The recent resolution of a decades-old murder case in Montgomery County has brought the name Eugene Gligor into the spotlight. Thanks to the advancements in forensic DNA technology, a case that went unsolved for over twenty years finally found closure for the family of Leslie Preer and the Chevy Chase community.
In May 2001, Leslie Preer was found murdered in her Chevy Chase, Maryland home. For years, investigators searched for leads, but the case remained cold. That changed when forensic experts leveraged new DNA methods. Authorities discovered a breakthrough by re-examining evidence and matching a DNA profile to Eugene Gligor, a man who had previously been close to the Preer family.
According to FOX 5 DC, Gligor was once the boyfriend of Preer's teenage daughter. Neither the family nor the community had considered him a suspect at the time. Court documents later revealed that Leslie Preer died of blunt force trauma and strangulation. It was only due to a recent DNA match that Gligor's involvement came to light.
After the DNA evidence pointed to Gligor, authorities acted. WTOP News reports that Eugene Gligor pleaded guilty to second-degree murder inside a Montgomery County courtroom in May 2025. He accepted a plea deal, finally admitting his role in the tragic crime.
Lauren Preer, Leslie's daughter, shared her shock at the revelation. She recalled having met Gligor years later, unaware of his involvement in her mother's death. The emotional impact of the case, and the surprising outcome, underscores the value of persistent police work and technological progress.
For more coverage of Gligor’s plea and the investigation details, you may also visit this Washington Post article.
What set this case apart was how authorities utilized cutting-edge forensic techniques. Investigators developed a crucial DNA profile from blood evidence collected at the crime scene years earlier. This profile, when run through modern databases, finally linked Eugene Gligor to the crime scene. This kind of technology has been instrumental in solving numerous cold cases, giving hope to victims' families and allowing justice to catch up with those responsible.
Authorities encourage anyone interested in the technology behind such breakthroughs to read reports on how DNA evidence and discarded items, as one WTOP article describes, become invaluable tools in the hands of investigators.
The case of Eugene Gligor is a testament to the power of modern forensic science. Through persistence and innovation, justice was finally served for Leslie Preer and her family. This story is a reminder that even the coldest cases can be solved. For those following true crime or forensic advancements, staying informed about cases like this highlights the importance of never giving up on justice.