24 Years Of Deception: The Shocking Timeline Of Eugene Gligor's Cold Case Murder And His Life In Hiding

The case of Eugene Gligor, a seemingly successful Washington D.C. real estate professional, has captivated the public, not just for the brutal nature of the crime, but for the astonishing 24-year period he spent living a double life after committing murder. As of late December 2025, the final chapter of this chilling cold case has been written, with Gligor now serving a lengthy prison sentence, bringing a long-awaited measure of justice to the family of his victim, Leslie Preer. This article delves into the complete, updated timeline of the crime, his years in hiding, and the modern forensic science that ultimately led to his downfall.

The story serves as a stark reminder of how long secrets can be kept and how advances in DNA technology are fundamentally changing the landscape of cold case investigations across the United States. Gligor's conviction, a result of dedicated police work and a crucial piece of discarded evidence, marks a significant, history-making moment in the Montgomery County judicial system.

Eugene Gligor: A Detailed Biographical Profile

The man at the center of this decades-long mystery, Eugene Teodor Gligor, maintained a low profile until his arrest in 2024. The details of his life, both before and after the 2001 murder, paint a picture of a man who successfully hid in plain sight for over two decades.

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• Full Name: Eugene Teodor Gligor
• Age: 45 (at time of sentencing)
• Date of Birth: Approximately 1979 (based on age at sentencing)
• Last Known Residence: Washington, D.C.
• Victim: Leslie Preer (50 years old at the time of her death)
• Crime: Second-Degree Murder (Pleaded Guilty)
• Date of Crime: May 2, 2001
• Location of Crime: Leslie Preer’s home in Chevy Chase, Maryland
• Career (Pre-Arrest): Worked at a real estate firm; was associated with the Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA).
• Sentence: 22 years in prison, followed by five years of probation.
• Sentencing Date: October 28, 2025 (or similar date in late 2025)
• Current Incarceration: Housed at Maryland Correctional Training Center in Washington County, Maryland.
• Motive: Had been in a relationship with Leslie Preer's daughter, and the murder was linked to this personal connection.

The Chilling Cold Case: 2001 Murder of Leslie Preer

The tragic events that led to Gligor's eventual conviction began on May 2, 2001, in the affluent community of Chevy Chase, Maryland. Leslie Preer, a 50-year-old mother, was found dead in her home. The scene was immediately recognized as a homicide, but for years, the case remained stubbornly cold.

Investigators at the time were unable to connect the evidence to a suspect, and the case file grew dusty. The murder hung over the community and the victim's family, becoming a painful, unresolved mystery. Leslie Preer’s daughter, who had been in a relationship with Gligor, was a key figure in the initial investigation, though Gligor himself was not immediately identified as the killer.

The Double Life: Eugene Gligor Hides in Plain Sight

While the Preer family grieved and the police struggled for leads, Eugene Gligor began what would become over two decades of living a quiet, unassuming life. He moved on to a career in the real estate sector, establishing himself in Washington, D.C. He worked at a real estate firm and was involved in industry groups, presenting the image of a respectable professional.

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This period of deception is one of the most unsettling aspects of the case. Gligor was able to operate freely, living in an apartment in D.C. and participating in professional life, all while knowing he was responsible for a brutal, unsolved murder. His ability to maintain this façade for 23 years highlights a profound level of psychological detachment.

The Breakthrough: How DNA Technology Solved a 24-Year Mystery

The turning point in the Leslie Preer cold case came years later, thanks to advancements in forensic science, specifically the use of genetic genealogy and sophisticated DNA analysis. The original crime scene evidence, which included DNA, had been meticulously preserved by the Montgomery County Police Department.

In the mid-2020s, a renewed focus on the cold case led investigators to re-examine the DNA. They were able to use the sample to create a profile that pointed towards the Gligor family. This is where the story takes a dramatic turn, as police began surveillance on potential suspects.

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The Crucial Water Bottle and the Arrest

The final, irrefutable link to Eugene Gligor was established through a simple, yet crucial, piece of discarded evidence: a water bottle. Police were able to covertly collect a DNA sample from an item Gligor had used and discarded. When this sample was analyzed and compared to the DNA found at the 2001 crime scene, it was a perfect match.

Gligor, who was 44 at the time, was arrested and charged with the murder of Leslie Preer. The arrest sent shockwaves through the D.C. real estate community and among those who knew him. He had been a ghost, and suddenly, he was front-page news.

Plea, Sentencing, and Life Behind Bars

Facing overwhelming DNA evidence, Eugene Gligor ultimately chose not to proceed to a full trial. In a Montgomery County courtroom, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, admitting his role in the 2001 killing. This plea avoided a potentially longer sentence had he been convicted of first-degree murder.

In a proceeding that made history for the county's cold case unit, Gligor was sentenced in late October 2025 to 22 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised probation. Prosecutors had initially sought a 30-year sentence, but the final judgment reflected the plea agreement. The judge’s decision ensured that Gligor would spend a substantial portion of his remaining life incarcerated.

The sentencing hearing provided a platform for the victim's family to finally achieve closure, even as they recounted the decades of pain and uncertainty. Leslie Preer's daughter and other relatives expressed the profound impact of the crime and the relief of seeing justice served after 24 long years.

Current Status and Incarceration

As of today, Eugene Gligor is serving his sentence at the Maryland Correctional Training Center in Washington County, Maryland. Reports indicate that even while incarcerated, Gligor has maintained a "studious bearing" and has reportedly assisted in teaching programs within the jailhouse environment. This continues the pattern of his life—a seemingly intellectual and composed individual hiding a violent past.

The case of Eugene Gligor is a powerful testament to the persistence of law enforcement and the revolutionary impact of modern forensic genealogy. It underscores a critical message for cold case criminals: the passage of time no longer guarantees freedom, as DNA evidence has no statute of limitations. The final resolution in late 2025 closed one of Montgomery County’s most enduring and tragic cold case files.