Breakthrough in Colonial Parkway Murders Case, Severe Storms, and More
Breakthrough in Colonial Parkway Murders Case, Severe Storms, and More
Historic Triangle News Roundup January 7 - January 13
Howdy! I am nursing a cold this morning, so I hope everyone is feeling better than I am. Fortunately, I did test negative for Covid. Reminder that you can order Covid tests for free online.
Okie-doke, let’s get to this week’s top stories:
Federal authorities identify killer in one Colonial Parkway Murder case
On Monday, federal investigators named now-deceased Alan Wilmer, a waterman from the Northern Neck, as responsible for the deaths of David Knobling, Robin Edwards and Teresa Howell in the late 1980s based on DNA evidence.
Knobling and Edwards are victims connected with a string of eight total killings known as the Colonial Parkway Murders. For years, no one suspected Wilmer, a small business owner and fisherman who died at the age of 63 in 2017.
Despite similarities to the other double homicides, this closed case does not necessarily tie Wilmer to all of the Colonial Parkway Murders, authorities said.
Flooding, damaged homes, and power outages after series of storms
Strong winds took out power lines and blew trees onto homes in storms on Tuesday and Friday last week, resulting in thousands of outages for the Hampton Roads area. More wet weather is expected in the coming week.
Dominion Energy said that it is halfway through its Strategic Underground Program, which seeks to bury lines to shorten the time it takes to restore power after an outage. You can view progress of that project in your area here.
A state work group recently published a report calling on the Commonwealth to create a centralized resiliency office to better coordinate municipal responses to flooding and severe weather.
Other Headlines
The historically diverse 2024 General Assembly started this week. There are many bills worth following, but one key item to watch will be Gov. Youngkin’s tax proposal. Some are skeptical of who that proposal will end up benefiting if passed.
There will be ceremonies, concerts, and walks around the Hampton Roads area this weekend to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. The National Park Service will also be offering free admission to many of its sites tomorrow.
The Heritage Humane Society launched its Hearts for Homeless Pets fundraiser this week which will go until Valentine’s Day. You can purchase paper hearts to display at the adoption center online here.
Upcoming Events
National Day of Racial Healing:
When: Jan. 16, 6 - 8 PM
Where: 4301 New Town Avenue, Williamsburg
Williamsburg Software Developers Group:
When: Jan. 17, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Where: Williamsburg Regional Library, 515 Scotland St, Williamsburg
Jamestown Settlement’s Director’s Series, VA Education Secretary Aimee R. Guidera:
When: Jan. 17, 7 PM
Where: Jamestown Settlement’s Robins Foundation Theater, 2110 Jamestown Rd.
That’s all I got for this week! Keep an eye out for another email from me this week - special surprise incoming!
Someone finally sent me a message through the Contact Form!
Cover photo from Chesapeake Fire Department.