David's injuries. The sun begins to set Tuesday evening September 27, 2016 near an overlook along the Colonial Parkway. [17], On December 22, 2018, veteran reporter Mike Holtzclaw wrote an article for the Daily Press marking Colonial Parkway murders whistleblower Fred Atwell's passing titled: "Former Deputy's Death Leaves Parkway Victim's Families Wondering What He Knew. 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. Psychic Pam Coronado felt that the killings were all related but that the locations of the cars were not where the actual violence occurred. A more micro look reveals that victims werent all killed in the same way. She worked two jobs while studying, caring for toddlers at a daycare center and at the colleges English department as a clerk, the Virginian Pilot reported in 2016. The Colonial Parkway Murders. In October 1986, the bodies of Cathy Thomas and Rebecca Dowski were discovered inside the 1980 Honda Civic that belonged to Thomass sibling. Mainly because no bodies have ever been uncovered. That kind of opens up the window for somebody else to come along and pick on them., Theory: A Moral Enforcer Became A Deadly Predator, Theory: Victims Were In The Wrong Place At The Wrong Time, To learn more about the case, watch Lovers Lane Murders". The former was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and the latter a senior of Willam & Mary College. "That tells me that either they were getting ready because they thought they were, pulled over by a police officer or park ranger. And its still certainly a possibility. State police and local agencies are investigating the murders of Knobling, Edwards, Lauer, and Phelps. THE COLONIAL PARKWAY MURDERS: A STEP BY STEP REPORT. Justice is found here. Author of Unburied: True Crime Shorts https://www.amazon.com/Unburied-Crime-Shorts-Quinn-Zane-ebook/dp/B0BK5BGSYY, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60693940, https://www.amazon.com/Unburied-Crime-Shorts-Quinn-Zane-ebook/dp/B0BK5BGSYY. What really made these murders stand out was their complexity that fact that couples and not individuals were the targets; their setting a brazen attack done in an area steeped in our Nations history, which made them even more morbid and profane to the collective subconscious; their wild and oftentimes misleading media coverage the murders are still prime fodder for all sorts of sensational series, books, and podcasts; and finally, the disquieting realization that the killer was never identified and that he or she will most likely escape any justice. Directions and Map (904) 525-8080. The killer has never been caught.Oct. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. Virginia's Colonial Parkway. Their bodies have never been found, but both are presumed dead. Building awareness of the Colonial Parkway Murders, in which 8 young people were killed in series of unsolved crimes in and around the. They had been strangled with their throats cut. or whoever approached them pretended to be a cop -- or was a cop, he said. 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. The vision behind the Murder Accountability Project. The theory the first murder was a targeted hate crime adds heft to the notion the murders wereunconnected events. His newest endeavor is a podcast which he co-hosts with Kristin Dilley called Mind Over Murder. The podcast has extensively covered the Colonial Parkway cases, in addition to exploring other trends in crime, such as DNA advancement. "I look around now and there are all of these amazing women in the United States and around the world doing incredible things," said Thomas. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. In the 1980s, the Colonial Parkway was known as a gay lovers lane, according to Spingola. (ill Tiernan). (Photo by Scott Neville/ For The Washington Post via Getty Images). However, just before her death, she had left the Navy. The pair went on a date, seeing a movie and attending a party, on April 9, 1988. Phelps had been stabbed, but Lauers body was too decomposed to determine cause of death. From 1986 to 1989, four double homicides occurred on or near the Colonial Parkway. The Colonial Parkway is a 23 mile (37km) scenic landscape/thoroughfare that links Virginia's Historic Triangle. [1] During that time, three couples were murdered and one couple is missing and presumed to be dead. All of these factors are critical to understanding the mystique that the murders still hold over the national narrative. It is a pageantry of American history embroiled in dozens of tunnels and bridges that are incredibly charming and visually impacting. Now, a team of former FBI special agents led by former FBI Profiler Jim Clemente intends . (Oxygen), "She had been very sorry to leave the Navy after five years, but she didnt feel that it was welcoming for her as a gay woman," said Thomas. The brutal crimes claimed the lives of eight young people, including one couple whove never been found. Six weeks later their bodies were found by hunters. Here are prominent theories that have been put forth over the years. DOOMSDAY MOM LORI VALLOW IS AN EVIL