Mugshot Mysteries
Some cases are solved. Most aren’t. All of them are worth talking about.
Mugshot Mysteries is a true crime, paranormal, and unsolved mysteries podcast hosted by Kathryn and Gabriel — two people who take the cases seriously but not themselves. Expect deep research, psychological analysis, dark humor, and two hosts who aren’t afraid to disagree, go down rabbit holes, or call each other out when one of them starts believing in ghost pirates.
Ghost ships. Serial killers. Haunted houses. Healthcare scandals. Exorcisms. If it’s unsolved, unexplained, or unforgettable, we’re putting it in the lineup.
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Mugshot Mysteries
Colonial Parkway Murders: DNA Solved 2 of 8. Who Killed the Rest?
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Between 1986-1989, eight young people were murdered or vanished along Virginia's Colonial Parkway. For 37 years, families sought answers. In January 2024, DNA identified a suspect: Alan Wade Wilmer Sr., a commercial fisherman who died in 2017.
THE VICTIMS:
- Cathy Thomas (27) & Rebecca Dowski (21) - Oct 1986
- David Knobling (20) & Robin Edwards (14) - Sept 1987
- Keith Call (20) & Cassandra Hailey (18) - April 1988 (still missing)
- Daniel Lauer (21) & Annamaria Phelps (18) - Sept 1989
THE BREAKTHROUGH: January 2024: DNA links Wilmer to Knobling/Edwards murders | Also connected to Teresa Howell killing (1989) | Wilmer was "suspect number one" in 1987 but passed polygraph | FBI sought him in blue 1966 Dodge pickup for approaching couples | Known as "Pokey," lived on boat "Denni Wade" | Commercial fisherman with access to waterways | Died 2017 before charges filed | DNA never entered into CODIS database—a critical failure
WHAT WE COVER: How DNA finally identified Wilmer after 37 years | Why polygraphs failed | The 2009 photo leak scandal exposing 80+ crime scene images | Law enforcement impersonation theory | Nautical connections and waterway access | Single vs. multiple killer debate | Why three cases remain unsolved | Where Keith and Cassandra's bodies might be
KEY QUESTIONS: Was Wilmer responsible for all eight murders? | Why wasn't his DNA in the system earlier? | Who else might be involved? | Will the other cases ever be solved?
SOURCES: Virginia State Police & FBI (2024-25) | "A Special Kind of Evil" by Blaine Pardoe & Victoria Hester | Daily Press, Virginian-Pilot, Richmond Times-Dispatch | "Lovers' Lane Murders" (Oxygen, 2021) | Bill Thomas advocacy & "The Family Perspective" (Forensic Genomics, 2020) | FBI profiler Jim Clemente | Detective Steve Spingola | Virginia Dept of Forensic Science
HAVE INFO? FBI: 1-800-CALL-FBI | tips.fbi.gov
DISCLAIMER: For educational/entertainment purposes only. Based on publicly available information. We are not legal/law enforcement professionals. Views are hosts' opinions, not official findings. Individuals discussed are presumed innocent unless convicted. Information may be incomplete or developing. We treat all victims and families with respect. Contact authorities directly with any information.
Three cases remain unsolved. Keith Call and Cassandra Hailey's bodies have never been found.
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