“First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder”: 20/20 Reports on Leslie Preer Homicide September 12 2025

On Friday, September 12, 2025, 20/20 will air a two-hour true crime special titled First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder at 9:01 p.m. EDT on ABC. Reported by correspondent Stephanie Ramos, the episode explores the haunting 2001 murder of Leslie Preer, a devoted mother and respected advertising executive in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The case remained unsolved for over two decades before a stunning forensic breakthrough and the use of advanced DNA technology pointed to an unexpected killer: her daughter’s ex-boyfriend, Eugene Teodor Gligor.

This feature examines the chilling events surrounding the murder, the decades-long investigation, and the final justice brought through genetic genealogy.

The Murder of Leslie Preer

On the morning of May 2, 2001, 50-year-old Leslie Preer failed to show up for work at her advertising firm in Maryland. Concerned by her unexplained absence, both her boss, Brett Reidy, and her husband, Carl Preer, went to their Chevy Chase home. What they found would leave a permanent scar on the family: Leslie had been brutally murdered inside her own home.

The crime scene painted a picture of extreme violence. Blood spattered the walls, and there were visible signs of a struggle. Leslie’s body was discovered face down in the master bathroom’s shower stall, having sustained multiple lacerations to the back of her head. An autopsy later revealed blunt force trauma and strangulation as the causes of death. Investigators believed Leslie had fought back, as DNA was found under her fingernails.

A Family Torn Apart and a Case That Went Cold

In the immediate aftermath of the murder, suspicion briefly fell on Leslie’s husband, Carl. While their daughter Lauren Preer never believed her father was involved, the trauma of the accusation and the loss of his wife took a devastating toll on Carl, who died in 2017. His official cause of death was septic shock, though Lauren later said she believed it was grief that ultimately claimed him.

Police collected and tested DNA found at the crime scene, including samples from under Leslie’s fingernails and other areas in the home. The male DNA did not match Carl or any other known suspects. With no other leads and no DNA matches in national databases, the case went cold for nearly 23 years, despite Lauren’s regular check-ins with law enforcement pleading for answers.

A Breakthrough via Genetic Genealogy

In 2022, detectives turned to forensic genetic genealogy—a new but increasingly powerful investigative tool. By submitting Leslie’s crime scene DNA to public genealogy databases, investigators were able to identify a distant relative in Romania. This allowed law enforcement to construct an extended family tree that eventually pointed to Eugene Teodor Gligor.

Gligor had once dated Lauren Preer in high school and was considered part of the family during their five-year relationship. The Preers had shared meals, vacations, and holidays with him. Lauren, stunned by the revelation, recalled him as a kind young man and said it was “unreal” to imagine he could be the killer.

Police collected a discarded water bottle from Gligor at a Washington, D.C.–area airport. DNA testing confirmed the match. Within days, Gligor was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

The Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Initially charged with first-degree murder, Gligor ultimately entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder in May 2025. Prosecutors stated that there was no clear evidence of premeditation, a requirement for a first-degree conviction. Nonetheless, the gravity of the crime and the victim’s suffering warranted a significant sentence.

On August 28, 2025, Gligor was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with all but 22 years suspended. He will also serve five years of supervised probation upon release. The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office pushed for a longer sentence than the typical guidelines of 10 to 18 years due to the brutality of the crime and the length of time the family had to wait for justice.

During the sentencing hearing, seven family members, including Lauren Preer, read powerful victim impact statements. Gligor apologized in court, saying, “Leslie always was very kind to me,” and claimed he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the murder.

The Emotional Toll and Final Closure

Lauren Preer endured decades of grief, confusion, and suspicion in the aftermath of her mother’s death. The emotional damage was compounded by the false suspicion placed on her father, the eventual loss of both parents, and the revelation that someone once welcomed into their home had committed the crime.

After the arrest, Lauren described the emotional rollercoaster she experienced, especially when she learned that the killer was someone so intimately connected to her youth. She had once seen him as trustworthy and kind. Her memories of him were now forever linked to betrayal and horror.

While the sentencing brought a measure of closure, Lauren acknowledged that no punishment could undo the trauma or bring her mother back. She has spoken publicly about the importance of never giving up on cold cases and supporting the continued use of forensic technology to solve crimes.

A Landmark Case in Maryland’s Forensic History

The resolution of the Leslie Preer case marks a milestone for Maryland, as it was the first in the state to be solved using forensic genetic genealogy. The case highlights how new investigative techniques can breathe life into cold cases, offering hope to families who have waited years for justice.

Law enforcement officials credited the breakthrough to persistence, collaboration across agencies, and the growing availability of DNA data through public and commercial databases. Assistant Chief Nicholas Augustine praised the dedication of detectives, saying the case demonstrated that “we will go many years, whether it’s 20 or 40, to hold people accountable.”

The 20/20 episode First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder captures this profound story of loss, investigation, and long-awaited resolution. It stands as a reminder of the enduring impact of violent crime—and the power of science to finally bring the truth to light.