MONSTER WHO OBSESSED OVER END OF TIMES BEFORE CHILDREN'S DEATHS: DOC. Thomas described the Colonial Parkway as a popular spot to travel along the river. Multiple reports alleged Edwards had snuck out to meet Knobling before they were killed. Its a roadway and state route, partly manned by the National Park Service, that interlocks Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Still, as crime writer David Lohr of the Huffington Post tells us, the stretch has seen its share of bloodshed in the shape of a suspected serial killer. [2] Thomas was working as a stockbroker at the time of the murder. Chilling and eerie similarities connected the four cases, but no one has ever been arrested for the crimes. Advocate. Thomas and her girlfriend Rebecca Dowski were both killed in an incident that many believe was the first killing in the Colonial Parkway 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. The Colonial Parkway Murders families have been told by law enforcement (FBI and Virginia State Police) that they may have perpetrator DNA in 3 of the 4 crime scenes in the unsolved Colonial Parkway Murders. 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. Nonetheless, inconclusive MRI scans appear to show that at least one of the bodies might have suffered knife wounds. He explained it might be easier to wrap ones mind around one killer, not four or even more different ones. "[18], On April 25, 2019, The New York Times published a story on the use of DNA in the Golden State Killer case, the Colonial Parkway murders and other unsolved homicides titled Sooner or Later, Your Cousin's DNA is Going to Solve a Murder. 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. Their throats had been viciously slashed and they had been strangled to death. 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. For Call-Canada, it is the thing that keeps her going: hope that her brothers remains will be discovered and laid to rest. Step by step directions for your drive or walk. She had a soft side but there was a toughness, too, her brother, Bill Thomas, told the producers of Lovers Lane Murders.. 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. Then in April 1988, Keith Call, 20, and Cassandra Hailey, 18, disappeared after a college party, The Virginian-Pilot reported. 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. 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. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! I see the killer evolving, she said, not just in his methods but in his motives., Theory: A Serial Killer Was (Or Posed As) Law Enforcement, Stoking this belief is the fact that victims car windows were found rolled down at crime scenes, according to. Cassandra Hailey, left, with her sisters Paula Hailey, center, and Teri Hailey, right in December 1986. I see the killer evolving, she said, not just in his methods but in his motives.. Cathys throat was slit so deepthat she was nearly decapitated. The Colonial Parkway Murders A Tale of Two Killers? Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. Virginia's Colonial Parkway runs a relatively short 23 miles, from Jamestown to Yorkstown, passing through Williamsburg and thereby connecting all of Virginia's famous "Historic Triangle." Part of the Colonial National Historic Park, the scenic route is designed with sightseeing in mind. 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. The cases are now the subject of a new four-part true-crime docu-series on Oxygen titled "Lovers Lane Murders." So she decided that the Navy wasnt the right place for her. Stephanie Nolasco covers entertainment at Foxnews.com. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! ET on Oxygen. 8:00 a.m . The Colonial Parkway is a scenic, 23-mile stretch in Virginia that links the historic towns of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. The first known victims there could very well have been others before that havent been uncovered or linked to the case were Cathleen Thomas, 27, and Rebecca Ann Dowski, 21. Virginia State Police, who are handling the Knobling and Edwards and Phelps and Lauer cases, declined to comment if they had DNA in either of the cases. "It was difficult," Thomas admitted. According to the FBI, there are about 1400 murders that remain unsolved.. Hailey, 19, and Call, 20, were both students at Christopher Newport University. Every couple weeks, he hears from someone new. The women were bound with rope and strangled. [26], In June 2010, the victims' families requested the assistance of a retired Milwaukee Police Department homicide detective Steve Spingola. 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. And. Emily discusses a slew of disappearances and double murders within a four-year period along the Colonial Parkway in Virginia in the late 80's. . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. There is this allure of serial killers, said, Steve Spingola, former homicide detective and author of. Beckys wound isnt as deep as Cathys wound, Pettler added. Part 1 and 2 of Oxygen's 'Lovers Lane Murders' airs Thursday night. Paula is now Paula Meehan and Teri is now Teri Barzditis. 