Nearly ten years after his own death, a man believed to be a US serial killer has been linked to two more murders from 1986.
Advancements in technology and forensic science have recently connected the late Alan Wade Wilmer Sr to these cold-case murders.
The two newly identified victims, Cathleen Thomas, 27, and Rebecca Dowski, 21, were found together in a car along the Colonial Parkway. Wilmer Sr had already been suspected of involvement in at least six other murders and multiple disappearances in Virginia from 1986 to 1989.
The FBI noted: “Despite extensive investigative efforts at the time, the case remained unsolved for decades.”
Wilmer Sr, who was a local fisherman, passed away in 2017 at the age of 63.
This week, the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia confirmed that if he were alive, the evidence collected would have supported federal prosecution against him.
According to an official FBI update, Thomas was characterized as ‘vibrant’, ‘compassionate’, and ‘intelligent’, whereas Dowski was a ‘creative’ and ‘kind’ person with notable musical talent and a promising future.
FBI Norfolk Field Office special agent Dominique Evans expressed pride in the statement upon the case’s closure: “I am incredibly proud of the work done by the men and women of FBI Norfolk, whose tenacity and commitment to justice never wavered.
“This investigation demonstrates the strength of our partnership with the Virginia State Police, the Hampton Police Division, and the Suffolk Police Department, and our shared determination to never give up on victims or their families. We are thankful that advances in technology and DNA evidence allowed us to finally bring answers in this case.”
The Hampton Police Division acknowledged the dedication of partner agencies and investigators in keeping the cases active over the years. They also expressed gratitude for the community’s support and information, hoping the development provides families with closure and peace.
Colonel Jeffrey Katz from the Virginia State Police commended the ‘tireless work’ of the investigative team.
“We share our deepest condolences with the victims’ families and loved ones, and hope this resolution brings them a measure of peace and healing moving forward. We never give up in the pursuit of justice and will continue to investigate other cold cases with the same resolve,” he said.
Bill Thomas, Cathleen’s brother, admitted feeling overwhelmed by the news.
“It’s kind of hard to absorb it all,” he shared with News 3, adding, “I’ll admit I was surprised. We’ve had 150 persons of interest in this case and I was still surprised it was Wilmer. I always knew that was a possibility but other suspects had sounded more likely somehow.”
The FBI emphasized that ‘investigators continue to actively pursue unsolved cases related to the Colonial Parkway murders’ and the agency ‘remains dedicated to seeking justice for all victims’.