Story perspectives

DNA Confirms 1977 Remains as Cindy Marcell Blizzard

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 4:40 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation identified the 1977 Wilson County remains as Cindy Marcell Blizzard, a 15-year-old runaway.
The remains and clothing were found Dec. 29, 1977 near the Firestone tire plant in Wilson, North Carolina.
Advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy in 2024 produced a SNP profile matching Blizzard’s relatives.
Special Investigator Andy Murr led the Cold Case Team, treating the death as a homicide and requesting tips.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the FBI activated the National DNA Index System (NDIS) under CODIS, following the 1994 DNA Identification Act and a 1990 pilot, creating a nationwide searchable DNA database. Using that framework, forensic genealogist Andy Murr’s 2024 team matched a SNP profile to 15-year-old Cindy Marcell Blizzard, solving a 30-year-old North Carolina homicide and joining more than 1,200 cold cases previously linked to relatives.

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Story summary

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation identified the 1977 Wilson County remains as Cindy Marcell Blizzard, a 15-year-old runaway.
The remains and clothing were found Dec. 29, 1977 near the Firestone tire plant in Wilson, North Carolina.
Advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy in 2024 produced a SNP profile matching Blizzard’s relatives.
Special Investigator Andy Murr led the Cold Case Team, treating the death as a homicide and requesting tips.

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