Story perspectives

NC Burea of Investigation Identifies Wilson County Remains as Cindy Blizzard

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The North Carolina Bureau of Investigation identified the Wilson County remains as Cindy Marcell Blizzard, a 15-year-old from Maryland.
Investigators used advanced DNA testing and genealogy to match the victim’s SNP profile.
The case, reopened in 2010 and reexamined in 2024, led to the DNA analysis.
Special Investigator Andy Murr, with FBI and Maryland assistance, classified the death as an undetermined homicide.
Investigators request tips about the case at 919-582-TIPS.

History

Historical Context

In November 1987, Florida rapist Tommy Lee Andrews became the first person convicted using DNA fingerprinting, receiving a 22-year sentence and proving the method’s forensic value. Building on that breakthrough, FBI Special Agent Andy Murr employed SNP genealogy in 2024 to identify 15-year-old murder victim Cindy Blizzard, showing how DNA tools now solve cold cases nationwide.

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Story summary

The North Carolina Bureau of Investigation identified the Wilson County remains as Cindy Marcell Blizzard, a 15-year-old from Maryland.
Investigators used advanced DNA testing and genealogy to match the victim’s SNP profile.
The case, reopened in 2010 and reexamined in 2024, led to the DNA analysis.
Special Investigator Andy Murr, with FBI and Maryland assistance, classified the death as an undetermined homicide.
Investigators request tips about the case at 919-582-TIPS.

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