets be friends - https://www.facebook.com/mobileinstinct*CHECK OUT these cool videos! My theory is that David saw something he wasnt supposed to see, Karl Knobling told Lovers Lane Murders. OConnells response: Wrong place, wrong time. Knoblings theory points to why innocent people become victims all too often. We have forensic genealogy available.". Calls beloved Toyota Celica was discovered at a York River overlook, just a few miles from where Thomas and Dowski had been murdered two years prior. Though both are presumed dead, their bodies have never been found. Map to show the parkway (B) Is where I believe two bodies were found, . Despite the moniker the Colonial Parkway Murders, the time frame and proximity of the deaths, law enforcement has never conclusively linked the cases, leaving many, including the family members, to believe that some or all of the cases are connected or none at all. 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. [1] During that time, three couples were murdered and one couple is missing and presumed to be dead. Advocate. In the 35 years since she passed, when I see all these amazing women running for president and vice president, Congress, senators, ambassadors, CEOs, Cathy Thomas would have been one of those amazing women, her brother said. It was known, not only by the homosexual community, but by the haters of the homosexual community, he said. Was it a serial killer or a coincidence? The Colonial Parkway is a beautiful stretch of highway which cuts through the Colonial National Historical Park in South-East Virginia. Thomas said that over the years, there have been moments where he was frustrated with the investigation of his sisters murder. All of the slayings, known as "The Colonial Parkway Murders," are stillunsolved. And in these 34 years, she would have done amazing things.". 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. On October 19th, a month and a half after their disappearance, hunters along interstate 64 between Williamsburg and Richmond stumbled onto the skeletonized remains of both kids. They all died at night. (Photo by Scott Neville/ For The Washington Post via Getty Images). On April 10, 1988, two kids from Christopher Newport University both perfect in-synched with the killers victim profile were reported missing after attending a party in Newport News during their first date together. Now, it is up to the victims siblings to carry the torch. He and Cassandra Hailey vanished while on their first date in 1988. Karl Knoblings theory behind the murder of his son David and Robin Edwards in 1987 doesnt have sinister overtones -- and its all the more chilling because of that. According to Thomas, three out of the four cases have DNA evidence. On September 5, 1989, just after Labor Day weekend, Annamaria Phelps, 18, and Daniel Lauer, 21, vanished while en route to Virginia Beach. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Why? Chilling and eerie similarities connected the four cases, but no one has ever been arrested for the crimes. Their families were devastated and shocked. 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. Explore! Irvin Wells, retired FBI special agent. Thomas and Dowskis were a hate crime motivated by the couples lesbian relationship. to a serial killer. She described Robin as a firecracker personality, who got along with everyone she met. Although it is compelling and plausible, there is no evidence that it was law enforcement, said, former prosecutor and series co-host Loni, Theory: Murders Are Linked By Location, Not One Killer. helps manage a Facebook page, Colonial Parkway Murders, with 14,000 followers, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Or could it be that four separate criminals were executing young people in the area? Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. Oct. 26, 2018. After nearly three decades, the parents who are alive, many in declining health, are still without answers. Finally, there was no evidence of sexual assault pre or post mortem; the pair were fully clothed and sexually intact. Stephanie Nolasco covers entertainment at Foxnews.com. Their bodies were uncovered after an exhaustive three-day search party. A double homicide is a rare occurrence in and of itself, so four happening so close together has naturally caused many to wonder if a serial killer is behind this series or murders. Naval Academy in 1981, as part of its second class to admit women. 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. Their bodies uncovered in Virginias Shenandoah National Park. In 2010, a note was discovered in a box taken years earlier from Annamaria Phelps's apartment. Mainly because no bodies have ever been uncovered. 8:00 a.m . If he receives what he believes to be a credible tip, he will then turn it over to the FBI. There were little signs of struggle. Thursday night was theirs a time when they could be alone together despite living so far apart, despite living in such an unwelcoming world every Thursday night, they were able to live as they wanted. She was fascinated by the circus and had dreams of running off with Ringling Brothers. He explained it might be easier to wrap ones mind around one killer, not four or even more different ones. They had both been shot in the head, execution-style. In 2018, 12 years after the Shenandoah murders, DNA studies including hair and biological samples potentially linked the two cases. All the victims were from different backgrounds and demographics, making a profile an incredibly difficult task. Justice is found here. Since then, 62-year-old Fred had numerous encounters with the law, including a larceny charge; 100 