Murder of Cynthia Gastelle
Cynthia Joan Gastelle was a formerly unidentified American murder victim who disappeared on April 3, 1980.[1] Her body was found two years later, but remained unidentified for 30 years before matching of mitochondrial DNA entered into the national DNA database provided her identity.[2][3]
Cynthia Gastelle | |
---|---|
Portrait of Gastelle | |
Born | Cynthia Joan Gastelle September 4, 1961 Washington, DC |
Disappeared | April 3, 1980 |
Status | Remains identified after 32 years |
Died | c. April 1980 (aged 18) |
Cause of death | Homicide by stabbing |
Body discovered | February 1982 |
Known for | Unidentified victim of homicide |
Circumstances
Cynthia was last seen heading to a job interview at a deli in Takoma Park, Maryland. She had left home around 10:30 and had boarded a Ride On bus to Silver Spring according to her brother Peter Gastelle.[4] Cynthia had run away twice before so her family waited a few days before reporting her missing.[5]
Cynthia's skeletal remains were found on February 12, 1982[6] upon Bull Run Mountain in Haymarket, Virginia; they were located in a secluded wooded area.[4]
Identification
In 2001, DNA from Cynthia's relatives were entered into the national DNA database. It was revealed in June 2012 that a match had been made.[4]
References
- "UPDATE: 1980s Missing Person Case Becomes Homicide Investigation". Bristow Beat. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
- "Cynthia Gastelle's Remains Identified: 32 Years Later, Cops Link Remains To Missing Woman". Huffington Post. June 13, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
- "Remains of Missing Teen IDed After 32 Years". NBC4 Washington. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
- "Remains of Cynthia Gastelle of Takoma Park identified 32 years after her disappearance". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
- "Police keep looking for answers to unidentified remains". The Washington Times. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
- "Cynthia Gastelle's Remains Identified: 32 Years Later, Cops Link Remains To Missing Woman". Huffington Post. Retrieved January 12, 2016.