After 37 years of relentless investigation, Virginia authorities have finally identified the monster who brutally murdered 18-year-old Laurie Ann Powell in 1988, connecting him to a string of other heinous killings that terrorized communities across the state.
Story Highlights
- DNA evidence links deceased suspect Alan Wilmer Sr. to four separate murders spanning 1987-1989.
- Powell’s case remained unsolved for nearly four decades until breakthrough forensic technology provided answers.
- Wilmer is connected to the infamous Colonial Parkway murders that shocked Virginia communities.
- Investigators are actively pursuing additional cold cases that may involve the same perpetrator.
DNA Breakthrough Solves Decades-Old Mystery
Virginia State Police announced that advanced DNA analysis definitively linked Alan Wilmer Sr. to the brutal stabbing death of Laurie Ann Powell. Wilmer, who died in December 2017 at age 63, would face murder charges if alive today.
Powell disappeared on March 8, 1988, while walking along a road in Gloucester County, approximately 60 miles east of Richmond. Her body was discovered weeks later, on April 2, 1988, in the Elizabeth River near Craney Island, bearing multiple stab wounds.
Colonial Parkway Murders killer Alan Wade Wilmer, Sr. linked via DNA to murder of Laurie Ann Powell. Wilmer now linked to 4 homicides: Robin Edwards and David Knobling in 1987, Laurie Ann Powell in 1988, and Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell in 1989. https://t.co/nXi6m9gCND @MurderOver
— Bill Thomas (@BillThomas56) November 13, 2025
Serial Killer Connected to Colonial Parkway Murders
The investigation revealed Wilmer’s involvement in three additional murders that terrorized Virginia communities. In 2024, authorities determined he killed David Knobling and Robin Edwards in 1987, along with Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell in 1989.
The Knobling and Edwards murders form part of the notorious Colonial Parkway murders, a series of double homicides that haunted the region for decades. These connected cases demonstrate the scope of Wilmer’s criminal activity and the relief families finally experience after years of uncertainty.
Family Finds Closure After Four Decades of Pain
Powell’s sister, Cindy Kirchner, delivered an emotional tribute during the police press conference, describing her sibling as someone who “didn’t wait for life to happen — she made it happen.”
Kirchner characterized Powell as “bold, brave, spontaneous, full of life, witty, smart, and beautifully herself. A true firecracker.” The family’s 37-year journey for answers finally reached a resolution, though Kirchner acknowledged that nothing can erase the pain of losing Laurie Ann so young and violently.
Ongoing Investigation Seeks Additional Victims
Virginia State Police continue investigating whether Wilmer committed additional crimes beyond the four confirmed murders. Spokesperson Robin Lawson emphasized the department’s commitment to seeking justice for victims of unsolved crimes and requested public assistance in their ongoing efforts.
Captain Timothy Reibel noted that any tip could prove useful in solving other cold cases, suggesting authorities believe Wilmer may have claimed more victims. This systematic approach reflects law enforcement’s dedication to providing closure for families who have endured years of uncertainty about their loved ones’ fates.
