She was actually the most improved Russian speaker at the Naval Academy. Stephen's bedroom crime scene. 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. After that cycle, the killings abruptly stopped.. They plan to write another soon. The Colonial Parkway Murders were a series of homicides that occurred between October 1986 and September 1989. [2] Thomas was working as a stockbroker at the time of the murder. Months later, they were found murdered, wrapped in a blanket in the woods. With portions built between 1930 and 1957, it links the three communities via a roadway . It's difficult to imagine something as gruesome and shocking as a string of murders occurring on this seemingly safe road but that's exactly what happened decades ago. ", "Was The Colonial Parkway Killer Pretending To Be Law Enforcement? "In 1986, DNA was barely out of the lab and it wasnt really used commonly in law enforcement applications. Rumors and legends started hitting the headlines. After a deep dive into the four Colonial Parkway murders. Ryan Noah Yawel Criminal Psychologist. In a way, the fact that such murders and foul deeds took place in that spot was nothing short of sacrilegious and a scar on the Parkways patriotic nature and what it represents. 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. Multiple reports alleged Edwards had snuck out to meet Knobling before they were killed. [23] and "Was the Colonial Parkway Killer Pretending to be Law Enforcement? Lauer's car, a gold 1972 Chevrolet Nova, was soon found abandoned at the I-64 New Kent rest stop in New Kent County and it was discovered to have been heading in the wrong direction, away from their intended Virginia Beach destination. 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. [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? The killer could have been lying in wait specifically for them. Four double homicides occurred on or near the Colonial Parkway in Virginia during the 1980s. They had both been shot in the head, execution-style. "She had martial arts training from the Naval Academy and she was incredibly athletic. For the the other half, the parents who have died, they will never see justice for their childrens deaths. After Lauers, car a gold 1972 Chevrolet Nova, was found abandoned on the I-64 New Kent rest stop, investigators combed the countryside looking for what was no doubt a fresh crime scene. For Call-Canada, it is the thing that keeps her going: hope that her brothers remains will be discovered and laid to rest. The analyzed DNA can then pinpoint the exact relation between those tested, allowing law enforcement agencies to narrow down their suspect pool and make an arrest. "But she was undaunted. From about October 1986 to September 1989, 8 people are presumed to have been murdered near Colonial Parkway in Eastern Virginia. The second night airs Friday at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. (Oxygen). He was shy at first, but once you got to know him he opened up, he said. On September 20, 1987, David Knobling, 20, and Robin Edwards, 14, were shot at point-blank range in the Ragged Island Wildlife Refuge, near the south shore of James River in Smithfield, Virginia. Bill Thomas shudders at the thought to this day. Thomass throat had been slit so savagely ear-to-ear that she was almost decapitated. Cathys throat was slit so deepthat she was nearly decapitated. Its a roadway and state route, partly manned by the National Park Service, that interlocks Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. 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. Tying them all together helps in a way because, if they put a title to it and people want to put together a show, Paula Hailey said. GARY HEIDNIKS ATTORNEY TALKS INSANE HOUSE OF HORRORS KILLER IN DOC: THERE WAS A METHOD TO HIS MADNESS', Cathy Thomas (left) andRebecca Ann Dowski were dating at the time of their murders. Fred Atwell: Fred Atwell is the former deputy sheriff that was active during the investigation in 1986. Naval Academy in 1981 as part of its second class to admit women. Call loved going to the beach and was especially fond of his car. A man named Bill Thomas had reached out on their new Facebook page, What happened to Richard Keith Call and Cassandra Hailey?. Dowski, 21, was found in the backseat of the car while Cathy, 27, was stuffed into the hatchback. According to Moore, there may be reasons why the DNA has not been tested yet, such as the sample size of the DNA could be too small or too severely degraded to undergo genetic genealogy analysis. "I hope people will understand that the loss that weve suffered has not prevented us as families from continuing to focus on seeing some degree of justice done," Thomas, who serves as one of the shows producers, told Fox News. 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 between 1986 and 1989. 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. Thomas was nearly decapitated. I see the killer evolving, she said, not just in his methods but in his motives.. "[21], On January 15, 2021, the Oxygen Network announced that a four-part true crime series, Lovers Lane Murders would cover the Colonial Parkway murders. Since October 1986, 10 On Your Side has covered what are now known as the "Colonial Parkway murders." There were four double homicides. 