Nearly four decades after the Colonial Parkway murders first shocked Virginia, new DNA links have expanded the known scope of the case while raising questions about investigative accountability.

In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum is joined by Bill Thomas, whose sister Cathy Thomas was one… Nearly four decades after the Colonial Parkway murders first shocked Virginia, new DNA links have expanded the known scope of the case while raising questions about investigative accountability.

In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum is joined by Bill Thomas, whose sister Cathy Thomas was one of the original victims, and Kristin Dilley, his long-time investigative partner and co-host of the podcast, "Mind Over Murder."

They walk through the latest DNA identifications tied to Alan Wade Wilmer Sr., the procedural barriers that keep his profile out of CODIS, and the growing divide between state-level momentum and federal inaction.

Their discussion centers on what happens when evidence advances while communication and action stall.

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Guest Bios:

Bill Thomas is a victim advocate and the brother of Cathy Thomas, one of the original victims of the Colonial Parkway murders. For nearly four decades, he has worked with law enforcement, forensic experts, and journalists to seek answers in his sister’s case and accountability for all affected families. Bill is co-host of the podcast, "Mind Over Murder," where he focuses on cold cases, investigative transparency, and the systemic challenges families face in long-term homicide investigations.

Kristin Dilley is a true crime podcaster, researcher, writer, and teacher based in Williamsburg, Virginia. Kristin has worked alongside Bill Thomas for more than seven years and is the co-host of "Mind Over Murder," where she examines cold cases with an emphasis on evidence, patterns, and victim-centered accountability.

About the Host

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a Metro Atlanta Police Department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than 4 decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing.

Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for "CSI: Atlanta" and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023.

Social Links:

• Email: [email protected]

• Twitter: @149zone7

• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, "Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life, Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist," releasing May 2026 from Simon and Schuster.

 

Highlights:

• (0:00) Sheryl McCollum opens Zone 7by addressing stalled accountability in long- running cold cases

• (0:45) Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley return to Zone 7 and reflect on their investigative partnership

• (2:00) Bill remembers his sister Cathy Thomas, her Naval Academy legacy, her character, and her friend Rebecca Ann Dowski

• (5:15) How advocacy and podcasting have helped families move forward on the Colonial Parkway murders

• (9:15) The January 2024 public announcement linking Allen Wade Wilmer Sr. to multiple victims

• (10:15) The confirmed DNA connection to Laurie Ann Powell

• (13:15) Why Wilmer’s DNA is not in CODIS despite evidence of sexual assault

• (17:00) Federal communication failures and the limits of victim services updates

• (19:15) The contrast between FBI silence and Virginia State Police persistence

• (22:45) Whether Cathy Thomas’s case is closer to resolution and what emerging patterns suggest

• (25:15) Evidence handling failures and the long-term consequences for families

• (33:15) Closing reflections on persistence, accountability, and the cost of waiting decades for answers

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. more

When a series of double-homicides struck Virginia in the late 1980s, authorities immediately suspected a serial killer. But it took 35 years – and random chance – to find the missing link.

Keep up with us on Instagram @serialkillerspodcast! Have a story to share? Email us at serialkillerstories@sp… When a series of double-homicides struck Virginia in the late 1980s, authorities immediately suspected a serial killer. But it took 35 years – and random chance – to find the missing link.

Keep up with us on Instagram @serialkillerspodcast! Have a story to share? Email us at [email protected].
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In one month, the killers of Julie Williams, Lollie Winans and at least two victims of the Colonial Parkway murders are identified. Bill Thomas joins us to discuss the details, and why there are still so many questions unanswered. Meanwhile the grave of Harry Spitz, which inexplicably exploded in 19… In one month, the killers of Julie Williams, Lollie Winans and at least two victims of the Colonial Parkway murders are identified. Bill Thomas joins us to discuss the details, and why there are still so many questions unanswered. Meanwhile the grave of Harry Spitz, which inexplicably exploded in 1975, has its headstone stolen by thieves. A Morgantown resident and Appalachian Mysteria producer step up to set things right. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders (available on Amazo... more