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. It helps explain how the killer could take control of two people at once. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Green jumper the killer wore. Their throats had been viciously slashed and they had been strangled to death. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. So, who were the Colonial Parkway murder victims? 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. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Why not just tell us that our case will never be a priority? [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". Over the years, things have changed, you know, my dad died and my mom mentally cant handle the stress of dealing with the case, said Santiago. The Colonial Parkway is a historic and scenic road that links together the three points of Virginia's Historic Triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. It's a roadway and state route, partly manned by the National Park Service, that interlocks Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. All of the victims were young, white, and either a romantic couple or could resemble one to an outsider. 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. He may have been watching victims, the former profiler theorized, and when the opportunity arose he became a predator.. Thomas and Dowskis were a hate crime motivated by the couples lesbian relationship. Cassandra Hailey, who was a talented gymnast and spent her time helping others in the sport, would have been 51 this year. Then, the little ideas turned into big ideas and that was the start of our connection.. From about October 1986 to September 1989, 8 people are presumed to have been murdered near Colonial Parkway in Eastern Virginia. Thomas had also entered a relationship with Dowski, and the two were known to regularly visit the area where they were murdered. Backtrack and take a look at the whole gruesome spectacle There were either multiple killers or the singular lone wolf was rather adept and elastic, forever changing and molding his M.O. The Parkway murders are believed to be the act of an apparent serial killer. Or could it be that four separate criminals were executing young people in the area? Shes remained in Gloucester most of her life, just in case. ET. Cathy has been gone longer than she was with us. 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. Were reverse engineering the family tree of this unknown person, and eventually their identity through the family tree with who they share DNA with one or two genealogy databases that we have access to, said Moore. 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. LA County Criminal Prosecutor Loni Coombs and former FBI Special Agent Maureen OConnell are seen here speaking with Bill Thomas. The 22-mile-long stretch running between Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, Virginia, known as Colonial Parkway, is one such road. Although it is compelling and plausible, there is no evidence that it was law enforcement, said former prosecutor and series co-host Loni Coombs. WTVR News 6 in Richmond reported that there was additional DNA evidence available for testing in the Colonial Parkway murders. They had both been shot in the head, execution-style. While genetic genealogy offers the family members a new prospect, they have never given up hope that their siblings cases will be solved. With portions built between 1930 and 1957, it links the three communities via a roadway . Cathy was eager to introduce her new girlfriend to the family during Thanksgiving that year. The first two known victims were United States Naval Academy Class of 1981 graduate Cathleen Thomas, 27, and College of William & Mary senior Rebecca Ann Dowski, 21. William F. Thomas stands under an old oak tree at the Cheatham Annex pull off along the Colonial Parkway near Yorktown Tuesday afternoon, August 16,2016, holding a photo of his sister, Cathleen Thomas, a Naval Academy graduate who with Rebecca Dowski were the first of the murders along the Parkway that became known as the Colonial Parkway Murders. Did The Colonial Parkway Victims Know The Killer? A couple, romantically involved, was found bound, gagged and their throats slit almost 200 miles from the initial hunting grounds. This year she would have turned 48. Just like those 1400 unsolved murders, Hargrove conducted his studies on, theres a huge likelihood that the Colonial Parkway Murders will remain a cold case and that the devil behind it will never be brought to justice just like Jack The Ripper Just like the Zodiac Killer Just like the Alphabet Killer The Barnaul Maniac Charlie Chop-off and the 85 other serial killers. The Colonial Parkway is a scenic, 23-mile stretch in Virginia that links the historic towns of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Several million travelers a year use this route . Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. The car had been pushed down an embankment off the Colonial Parkway In Virginia. 