Search for 1988 Colonial Parkway victims fruitless

YORKTOWN

A weekend hunt for the remains of a young couple who disappeared more than 20 years ago failed to turn up any sign of them.

Cadaver dogs from the search and rescue group K-9 Alert hit on an area Saturday about two miles from where the pair's car was found on a Colonial Parkway overlook in April 1988.

Cassandra Hailey and Richard "Keith" Call are the presumed victims of a serial killer who stalked Hampton Roads in the 1980s, although no trace of them has been found.

Investigators believe three other young couples slain on or near the picturesque Colonial Parkway probably fell victim to the same killer.

The cases went cold more than a decade ago and only recently gained momentum when authorities announced plans to retest evidence using new technology. Results are expected by year's end.

Family and friends of the victims helped in Saturday's search and responded with cautious optimism when three cadaver dogs hit on a spot not previously combed over.

Authorities excavated the site Sunday but determined the area had not been disturbed, said Bill Thomas, broth er of one of the first victims of the so-called Colonial Parkway killer.

"More searches will continue," Thomas said in an e-mail.

Kristin Davis, (757) 222-5208, kristin.davis@pilotonline.com