The tragic murder of Leslie Preer in 2001 remained a mystery for more than two decades. Her story, resonating with many in Montgomery County and beyond, has now reached a turning point. Thanks to advances in forensic science and tireless investigative work, justice is finally being served for Leslie Preer and her loved ones.
Leslie Preer, a 44-year-old mother living in Chevy Chase, Maryland, was found dead in the bathroom of her home in 2001. The horrific circumstances of her murder devastated her family and sent shockwaves through the local community. Investigators recovered unidentified male DNA from the crime scene. Despite thorough analysis at the time, no match could be found, leaving the case cold for more than 20 years.
Technology finally offered answers. In 2022, authorities received authorization to use forensic genetic genealogy—a cutting-edge approach. By uploading the unknown DNA profile into a commercial testing database, investigators found distant family matches that led them to Eugene Gligor. This breakthrough made Leslie Preer's case the first in Montgomery County to be cracked through familial DNA. You can read more about this remarkable development in WTOP's coverage of the trial and investigation.
Detectives traced the DNA profile to Eugene Gligor, who had a past connection to the Preer family through her daughter. Further, surveillance at Dulles International Airport allowed investigators to collect a discarded water bottle used by Gligor. DNA analysis confirmed he was linked to the crime scene. This conclusive evidence, combined with records and neighborhood tips from years prior, provided the closure Leslie Preer's family desperately needed.
In May 2025, Eugene Gligor pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in a Montgomery County courtroom. He faces up to 30 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for August. This outcome is not only a victory for the justice system but also a testament to the persistence of law enforcement. Full details on the arrest and courtroom developments are available on WUSA9’s in-depth report.
The resolution of Leslie Preer’s murder highlights the evolving role of technology in solving cold cases. This historic case shows how forensic genealogy can bring justice, even decades later. It also offers hope to families still waiting for answers in similar unsolved cases.
After twenty years of uncertainty, the Preer family can now rely on the truth revealed by dogged investigators and new technology. The case of Leslie Preer reminds us that even the coldest of cases can be solved with determination and scientific advances. For those interested in the future of DNA in criminal justice, Leslie Preer's case serves as a beacon of hope.