Apex Predator /// Part 2 /// 744
Part 2 of 2

www.TrueCrimeGarage.com
The Virginia State Police and the F.B.I. are calling Alan Wade Wilmer Senior a Serial Killer. After his death Alan Wade Wilmer sr. was linked to three murders. Two of those murders are part of a series known as The Colonial Parkwa… Apex Predator /// Part 2 /// 744
Part 2 of 2

www.TrueCrimeGarage.com
The Virginia State Police and the F.B.I. are calling Alan Wade Wilmer Senior a Serial Killer. After his death Alan Wade Wilmer sr. was linked to three murders. Two of those murders are part of a series known as The Colonial Parkway Murders. Alan Wade Wilmer sr. killed David Knobling and Robin Edwards in Isle of Wight in 1987, and he is also responsible for the murder of Teresa Howell in Hampton, Virginia. This week in the Garage, Nic and the Captain discuss how police linked Alan Wilmer to these murders, where the other Parkway cases stand, and what other murders should be considered when looking at Alan Wade Wilmer Sr. If you have any information regarding Alan Wade Wilmer Senior’s life, vehicles, boat, and/or living situations please tell the authorities with an email to the following - [email protected] or visit www.tips.fbi.gov

Beer of the Week - Double Orange Starfish
Garage Grade - 4 and a half bottle caps out of 5

Share your views and opinions on the TCG blog - www.TrueCrimeGarage.com

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Apex Predator /// Part 1 /// 743
Part 1 of 2

www.TrueCrimeGarage.com
The Virginia State Police and the F.B.I. are calling Alan Wade Wilmer Senior a Serial Killer. After his death Alan Wade Wilmer sr. was linked to three murders. Two of those murders are part of a series known as The Colonial Parkwa… Apex Predator /// Part 1 /// 743
Part 1 of 2

www.TrueCrimeGarage.com
The Virginia State Police and the F.B.I. are calling Alan Wade Wilmer Senior a Serial Killer. After his death Alan Wade Wilmer sr. was linked to three murders. Two of those murders are part of a series known as The Colonial Parkway Murders. Alan Wade Wilmer sr. killed David Knobling and Robin Edwards in Isle of Wight in 1987, and he is also responsible for the murder of Teresa Howell in Hampton, Virginia. This week in the Garage, Nic and the Captain discuss how police linked Alan Wilmer to these murders, where the other Parkway cases stand, and what other murders should be considered when looking at Alan Wade Wilmer Sr. If you have any information regarding Alan Wade Wilmer Senior’s life, vehicles, boat, and/or living situations please tell the authorities with an email to the following - [email protected] or visit www.tips.fbi.gov

Beer of the Week - Double Orange Starfish
Garage Grade - 4 and a half bottle caps out of 5

Share your views and opinions on the TCG blog - www.TrueCrimeGarage.com

Going to Crime Con Nashville? Going to Crime Con UK 2024? Going to both? Save CA$H with our promo code TCG more

In their book, A Special Kind of Evil: The Colonial Parkway Serial Killings, authors Blaine Pardoe and Victoria Hester wrote about Alan Wade Wilmer, Sr., who was the prime suspect in the 1988 disappearance and murders of Richard Keith Call and Cassandra Hailey. He was under police surveillance and f… In their book, A Special Kind of Evil: The Colonial Parkway Serial Killings, authors Blaine Pardoe and Victoria Hester wrote about Alan Wade Wilmer, Sr., who was the prime suspect in the 1988 disappearance and murders of Richard Keith Call and Cassandra Hailey. He was under police surveillance and fit the profile the F.B.I. had developed. An expert polygrapher administered a polygraph exam to Wilmer—and he passed. As a result he was cleared as a suspect.
On January 8th, 2024, the Virginia State Police announced that through DNA, Alan Wade Wilmer Sr., who died in 2017, has been identified as the killer of David Knobling and Robin Edwards, who are extensively written about in A Special Kind of Evil, and for the killing of a nearby Hampton, Virginia woman in 1989, Teresa Lynn Howell.
Blaine Pardoe joins me to discuss the latest developments in the Colonial Parkway serial killings; Alan Wade Wilmer Sr.; the F.B.I. agent who zeroed in on Wilmer—and what's next in the on-going Colonial Parkway murder investigation. A SPECIAL KIND OF EVIL: The Colonial Parkway Serial Killings and Alan Wade Wilmer Sr.—Blaine Pardoe Follow and comment on Facebook-TRUE MURDER: The Most Shocking Killers in True Crime History   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064697978510Check out TRUE MURDER PODCAST @ truemurderpodcast.com  more

In this episode, we discuss the latest update in the Colonial Parkway Murders case. Investigators have recently named Alan Wade Wilmer Sr. as a suspect in three unsolved killings from the late 1980s... including one of the double homicides in the Colonial Parkway Murders.

