Full Breakdown
Advances in Genetic Genealogy Solve 23-Year-Old Murder Case
9/13/2025, 12:19:59 PM
Overview of the Cold Case
The murder of Leslie Preer, a 49-year-old mother and wife from Chevy Chase, Maryland, remained unsolved for over two decades after her body was discovered in her home in 2001. The case gained renewed attention when Detectives Tara Augustin and Alyson Dupouy from the Montgomery County Department of Police utilized advances in genetic genealogy to identify the perpetrator, Eugene Gligor.
Investigation and Initial Suspicions
Upon re-examining the original evidence, Augustin and Dupouy found that Leslie had died from blunt force trauma. Initial investigations had cast suspicion on her husband, Carl "Sandy" Preer, due to his behavior and a failed polygraph test. However, DNA evidence collected from under Leslie's fingernails did not match Sandy, leaving the case cold for years.
Breakthrough Through Genetic Genealogy
In 2022, the detectives began leveraging genetic genealogy techniques, which involve comparing DNA samples to public genetic databases. They received an enhanced DNA profile from Othram, a genetic genealogy company, and built family trees based on low-match DNA results. Their investigation led them to a family line in Romania, ultimately connecting the name Gligor to Eugene Gligor, Leslie's daughter's former boyfriend.
Arrest and Guilty Plea
After confirming Eugene Gligor's familial connection through DNA collected from a discarded water bottle, detectives arrested him. Initially denying involvement, Gligor later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in May 2024. His sentencing took place on August 28, 2025, where he received a 22-year prison term.
Impact on Victim's Family and Community
Detectives Augustin and Dupouy maintained close communication with Leslie's daughter, Lauren Preer, throughout the investigation. The resolution of the case provided a sense of closure for Lauren and her family, as they had long suspected Sandy's innocence. Augustin expressed the emotional weight of the case, stating, "It was a sense of closure and just rewarding, letting them know we got the guy and we didn't forget about Leslie."
Official Statements and Responses
The Montgomery County Police Department emphasized the importance of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases, highlighting the technology's potential to bring justice to victims and their families. The detectives noted that the case's resolution was a significant achievement for their cold case unit.
Broader Implications of Genetic Genealogy
The successful application of genetic genealogy in the Preer case reflects a growing trend in law enforcement to utilize advanced forensic techniques to solve long-standing cold cases. This method has also been instrumental in other cases, such as the identification of Eric “Ricky” Singer, a missing person from 1973, and Veronica Jane Miller, whose remains were identified after decades.
Conclusion
The resolution of Leslie Preer's murder through genetic genealogy not only highlights the advancements in forensic science but also underscores the emotional and psychological impact on families affected by unsolved crimes. As law enforcement agencies increasingly adopt these technologies, the hope remains that more cold cases will find resolution, bringing justice to victims and closure to their families.