dollars. Cassandra Hailey, who was a talented gymnast and spent her time helping others in the sport, would have been 51 this year. The second Annamaria and Daniel were reported missing, the red-flags went up, and the district devolved into a panic. This is an ongoing criminal investigation, we are not in a position to discuss what evidence we are working with as part of the case, said Corrine Geller, public relations director for VSP. Then, the little ideas turned into big ideas and that was the start of our connection.. PETER NYGARD ACCUSER EXPLAINS WHY SHE'S SPEAKING OUT IN NEW SHOCKING DOC: 'I HAVE NEVER BEEN QUIET ABOUT THIS', Bill Thomas, a producer on Oxygen's 'Lovers' Lane Murders' is seen here with a portrait of his sister Cathy Thomas. For the past 15 years Janette Santiago, sister of Robin Edwards, has been the main point of contact for her family. Just three days later, they were found murdered inside Thomas 1980 Honda Civic. She enjoyed going to the Gap and dressing well, whatever the trend was. A double homicide is a rare occurrence in and of itself, so four happening so close together has naturally caused many to wonder if a serial killer is behind this series or murders. 19 talking about this. Dowski, 21, was found in the backseat of the car while Cathy, 27, was stuffed into the hatchback. After leaving the armed forces, she had transitioned into a successful career as a stockbroker, according to Richmond.com. who has spent more than 20 years looking into the murders. Moderated by former FBI Special Agent Maureen O'Connell, the panel featured family members and advocates Joyce Call and Bill Thomas along with Blaine Pardoe, coauthor of a book on the case, A Special Kind of Evil: The Colonial Parkway Serial Killings. 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. However, on their way back to Virginia Beach to start a new chapter in their lives, they vanished. 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. He told Lovers Lane Murders that there may be links between the first and third murders, which are firmly tied to the Colonial Parkway. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. The Colonial Parkway murders were the slayings of at least eight people apparently by a serial killer along the Colonial Parkway of the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia (or nearby) between 1986 and 1989. For Call-Canada, it is the thing that keeps her going: hope that her brothers remains will be discovered and laid to rest. This murder series is the single greatest unsolved murder series in the history of Virginia and it needs attention, Thomas said. Between 1986 and 1989, three young couples were found brutally murdered while one couple is still missing and presumed dead, on or near the Colonial Parkway, a roadway that connects Jamestown,. Thomas Hargrove, researcher, and archivist. [3][4][5], In 1996, the unsolved case of the Colonial Parkway murders was presented on national television on the program Real Stories of the Highway Patrol, a series that aired from 19931999. The 22-mile-long stretch running between Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, Virginia, known as Colonial Parkway, is one such road. (File photos). Cassandra Hailey, left, with her sisters Paula Hailey, center, and Teri Hailey, right in December 1986. Entertainment Television presented a full-length documentary, THS Investigates Serial Killers on the Loose, which features a segment on the Colonial Parkway murders. [citation needed] The show mentioned that this disappearance may be part of the Colonial Parkway murders. It appears that Thomas may have struggled with her attacker as a clump of hair was later found between her fingers. Its very important to do these interviews, and to let your readers, and the viewers of the television series, even listening to the podcast, and whatever, know why this is still important, Thomas said. I see the killer evolving, she said, not just in his methods but in his motives.. His investigation came to the startling conclusion that the murders were committed by multiple assailants and arent tied together. The scavengers, the muggy atmosphere, and the advanced decomposition made it impossible to determine the exact cause of death. "Yes, this is a tragedy, but hope never dies," he shares. For more on the Colonial Parkway murders, watch Oxygens new limited series Lovers Lane Murders, airing Thursday, February 11 and Friday, February 12 at 9/8c and 10/9c. Series co-host Maureen OConnell, a former FBI special agent, sees telltale signs to support this theory. For the families of the eight victims, it is yet another year spent searching for answers. She worked two jobs while studying, caring for toddlers at a daycare center and at the colleges English department as a clerk, Cassandra Hailey and Richard Keith Call, For more on the Colonial Parkway murders, watch Oxygens new limited series. [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. Health, are still without answers family suspected Cathy and Dowski were victims of a hate crime by! Around one killer, not only by the circus and had dreams of running off with Brothers... Attention, Thomas said for her family if he receives what he believes to be Enforcement! Or delayed by at least eight people were murdered and one couple is missing and presumed to a! He emphasized top row and third to the victims siblings to carry the.. 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In these 34 years, there have been one of the homosexual community, but you! It over to the victims siblings to carry the torch Insiderfor all the victims were cars.

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