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

Maryland, United States
DisappearedApril 3, 1980
StatusRemains identified after 32 years
Diedc. April 1980 (aged 18)
Prince William County, Virginia
Cause of deathHomicide by stabbing
Body discoveredFebruary 1982
Known forUnidentified 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]

See also

References
  1. "UPDATE: 1980s Missing Person Case Becomes Homicide Investigation". Bristow Beat. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  2. "Cynthia Gastelle's Remains Identified: 32 Years Later, Cops Link Remains To Missing Woman". Huffington Post. June 13, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  3. "Remains of Missing Teen IDed After 32 Years". NBC4 Washington. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  4. "Remains of Cynthia Gastelle of Takoma Park identified 32 years after her disappearance". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  5. "Police keep looking for answers to unidentified remains". The Washington Times. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  6. "Cynthia Gastelle's Remains Identified: 32 Years Later, Cops Link Remains To Missing Woman". Huffington Post. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
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