In this episode, we take a step back in time to the week Cathy Thomas and Becky Dowski were murdered in the first of several Colonial Parkway murders. As the crime scene tape still hangs from Becky Dowski’s doorway at William & Mary College, another headline hits the student paper: Three men are bei… In this episode, we take a step back in time to the week Cathy Thomas and Becky Dowski were murdered in the first of several Colonial Parkway murders. As the crime scene tape still hangs from Becky Dowski’s doorway at William & Mary College, another headline hits the student paper: Three men are being charged in the campus gang rape of another student. Our guest for this episode was directly involved in that incident, and she helps us use it as a lens through which we can exam... more

Between 1986 and 1989, four double homicides took place on or along the Colonial Parkway in Virginia, US. While the murders were all a bit different, many believed they were committed by the same guy who has still, to this day, never been caught. The victims families are still hopeful that one day, … Between 1986 and 1989, four double homicides took place on or along the Colonial Parkway in Virginia, US. While the murders were all a bit different, many believed they were committed by the same guy who has still, to this day, never been caught. The victims families are still hopeful that one day, DNA could break open the case, and that day could be today. 

Bill’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ColonialParkwayCase/ 

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In part two, we tell you about the murders of Cassandra Lee Hailey, Richard Keith Call, Annamaria Phelps, and Daniel Lauer. Could all four of the murders be connected? Or could there be four killers roaming free?

In 1986, park rangers near Virginia's Colonial Parkway get notified of a possible traffic accident. When rangers arrive, they are confronted with a violent scene. The deaths of Cathleen Thomas and Rebecca Dowski. Though it is brutal and seemingly unprovoked, the public doesn't start getting truly co… In 1986, park rangers near Virginia's Colonial Parkway get notified of a possible traffic accident. When rangers arrive, they are confronted with a violent scene. The deaths of Cathleen Thomas and Rebecca Dowski. Though it is brutal and seemingly unprovoked, the public doesn't start getting truly concerned until two more young people, Robin Edwards and David Knobling, are murdered just off the Parkway. more

The Colonial National Historic Parkway, Virginia - From 1986 to 1989, four young couples died at the hands of what the FBI long ago concluded was most likely a serial killer or killers. For years investigators actively and exhaustively worked the case, compiling a list of 150 possible suspects. But … The Colonial National Historic Parkway, Virginia - From 1986 to 1989, four young couples died at the hands of what the FBI long ago concluded was most likely a serial killer or killers. For years investigators actively and exhaustively worked the case, compiling a list of 150 possible suspects. But no one was ever arrested. This week we discuss the details of these unsolved cases and examine if the cases are in fact linked. Beer of the Week - Good Life by Billsburg BreweryGarage Grade - 4 bottle caps more

The Colonial National Historic Parkway, Virginia - From 1986 to 1989, four young couples died at the hands of what the FBI long ago concluded was most likely a serial killer or killers. For years investigators actively and exhaustively worked the case, compiling a list of 150 possible suspects. But … The Colonial National Historic Parkway, Virginia - From 1986 to 1989, four young couples died at the hands of what the FBI long ago concluded was most likely a serial killer or killers. For years investigators actively and exhaustively worked the case, compiling a list of 150 possible suspects. But no one was ever arrested. This week we discuss the details of these unsolved cases and examine if the cases are in fact linked. Beer of the Week - Good Life by Billsburg BreweryGarage Grade - 4 bottle caps more

Episode 1 Cathy Thomas- The Colonial Parkway Murders

The 1986 Virginia murders of two women, on a lonely and quiet stretch of road known as the Colonial Parkway, marks the beginning of a decades long mystery, and winds up being linked to several other victims. Cathy Thomas, and her girlfriend, Rebe… Episode 1 Cathy Thomas- The Colonial Parkway Murders

The 1986 Virginia murders of two women, on a lonely and quiet stretch of road known as the Colonial Parkway, marks the beginning of a decades long mystery, and winds up being linked to several other victims. Cathy Thomas, and her girlfriend, Rebecca Ann Dowski are believed to be the 1st in a series of murders dubbed, 'The Colonial Parkway Murders'.
Decades later, Cathy's Brother Bill Thomas still continues to search for answers, and raise awareness of the case. He discusses his sister and his efforts to find her killer in the premiere episode of The Murder in My Family.


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