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FBI Norfolk Announces Resolution of 1986 Colonial Parkway Murders of Cathleen Thomas and Rebecca Dowski

News2026-01-20

January 20, 2026 - The FBI Norfolk Field Office, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, on January 20 announced the resolution of the 1986 cold case murders of Cathleen Thomas and Rebecca Dowski, victims of the Colonial Parkway murders.

Through persistent investigation and breakthroughs in forensic technology, the FBI has determined that Alan Wade Wilmer Sr. of Lancaster County, who died in 2017, murdered Thomas and Dowski. Wilmer Sr. is connected to a series of at least six murders and disappearances of young people in Virginia between 1986 and 1989. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia confirmed that, had Wilmer Sr. been alive today, the evidence developed through this investigation would have supported federal prosecution.

Between 1986 and 1989, a series of violent crimes occurred along or near Virginia’s Colonial Parkway and surrounding areas, resulting in the murders and disappearances of at least eight young people. These crimes became collectively known as the Colonial Parkway murders, one of the most complex and enduring cold case investigations in Virginia history. 

Thomas, 27, and Dowski, 21, were last seen together in October 1986. Their bodies were later discovered inside their vehicle along the Colonial Parkway. Despite extensive investigative efforts at the time, the case remained unsolved for decades.

Thomas was a vibrant young woman known for her compassion, intelligence, and close relationships with family and friends. Dowski was a talented musician and college student with a promising future, remembered for her creativity, kindness and love of music. Their lives were tragically cut short, but they were never forgotten by the investigators who continued to pursue justice on their behalf.

Critical breakthroughs were made possible by advances in forensic science and DNA analysis, which provided investigative opportunities unavailable at the time of the murders. These advancements, combined with exhaustive case review and investigative dedication, ultimately led to the identification of Wilmer Sr. as responsible.  

“I am incredibly proud of the work done by the men and women of FBI Norfolk, whose tenacity and commitment to justice never wavered,” said Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI Norfolk Field Office. “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 extends its sincere appreciation to our partner agencies and the investigators whose commitment and determination ensured these cases remained active over the years,” the division said. “We also thank our community for its continued support and valuable information. It is our hope that this development provides the families with a measure of closure, comfort, and peace.”

"The Virginia State Police greatly appreciates the tireless work of investigators throughout the years and is grateful to have worked alongside our local and federal partners on bringing this case to a close," said Col. Jeffrey Katz, superintendent of the Virginia State Police. "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."

FBI Norfolk thanks the families of Cathleen Thomas and Rebecca Dowski for attending the January 20 announcement and for their patience, strength and perseverance over nearly four decades. We hope today’s resolution brings peace and a measure of closure to those who have endured years of uncertainty.

While January 20 represents an important milestone, the work is not finished. Investigators continue to actively pursue unsolved cases related to the Colonial Parkway murders. The FBI remains dedicated to seeking justice for all victims.

The FBI extends its sincere gratitude to law enforcement partners who have remained committed to this investigation for four decades. This case would not have reached resolution without the perseverance and collaboration of the Virginia State Police, Hampton Police Division, and the Suffolk Police Department.

Additional support for this investigation was provided by the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, who funded analytical support and testing via the Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI).

FBI Norfolk
Public Affairs Officer Cassandra Temple
(757) 455-0100

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)