After 37 years of waiting for justice, Virginia authorities have finally solved the brutal murder of 18-year-old Laurie Ann Powell through DNA evidence, linking her case to a serial killer already suspected in three other murders, including the infamous Colonial Parkway killings.
Story Highlights
- DNA evidence links deceased Alan Wilmer Sr. to Laurie Ann Powell’s 1988 stabbing murder after 37 years.
- Wilmer was previously identified as a suspect in three other murders, including Colonial Parkway victims.
- Powell’s family finally receives closure after decades of unanswered questions about their daughter’s death.
- Investigators continue searching for additional crimes potentially committed by the serial killer.
DNA Breakthrough Solves Decades-Old Murder Case
Virginia State Police announced they have solved the 1988 murder of Laurie Ann Powell through DNA evidence linking the case to Alan Wilmer Sr., who died in 2017.
Powell, 18, was last seen walking along a Gloucester County road on March 8, 1988. Her stabbed body was discovered weeks later in the Elizabeth River near Craney Island. Authorities stated that if Wilmer were alive today, he would face murder charges for Powell’s death.
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 Multiple Virginia Murders
Wilmer’s identification as Powell’s killer adds another victim to his suspected crime spree. Last year, investigators determined he was responsible for three other murders between 1987 and 1989.
The victims included David Knobling and Robin Edwards, whose 1987 deaths were part of the notorious Colonial Parkway murder series that terrorized Virginia. Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell’s 1989 murder also bears Wilmer’s signature, according to police findings.
Investigation Continues for Additional Cold Cases
Virginia State Police are actively investigating whether Wilmer committed additional crimes during his lifetime. Spokesperson Robin Lawson emphasized the department’s continued efforts to seek justice for victims of unsolved crimes.
Captain Timothy Reibel encouraged public assistance, noting that any tip could help solve other cold cases potentially connected to Wilmer’s criminal activities across Virginia.
Family Finds Closure After Four Decades of Grief
Powell’s sister, Cindy Kirchner, delivered an emotional tribute to her murdered sibling at the police news conference. She described Laurie Ann as a bold, brave young woman who was “full of life, witty, smart and beautifully herself.”
Kirchner expressed her family’s relief at finally receiving answers after 37 years of heartbreak and uncertainty. While acknowledging that nothing can erase their pain, she found comfort in knowing the truth about her sister’s killer has finally emerged.
