A brutal crime went unsolved for over two decades, haunting a quiet community in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Leslie Preer, a 50-year-old mother, was found dead in her home in 2001, a victim of strangulation. With no leads, the case went cold, but breakthroughs in DNA technology reignited the investigation. In May 2025, Eugene Gligor, 44, confessed to the murder, marking a stunning resolution to one of the region’s most enduring cold cases.
The case’s resolution brought relief to Preer’s family, yet raised questions about how the suspect evaded justice for so long. Lauren Preer, the victim’s daughter, was visibly emotional outside the courtroom after Gligor’s confession. The case underscores the transformative role of forensic advancements in criminal justice.
Key details of the case include:
- Leslie Preer was killed on May 2, 2001, in her Chevy Chase home.
- Initial investigations yielded no suspects, and the case was shelved.
- In 2024, genetic analysis pinpointed Gligor, a former neighbor.
- The confession took place on May 7, 2025, in Montgomery County court.
The story of Leslie Preer and the pursuit of justice highlights the challenges and triumphs of solving cold cases. The outcome reflects the persistence of investigators and the power of modern forensic science.
Breakthrough in forensic technology
Eugene Gligor’s identification as Leslie Preer’s killer hinged on advancements in DNA analysis. In 2024, investigators employed familial DNA testing, a method that cross-references crime scene samples with public genetic databases. This technique traced distant relatives of the suspect, ultimately leading to Gligor. DNA evidence collected at Preer’s home, preserved for over 20 years, proved pivotal in reopening the case.
The genetic analysis revealed that DNA from the crime scene matched a profile closely linked to Gligor, who was 20 and living nearby at the time of the murder. The revelation stunned the community, as Gligor had never been a suspect. Familial DNA testing has become a critical tool in resolving cold cases across the United States, breathing new life into investigations once deemed hopeless.
Timeline of the crime
Leslie Preer’s murder occurred on the morning of May 2, 2001. The victim, described as a devoted mother and respected professional, was discovered by a coworker after failing to appear for a meeting. Montgomery County police arrived at her Drummond Avenue home and confirmed she had been strangled. The absence of forced entry suggested the killer may have known Preer.
The initial investigation hit roadblocks. Despite collecting DNA evidence, police found no matches in databases available at the time. The case was archived, though detectives periodically revisited the evidence. In 2023, the police announced new genetic analyses, renewing hope for Preer’s family.
The breakthrough came in June 2024. Using forensic genealogy, authorities identified Gligor, who was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Washington, D.C. His confession, nearly a year later, provided the long-awaited resolution.
Community response
Eugene Gligor’s confession sent shockwaves through Chevy Chase, a neighborhood known for its serenity. Neighbors of Preer, many still living in the area, expressed a mix of relief and sorrow as they recalled the crime. Preer’s death rattled the community in 2001, and the case remained a topic of discussion for years.
A local resident, speaking anonymously, described the lingering impact of the unsolved murder. The lack of answers fueled speculation and unease in the neighborhood. The case’s resolution, though delayed, was seen as a step toward restoring faith in justice. Community events planned for 2025 are expected to include tributes to Preer’s memory.
Lauren Preer, Leslie’s daughter, has been a vocal advocate for justice. After Gligor’s confession, she was seen in tears outside the courtroom, a moment that drew significant local media coverage. The community rallied around the family, with messages of support flooding social media platforms.
#BREAKING There’s a plea in the 2-DECADE OLD COLD CASE MURDER of a Chevy Chase mother.
— Stephanie Ramirez (@RamirezReports) May 7, 2025
I’m at the Montgomery County courthouse now where 44yo Eugene Gligor just entered a guilty plea for 2nd Degree Murder in the 2001 murder of Leslie Preer.
Who is he? #GoodDayDC on @fox5dc NOW pic.twitter.com/ry4E4KbTJW
Details of the confession
On May 7, 2025, Eugene Gligor pleaded guilty to Leslie Preer’s murder in Montgomery County court. The hearing was emotional, with Preer’s daughter and other relatives in attendance. The judge accepted Gligor’s plea for second-degree murder, with sentencing scheduled for August 28, 2025.
Prosecutors disclosed that Gligor provided a detailed account of the crime, including how he entered Preer’s home. He faces up to 30 years in prison, a penalty reflecting the case’s severity. The plea resulted from negotiations between the defense and prosecution, sparing the family a lengthy trial.
Notable aspects of the proceedings include:
- Gligor had no significant criminal record prior to his arrest.
- His confession detailed the use of physical force in the killing.
