The Cold Case of Leslie J. Preer: A Decades-Long Mystery Solved Through DNA Evidence and Genetic Genealogical Analysis
On May 2, 2001, the life of Leslie J. Preer, a 50-year-old mother, was tragically cut short in her home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The brutal murder sent shockwaves through the community, leaving behind a family torn apart by grief and a police investigation that would ultimately go cold. Fast forward to 2022, and the case would finally see a breakthrough, thanks to the power of DNA evidence and genetic genealogical analysis.
The Investigation
In the early hours of May 2, 2001, Leslie Preer’s body was discovered by a coworker in her upstairs bedroom. The scene was gruesome, with signs of a brutal struggle and blunt-force trauma. The Montgomery County Police Department launched an investigation, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Despite their best efforts, no suspect was ever identified, and the case went cold.
Over the years, the police department continued to revisit the case, re-examining evidence and following up on leads. However, the lack of concrete evidence and the passage of time made it increasingly challenging to make progress.
The Breakthrough
In September 2022, the Montgomery County Police Department made a breakthrough in the case. DNA evidence from the crime scene, which had been stored for over two decades, was re-submitted to a lab for forensic genetic genealogical DNA analysis. This cutting-edge technique allows investigators to compare crime scene DNA to samples submitted by customers of private genealogical companies.
The analysis led to the identification of Eugene T. Gligor, who was 21 years old at the time of the murder and had a relationship with Leslie Preer’s daughter, Lauren. Gligor’s DNA matched the DNA evidence from the crime scene, providing a crucial link to the suspect.
The Connection
Gligor’s connection to the crime was further established through his relationship with Lauren Preer. According to reports, Gligor began dating Lauren when she was 15 years old, and their families knew each other. The exact nature of Gligor’s relationship with Leslie Preer is unclear, but it is evident that he had a significant connection to the Preer family.
The Arrest
On Tuesday, the US Marshals Service’s fugitive task force arrested Gligor in Washington D.C. He is currently awaiting extradition to Montgomery County, where he will face charges of first-degree murder.
The Impact
The arrest of Eugene T. Gligor brings closure to the Preer family, who have waited decades for justice. Lauren Preer, Leslie’s daughter, expressed her emotions upon learning of the arrest, saying, “It’s been a hell of a day! He was my ex-boyfriend!”
The case highlights the power of DNA evidence and genetic genealogical analysis in solving cold cases. It also underscores the importance of persistence and dedication in investigating crimes.
The Montgomery County Police Department’s Assistant Chief, Nicholas Augustine, praised the investigative work, stating, “We will go many years, whether it’s 20 or 40 years, to find out the answers and hold people accountable for violent incidents that happened in the past.”
The Case File
Leslie J. Preer was a 50-year-old mother who worked for Specialties Inc., an advertising production company in Northwest D.C. She was found dead in her home in the 4800 block of Drummond Avenue in the Chevy Chase area. The scene was brutal, with visible signs of a struggle and blunt-force trauma.
The investigation revealed that Leslie had been killed in her bedroom, with no signs of forced entry or forced exit. Neighbors reported hearing nothing unusual on the night of the murder, and there were no prior problems reported at the Preer home.
The Impact on the Community
The murder of Leslie J. Preer sent shockwaves through the community, leaving behind a family torn apart by grief. The case went cold, and the community was left to wonder about the identity of the killer.
The arrest of Eugene T. Gligor brings closure to the Preer family and the community. It is a testament to the power of DNA evidence and genetic genealogical analysis in solving cold cases and bringing justice to victims and their families.
Conclusion
The case of Leslie J. Preer is a remarkable example of the power of DNA evidence and genetic genealogical analysis in solving cold cases. The arrest of Eugene T. Gligor brings closure to the Preer family and the community, and serves as a reminder of the importance of persistence and dedication in investigating crimes.
As the Montgomery County Police Department’s Assistant Chief, Nicholas Augustine, so eloquently put it, “We will go many years, whether it’s 20 or 40 years, to find out the answers and hold people accountable for violent incidents that happened in the past.”