Attorney General Jason Miyares of the Commonwealth of Virginia has announced that the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) team of the Office of Attorney General has successfully solved two cold cases in Hampton Roads. The cases involved the murders of David Knobling and Robin Edwards in Isle Of Wight in 1987, and the murder of Teresa Lynn Spaw Howell in Hampton in 1989. These cases remained unsolved for decades until DNA evidence linked Alan W. Wilmer Sr. to the crimes. It was confirmed that Edwards and Howell were sexually assaulted.
The SAKI team played a crucial role in these investigations by providing essential funding for two dedicated intelligence analysts from the Virginia Department of State Police's Unsolved Violent Crimes and Cold Cases Analytical Support Team. These analysts worked alongside a multi-agency investigative team and made significant contributions to the resolution of the cold cases.
Attorney General Miyares expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the SAKI team, stating, "By bringing closure to these cold cases, they have provided solace to the victims' families and demonstrated the steadfast dedication of our law enforcement agencies in pursuing justice, regardless of the passage of time." He also commended the sexual assault program for funding these investigations and shedding light on long-standing cold cases.
The work of the intelligence analysts funded by SAKI does not stop here. They continue to investigate and support efforts in other sexually motivated homicides and sexual assaults across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The successful resolution of these cold cases is a testament to the commitment and persistence of law enforcement agencies in Virginia. The use of DNA evidence and the collaboration between different agencies have proven to be crucial in solving these crimes and bringing justice to the victims and their families.
As Attorney General Miyares rightly pointed out, "I’m very proud of our sexual assault program for funding these investigations and shedding light on these cold cases." The closure brought to these cases not only provides justice but also serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies will tirelessly pursue justice, no matter how much time has passed.
For further information, please contact Attorney General Miyares' office at (804) 786-2071 or visit their website at www.oag.state.va.us.
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