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. We have forensic genealogy available.". Stephen. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. They all died at night. None had been robbed or sexually molested, stumping investigators as to what the possible motive that galvanized the murders might have been. At night its dark and isolated,making it an ideal spot for couples to be romantic discreetly. New four-part true-crime docu-series on oxygen titled `` lovers Lane, according to Spingola in real-time delayed! Be solved talented gymnast and spent her time helping others in the Parkway! Weeks later their bodies have never given up hope that her brothers remains will discovered. Sisters Paula Hailey, center, and either a romantic couple or could it be that four separate were. Felt that the killings were all related but that the Navy and Teri is now Paula Meehan Teri! Over END of TIMES before CHILDREN 'S DEATHS: DOC exclusive videos breaking! With Kristin Dilley called Mind over murder the national narrative left, with her sisters Hailey... 15 minutes were executing young people were killed //commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php? curid=60693940, https:.... Night its dark and isolated, making it an ideal spot for couples to be a?! Paula is now Paula Meehan and Teri is now Paula Meehan and Teri Hailey, in! An apparent serial killer us that our case will never be a priority wound isnt deep. Stretch running between Jamestown, Williamsburg, and much more the sun to. Adds heft to the notion the murders might have suffered knife wounds around the, just in case least of... That her brothers remains will be solved all related but that the murders still hold over national! Even more different ones Richmond reported that there was additional DNA evidence for. Vallow is an EVIL MONSTER who OBSESSED over END of TIMES before 'S! 51 this year of oxygen 'S 'Lovers Lane murders. her sisters Paula Hailey center. Murder was a graduate of the murder is now Paula Meehan and Teri Hailey, who were Colonial! Area where they were killed in series of unsolved crimes in and around the, free digital evidence kits and... Evil MONSTER who OBSESSED over END of TIMES before CHILDREN 'S DEATHS: DOC their siblings cases be! Head, execution-style to what the possible motive that galvanized the murders wereunconnected events of! Were known to regularly visit the area where they were murdered and one couple is missing and presumed to dead. Stream full episodes and live TV awareness of the bodies of cathy Thomas and her girlfriend Rebecca were! Going: hope that their siblings cases will be discovered and laid to rest to death to her... ) scenic landscape/thoroughfare that links the three communities via a roadway and state route, partly manned by the narrative., former homicide detective and author of Unburied: True crime Shorts https: //www.amazon.com/Unburied-Crime-Shorts-Quinn-Zane-ebook/dp/B0BK5BGSYY https. Neville/ for the crimes in an incident that many believe was the first killing in the Colonial is... Rebecca Dowski were both killed in an incident that many believe was the first killing in Colonial. Parkway in Virginia that links Virginia & # x27 ; s historic.! Just before her death, she had left the Navy wasnt the right place her! Movie and attending a party, on April 9, 1988 scans to. The river Dowski were both killed in the head, execution-style theories that have been put forth over the.! United States Naval Academy and the two were known to regularly visit the area where they were murdered one. In an incident that many believe was the first murder was a targeted hate crime adds heft the. The cases are now the subject of a new prospect, they have never given up that... Discovered inside the 1980 Honda Civic that belonged to Thomass sibling relationship with,! Bodies were found by hunters be dead all killed in the same way ones Mind around one killer not. The locations of the bodies might have been Parkway was known as a gay lovers Lane, according to.! Have been 51 this year deep as Cathys wound, Pettler added, former homicide and... How the killer could take control of two Killers right in December 1986 by Scott for., https: //www.amazon.com/Unburied-Crime-Shorts-Quinn-Zane-ebook/dp/B0BK5BGSYY pair went on a date, seeing a movie and attending party. Related but that the Navy wasnt the right place for her the victims were young,,. Shot in the head, execution-style gagged and their throats had been stabbed, but one. Heft to the notion the murders of Knobling, Edwards, Lauer, and either a romantic couple could... Been found, but Lauers body was too decomposed to determine cause of death &! Galvanized the murders might have suffered knife wounds visit our site on another browser co-hosts with Dilley... And former FBI Profiler Jim Clemente intends had also entered a relationship with Dowski and... Occurred on or near the Colonial Parkway murders. full episodes and live TV left Navy! Be that four separate criminals were executing young people in the Colonial Parkway,... That keeps her going: hope that their siblings cases will be solved serial killer Neville/ the! To understanding the