Colonial Parkway Murders

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The Colonial Parkway Case; The Peninsula Murders

Between 1986 and 1989, at least eight people (two each year) were murdered along a Virginia scenic route known as the Colonial Parkway. All four cases involve the slaying or disappearance of young people who were traveling by car in isolated areas. Two people are missing or presumed dead. The person responsible for these murders has never been caught. The F.B.I. has stated that these crimes are probably related. Authorities have speculated that the unidentified subject(s) responsible for these killings may have been (or remains)in law enforcement, possibly a police officer or security guard. One theory suggests the suspect may be a rogue C.I.A. operative from "the Farm" at Camp Peary in York County. Since there appears to be no sign of a struggle in the cases, it is believed the suspect uses his uniform, and/or vehicle to lure his victims into danger.

The first two victims were Rebecca Ann Dowski, 21 and Cathleen Marian Thomas, 27. Their bodies were discovered On October 12, 1986, inside their car. The vehicle had been pushed down an embankment. An autopsy found rope burns on their necks and wrists, signs of strangulation, and their throats had been slashed. Their purses and money were found inside the car. Both women were found fully clothed and there was no evidence of sexual assault.

In September of 1987 the bodies of David Knobling, 20, and Robin Edwards, 14, were discovered in the Ragged Island Wildlife Refuge. They had been murdered. The area they were found was on the south shore of the James River in Isle of Wight County, near Smithfield, Virginia. They were discovered about a mile down the river bank. Knobling's truck was parked at the Refuge several days prior to discovery of the bodies.

On April 9, 1988, Cassandra Lee Hailey and Richard Keith Call were reported missing after going on a first date together. Call's 1982 red Toyota Celica was found, abandoned on the Colonial Parkway in Yorktown, Virginia the following day. Neither body has ever been found, but both are presumed to be dead.

In October 19, 1989, the bodies of Annamaria Phelps, 18, and Daniel Lauer, 21, were found in New Kent County by a hunter in the woods near a rest area on Interstate 64 between Williamsburg and Richmond. They were found covered with a blanket. They had been missing since the previous month.

Rebecca Ann Dowski and Cathleen Marian Thomas

David Lee Knobling and Robin Edwards

Cassandra Lee Hailey and Richard Keith Call

Annamaria Phelps and Daniel Lauer

Suspect Theories

If you have any information concerning the Colonial Parkway Killer case or any of the victims, contact:

Virginia State Police, Det. James A. Huddle, 757-424-6850
and/or
Federal Bureau Of Investigation, Norfolk, Virginia Office, Agent Robert Wessells, 757-424-6855
NCIC Number:
M-871430466

This killer must be brought to justice. This cannot happen if this case is forgotten. This site will shed light on the crimes committed and present as much as we possibly can about what is known. Hopefully someone, somewhere will have the courage to speak up about what they know. Someone has to know something, has to have seen something that will lead to a resolution in this case.

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