- Prosecutors emphasized the role of familial DNA in solving the case.
- Preer’s family requested the maximum sentence during the hearing.
Role of familial DNA
The familial DNA technique used to identify Gligor has revolutionized criminal investigations. Unlike traditional DNA analysis, which seeks exact matches in police databases, forensic genealogy leverages public platforms like GEDmatch to find distant relatives. This approach has resolved high-profile cases, including that of the Golden State Killer.
In Preer’s case, DNA samples from 2001 were reexamined with modern technology. Identifying Gligor required months of work, as investigators built a family tree from partial matches. The process is labor-intensive but increasingly effective, prompting police departments to invest in forensic labs.
Key facts about familial DNA:
- Over 500 cold cases have been solved in the U.S. using this method since 2018.
- Public genetic databases contain millions of voluntary profiles.
- Privacy concerns have sparked ethical debates about DNA use.
- Maryland allocated $2 million to forensic genealogy since 2022.
Leslie Preer’s legacy
Leslie Preer was a beloved figure in Chevy Chase. At 50, she worked as a project manager and was known for her dedication to her family and community. Her daughter, Lauren, often shared stories of her mother’s warmth and commitment. Preer was active in local events and volunteered for charitable causes.
Friends remembered Preer as kind and engaging. Her death left a void in the community, with annual tributes held in her honor. A 2001 obituary highlighted her love for gardening and her knack for bringing people together. The case’s resolution has revived these memories, with residents reflecting on her enduring impact.
Eugene Gligor’s background
Eugene Gligor, now 44, was 20 at the time of the crime. Raised in Chevy Chase, just blocks from Preer’s home, he moved in similar social circles. After the murder, Gligor lived an unremarkable life, avoiding suspicion. He worked as a financial consultant in Washington, D.C., until his 2024 arrest.
Investigations found no direct connection between Gligor and Preer, though their proximity suggests a possible casual acquaintance. His lack of prior criminal history made his identification all the more shocking. During the hearing, Gligor remained silent except for his formal guilty plea.
Police efforts
The Montgomery County Police Department pursued Leslie Preer’s case for decades. Detectives revisited evidence regularly, even after the case went cold. In 2018, the department established a cold case unit, prioritizing advanced forensic technologies. This unit spearheaded the DNA reanalysis that led to the 2024 breakthrough.
Collaboration with U.S. Marshals was critical. After identifying Gligor, authorities monitored him for weeks before his arrest. The operation involved federal and local agents, underscoring the complexity of apprehending suspects in old cases. The police aim to use this case as a blueprint for future investigations.
Tributes to the victim
Leslie Preer’s memory endures in Chevy Chase. Following Gligor’s confession, the community held vigils to honor her. A commemorative plaque is planned for a local park, with an unveiling set for late 2025. Preer’s family expressed gratitude for the community’s support over the years.
Local schools and churches are organizing events in Preer’s memory. A charity fund in her name, established by Lauren, has raised thousands for causes she championed. While the case’s resolution brought closure, it also reaffirmed Preer’s legacy as an inspiring figure.
Future of forensic genealogy
The Preer case underscores the potential of forensic genealogy to reshape criminal justice. Police departments worldwide are adopting the technique, though they face challenges like funding constraints and ethical concerns. Maryland plans to expand its use of familial DNA, with a proposed $5 million budget for 2026.
Experts predict continued advancements in the technology, enabling even more precise analyses. Cold cases once thought unsolvable now have renewed hope. The Chevy Chase case stands as a milestone for the future of criminal investigations.
Judicial proceedings
Eugene Gligor’s case is nearing its final stages. Following his confession, prosecutors are preparing arguments for the August 2025 sentencing. Preer’s family plans to deliver impact statements, detailing the pain of their loss. The judge will weigh factors like the plea and the crime’s brutality in determining the sentence.
Gligor’s defense sought leniency, citing his clean record and cooperation. Prosecutors, however, argue that the murder’s violence warrants a harsh penalty. The case has drawn national attention, with legal experts discussing the role of familial DNA in courtrooms.
Community legacy
Leslie Preer’s murder and its resolution after 24 years have left an indelible mark on Chevy Chase. The community, long grappling with uncertainty, is finding ways to move forward. Local events will include discussions on safety and justice, inspired by the case.
Preer’s story has also sparked media interest, with a documentary series slated for 2026. Producers describe the case as a testament to technology’s role in solving crimes. The victim’s family, while relieved, requested privacy as they prepare for Gligor’s sentencing.
