DNA breakthrough leads to arrest in grisly 33-year-old cold case investigators never gave up on
A significant breakthrough in forensic genealogy has led to the arrest of Albert 'Buddy' Zigler for the 1993 murder of Randy Gail Sperino. After more than three decades of investigation, authorities have charged Zigler with first-degree murder, providing hope for closure to the victim's family. The case, which involved extensive DNA evidence analysis, highlights advancements in crime-solving technology.
- ▪Albert 'Buddy' Zigler, 70, has been charged with the first-degree murder of Randy Gail Sperino, who was found dead in 1993.
- ▪The case remained unsolved for over 30 years until recent advancements in forensic genealogy helped identify the suspect.
- ▪Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine described the arrest as an important step toward justice for Sperino's family.
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True Crime DNA breakthrough leads to arrest in grisly 33-year-old cold case investigators never gave up on Albert 'Buddy' Zigler, 70, allegedly confessed to beating Randy Gail Sperino and dumping her body in a field By Stepheny Price Fox News Published May 26, 2026 6:44pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video FBI uses genetic genealogy in Nancy Guthrie probe Fox News correspondent Matt Finn reports on the FBI's use of genetic genealogy in the Nancy Guthrie probe on 'The Story.' NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! For more than three decades, the murder of Randy Gail Sperino haunted investigators in southern Illinois — a cold case centered on a young woman beaten to death and left in a rural field while her killer seemingly…
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