DNA breakthrough leads to arrest in grisly 33-year-old Illinois cold case

Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced first-degree murder charges against Albert L. 'Buddy' Zigler, 70, of Caseyville, Illinois, in connection with the 1993 killing of Randy Gail Sperino. Sperino, 34, was found dead on November 9, 1993, in a field near Granite City after suffering massive blunt force trauma to the head. The case remained unsolved for over three decades despite repeated investigations and DNA testing. The breakthrough came through forensic genealogical DNA, a technique that traces genetic connections to identify suspects. Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor recognized the potential of this emerging technology seven years ago, and investigators persisted in revisiting evidence. Court documents allege Zigler admitted to picking up Sperino in Granite City, beating her at his residence with a metal bat or steel pipe, and dumping her body in the field. Zigler now faces two counts of first-degree murder for intentionally causing Sperino’s death with a bludgeon. Prosecutors seek to keep him in custody pending trial, citing the violent and non-probationable nature of the charges. An arrest warrant filed in Madison County Circuit Court confirms Zigler remains detained. Haine emphasized the value of modern investigative tools, stating advances in forensic genealogy and science provided an opportunity to solve a case that might otherwise have remained unsolved. The announcement marks a step toward justice for Sperino’s loved ones after 33 years of unresolved grief.