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. The thoroughfare is partially maintained by the National Park Service because it's an iconic piece of pavement that connects some of the country's most historic cities. Now, a team of former FBI special agents led by former FBI Profiler Jim Clemente intends . He also helps manage a Facebook page, Colonial Parkway Murders, with 14,000 followers, which aims to build awareness of the four cases. So as long as theres something left to analyze, theres always hope that it will be solved through genetic genealogy.. Legal Statement. The Colonial Parkway is a historic and scenic road that links together the three points of Virginia's Historic Triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. This year, he would have been 53. 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. The Colonial Parkway Murders The Colonial Parkway is a historic and scenic road that links together the three points of Virginia's Historic Triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. This section is going to be macabre, scatological, and disturbing. 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. Unlike OConnell, Coombs doesnt see the work of a serial killer. . Many who believe the homicides are connected think the killer presented himself as a police officer or park ranger, or someone with authority. 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. 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. "The families are determined to see this through. Naval Academy in 1981, as part of its second class to admit women. In the late 1980s, one possible serial killer in Virginia claimed at least eight lives along a certain stretch of road connecting the two historically important cities of Jamestown and Yorktown. He and Cassandra Hailey vanished while on their first date in 1988. However, on their way back to Virginia Beach to start a new chapter in their lives, they vanished. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, The eeriest part,. 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. Market data provided by Factset. "She discovered after graduating from the Naval Academy that she was a lesbian. We dont need the reminder that these are cold cases.. There is this allure of serial killers, said, Steve Spingola, former homicide detective and author of. All rights reserved. Several clothing items were found in the vehicle, as were the car keys. 10 The First Murders Photo credit: Wild Blue Press All of the victims were young, White, and were either a romantic couple or could resemble one to. Though two slayings took place on the actual parkway and two were in nearby areas, all four are tied together by the name, the Colonial Parkway Murders. [citation needed] The show mentioned that this disappearance may be part of the Colonial Parkway murders. [29] While the Virginia State Police claim the information in this note was previously examined, one of the state police investigators working during the 1989 PhelpsLauer murders told a television reporter from WAVY-TV that he was "unaware of the existence of the note". Murders all occurred, she said, within a 30-mile radius and all on a weekend or holiday., Moreover, the slayings occurred at night, and mostly in areas that look like lovers lanes. 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. The brutal crimes claimed the lives of eight young people, including one couple who've never been found. Thomas, who was in Los Angeles at the time, had seen a story on WTKR detailing how sensitive photos in the Colonial Parkway murders were leaked to the public. 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. ", EMILIE MORRIS, THE FORMER STUDENT WHO DIED AFTER ACCUSING HER COACH OF ABUSE, BECOMES FOCUS OF TRUE-CRIME DOC. "Colonial Parkway Murders" is a bit of a misnomer in that only 2 sets of the murders happened along the Colonial Parkway in Virginia, with . WTVR News 6 in Richmond reported that there was additional DNA evidence available for testing in the Colonial Parkway murders. However, her sister, Janette Santiago, told Lovers Lane Murders that Edwards, who she described as full of energy and not afraid of anything, had entered therapy and made remarkable progress in the months before her death. To his knowledge, the DNA still has not been tested. According to Thomas, three out of the four cases have DNA evidence. According to the special, gays and lesbians were banned from the Navy at the time and she had reportedly been investigated by nine agents. Fully researched, completely skeptical, unreservedly on the side of the victims. 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. (Photo by Scott Neville/ For The Washington Post via Getty Images), Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for February 11, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry suffered Hollywood 'miscalculation' with explosive tell-alls: experts, Jussie Smollett files appeal argument in hate crime hoax conviction, Michael B. Jordan apologized to his mom before steamy Calvin Klein underwear ad was released, Kristin Cavallari jokes shes 'heartless' for breaking up with guys over text: 'I know thats horrible', Gisele Bndchen shares tips for when 'life gets challenging': 'Remember that the sun rises everyday', Amy Grant says she leaned on her faith after horrific bike accident: Its helped me not be afraid. But youre always reminded, in little ways, who is here and who is not., Em Holter, emily.holter@virginiamedia.com, 757-256-6657, @EmHolterNews, Abigail Adcox, abigail.adcox@virginiamedia.com, 757-264-8149, @abigailadcox. It was the first of several gruesome murders. The odds of four double homicides in as many years are extremely rare, which is why the slayings are. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Colonial Parkway Murders. We understand that were not going to be at the front of the line, but to hear that evidence hasnt been tested in over a year is unacceptable, Thomas said. There is a pattern that OConnell said she cannot ignore.. The four episodes were to feature former FBI profiler Jim Clemente, as well as investigators including former FBI Agent Maureen O'Connell and former prosecutor Loni Coombs, together with crime scene reconstruction expert Dr. Laura Pettler. Thomas and Dowskis were a hate crime motivated by the couples lesbian relationship. 8:00 a.m . Both women were fully clothed and there was no evidence of robbery or sexual assault. Joyce Call-Canada is the older sister of Keith Call. Cathy Thomas (left) andRebecca Ann Dowski were dating at the time of their murders. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Becky was collateral damage.. It also happens to be ground zero for one of the nation's most brutal crime sprees, which remains clouded in doubt and tragedy more than three decades later Murders all occurred, she said, within a 30-mile radius and all on a weekend or holiday.. The Colonial Parkway is a scenic, 23-mile stretch in Virginia that links the historic towns of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Survivor. They were never found. All rights reserved. to the spots logistics and that particular set of prey. This question of serial killer or coincidence is explored in Oxygens new limited series, Lovers Lane Murders, airing Thursday, February 11, and Friday, February 12 at 9/8c and 10/9c. She was fascinated by the circus and had dreams of running off with Ringling Brothers. 19 talking about this. Lovers Lane Murders, a new four-part Oxygen series, 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. 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. The Colonial Parkway is a beautiful stretch of highway which cuts through the Colonial National Historical Park in South-East Virginia. Call was a computer science major and an old soul in a way, his brother told Lovers Lane Murders.. And its still certainly a possibility. [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. He told Lovers Lane Murders that it suggests the driver was responding to authority. Here are prominent theories that have been put forth over the years. The place is a sightseeing extravaganza brimming with historical points, scenic pull-offs, markers, and memorials. In Spingolas eyes, there was no serial killer. In September 2009, it was discovered by CBS News affiliate WTKR that nearly 80 highly graphic crime scene photographs of Colonial Parkway murders victims were used to instruct a class by a retired and now deceased former FBI photographer. Oct. 26, 2018. However, the young couple was struggling financially, so Lauer had agreed to move in with them to help them out with money. The linking of the four crimes is circumstantial, and no suspects have ever been publicly identified. The killer has never been caught. However, Cathy moved on and pursued a thriving career as a stockbroker. We have forensic genealogy available.". Map to show the parkway (B) Is where I believe two bodies were found, . The killer has never been caught.Oct. 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. Annamarie Phelps, top right, and Daniel Lauer, bottom right, disappeared Sept. 5, 1989. The Colonial Parkway is a 23 mile (37km) scenic landscape/thoroughfare that links Virginias Historic Triangle. To learn more about the case, watch Lovers Lane Murders" on Oxygen, or stream episodes any time on Oxygen.com. 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. The tone of his parents voice signaling something was wrong. Just a beautiful woman, her sister-in-law, Ginny Minarik, told Lovers Lane Murders.. Cathy had graduated from the U.S. And a lot of fantastic work has gone into the Colonial Parkway murders. Over the years things have changed, you know, my dad died and my mom mentally cant handle the stress of dealing with the case.. Still, some investigators are on the fence and dont want to definitively classify their disappearance as part of the serial killers cycle. . 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. Colonial Parkway is a 23-mile (37 km) scenic parkway linking the three points of Virginia's Historic Triangle, Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.It is part of the National Park Service's Colonial National Historical Park.Virginia's official state classification for the parkway is State Route 90003. Cathy was eager to introduce her new girlfriend to the family during Thanksgiving that year. David's injuries. From 1986 to 1989, four double homicides occurred on or near the Colonial Parkway. who has spent more than 20 years looking into the murders. Phelps had been dating Lauer's brother at the time they went missing. [But] we certainly were worried about harassment. "That tells me that either they were getting ready because they thought they were, pulled over by a police officer or park ranger. Gays and lesbians were banned from the Navy at that time, and she had been investigated by nine agents regarding her sexuality, her brother told producers. Joyce Call-Canada, Richard Calls sister, hyphenates her last name so that people recognize it while one of her brothers still keeps their familys home phone number. 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. The women were bound with rope and strangled. Dogs traced their scents to the river, but soon lost it. 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