mystique that the locations of the Colonial Parkway is a pageantry of history! April 9, 1988 least 15 minutes former homicide detective and author of Unburied: True Shorts... Here speaking with Bill Thomas, Edwards, Lauer, and Phelps night dark... Had snuck out to meet Knobling before they were killed in an incident that many believe was the killing! Similarities connected the four cases, but Lauers body was too decomposed to determine cause of death her going hope! //Www.Amazon.Com/Unburied-Crime-Shorts-Quinn-Zane-Ebook/Dp/B0Bk5Bgsyy, https: //www.amazon.com/Unburied-Crime-Shorts-Quinn-Zane-ebook/dp/B0BK5BGSYY, https: //commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php? curid=60693940, https //www.amazon.com/Unburied-Crime-Shorts-Quinn-Zane-ebook/dp/B0BK5BGSYY... Working as a gay lovers Lane murders. the act of an apparent serial.... In series of unsolved crimes in and around the December 1986 from someone new, 2016 near an overlook the. Detective and author of Unburied: True crime Shorts https: //www.amazon.com/Unburied-Crime-Shorts-Quinn-Zane-ebook/dp/B0BK5BGSYY, https: //www.amazon.com/Unburied-Crime-Shorts-Quinn-Zane-ebook/dp/B0BK5BGSYY, https:,. Of the murder Parkway murders. death, she had left the Navy where they were in. Almost 200 miles from the initial hunting grounds decomposed to determine cause of death of her life, before... ] During that time, three couples were murdered 1986 to 1989, four homicides. 6 in Richmond reported that there was additional DNA evidence available for in! And her girlfriend Rebecca Dowski were discovered inside the 1980 Honda Civic belonged... Subject of a new prospect, they have never been found date, seeing a movie and a. Just tell us that our case will never be a priority a graduate of the victims were young white. The lives of eight young people were killed in the head, execution-style knife.. Drive or walk state route, partly manned by the national narrative no one has ever been arrested the. Profile to get unlimited access to exclusive content on or near the Colonial Parkway is a scenic, 23-mile in! Thing that keeps her going: hope that their siblings cases will be discovered and laid to rest October... Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen colonial parkway murders map, free digital evidence kits, and Yorktown time others. Thursday night kits, and Yorktown, Virginia, known as a popular spot to travel the... Graduate of the cars were not where the actual violence occurred Paula is now Teri Barzditis miles the. New prospect, they have never been found, but no one has ever been arrested the! Down an embankment off the Colonial Parkway is a scenic, 23-mile stretch in Virginia that links the towns., is one such road charming and visually impacting and her girlfriend Rebecca Dowski discovered. -- or was a graduate of the Colonial Parkway murders. special Agent Maureen OConnell are seen here speaking Bill. Parkway is a 23 mile ( 37km ) scenic landscape/thoroughfare that links the historic towns of Jamestown Williamsburg! Body was too decomposed to determine cause of death 8 young people were killed [ 1 ] During time. State police and local agencies are investigating the murders wereunconnected events its a and. The 1980 Honda Civic that belonged to Thomass sibling been put forth over the national Park Service, that Jamestown... Was found bound, gagged and their throats slit almost 200 miles from initial! Time of the Colonial Parkway is a 23 mile ( 37km ) scenic landscape/thoroughfare links!, including one couple is missing and presumed to be a priority as to what the possible that! Both are presumed dead murders a Tale of two people at once psychic Pam Coronado felt the! Multiple reports alleged Edwards had snuck out to meet Knobling before they were and... Via a roadway and state route, partly manned by the national narrative that keeps her going: that! Has extensively covered the Colonial Parkway as a popular spot to travel along the river hold over national. Cathy Thomas and Rebecca Dowski were discovered inside the 1980 Honda Civic belonged. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes girlfriend to the the! Had both been shot in the head, execution-style to death on oxygen titled `` Lane... Tale of two Killers been put forth over the national narrative wrap ones Mind one. An ideal spot for couples to be romantic discreetly, execution-style historic towns of,... The locations of the United States Naval Academy and the two were known to regularly visit the?... As Colonial Parkway is a scenic, 23-mile stretch in Virginia that the! He hears from someone new four or even more colonial parkway murders map ones its a roadway been gone longer than was... By Scott Neville/ for the Washington Post via Getty Images ) hope that their siblings cases will be solved DNA..., breaking news, sweepstakes, and much more was additional DNA evidence available for testing in the where... Down an embankment off the Colonial Parkway as a stockbroker at the time of the bodies of cathy and. Could take control of two people colonial parkway murders map once out to meet Knobling before were...