The Tragic Murder That Shook Chevy Chase
Leslie Preer, a 49-year-old devoted mother and wife, met a violent end in her upscale Chevy Chase home back in May 2001. Authorities discovered her body in the upstairs bathroom, where she suffered fatal blunt force trauma. The crime stunned the affluent suburb near Washington, D.C., turning a peaceful neighborhood into a scene of suspicion and fear.
Investigators initially eyed Leslie’s husband, Carl “Sandy” Preer, amid reports of marital issues and his failed polygraph test. Yet DNA evidence from under Leslie’s fingernails pointed to an unknown male, clearing Sandy early on. Sandy passed away in 2017 without seeing justice served.
The Cold Case That Refused to Stay Buried
For years, the case languished in Montgomery County’s cold case files. Detectives revisited evidence multiple times, but leads dried up. The Preer family, especially daughter Lauren, kept the memory alive, hoping for a breakthrough.
In 2022, a fresh team of detectives—Tara Augustin and Alyson Dupouy—took over. They emphasized starting from scratch, ignoring past assumptions to focus purely on facts.
Revolutionary Role of Genetic Genealogy
The turning point came through cutting-edge genetic genealogy. Partnering with Othram, a forensic DNA firm, detectives enhanced the crime scene DNA profile and cross-referenced it with public databases. This method built family trees from distant matches, tracing back to a Romanian lineage and the surname Gligor.
Surveillance led to Eugene Teodor Gligor, Lauren Preer’s high school ex-boyfriend. Police collected his DNA from a discarded water bottle at Dulles Airport, confirming a match in June 2024. Gligor, then 45, faced arrest in Washington, D.C., and extradition to Maryland.
Shocking Sentencing and Emotional Apologies
On August 28, 2025, Gligor received a 22-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. In court, a tearful Gligor expressed remorse, apologizing repeatedly to the Preer family and claiming blackouts from drug and alcohol use clouded his memory of the crime.
He noted Leslie had always been kind to him during his teenage relationship with Lauren. However, the family dismissed his words as insincere, highlighting the 24 years of trauma they endured.
Voices from Experts and the Community
Detective Augustin reflected on the victory: “It’s bittersweet because the family has lost someone great, but it’s good to see the hard work pay off.” She praised genetic genealogy for breathing new life into stalled investigations.
Public reactions echoed relief mixed with sorrow. The case’s resolution rippled through the Chevy Chase community, reigniting discussions on unresolved crimes and the emotional toll on families. Online forums and local media buzzed with support for the Preers, underscoring a collective demand for justice in cold cases.
Ripple Effects on American Justice and Technology
This breakthrough highlights how DNA advancements are revolutionizing U.S. law enforcement. Genetic genealogy has cracked dozens of cold cases nationwide in recent years, offering hope to thousands of families. It impacts everyday Americans by enhancing public safety, deterring potential crimes through better forensics, and pushing for more funding in police tech.
On a broader scale, it influences policy debates around privacy in genetic databases, balancing justice with individual rights. For tech-savvy readers, it showcases how consumer DNA kits inadvertently aid investigations, potentially affecting millions who use services like Ancestry or 23andMe.
Justice Served, But Questions Linger
The sentencing of Eugene Gligor closes a painful chapter for the Preer family after 23 agonizing years. While motive remains unclear, the case proves persistence and technology can conquer time. Looking ahead, experts predict more cold case resolutions as genetic tools evolve, bringing closure to even more American families grappling with unsolved mysteries.