Genetic genealogy leads to murder charges in 1993 cold case

Albert 'Buddy' Zigler, 70, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in Illinois on Tuesday, marking the resolution of a 1993 cold case involving the death of 33-year-old Randy Gail Sperino. Sperino's body was discovered nude and bludgeoned in a field near Madison County around 11:45 p.m. on November 1993, after she had been last seen alive at 8 p.m. walking near her home and getting into a vehicle. Investigators initially conducted interviews and searches for decades without success, but DNA evidence from the scene was submitted about a year ago to a genealogy lab in Texas. The lab’s analysis led to Zigler’s identification as a suspect, despite no prior connection between him and the victim. Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor confirmed Zigler picked up Sperino while she was walking that night. State's Attorney Thomas Haine emphasized that advances in genetic genealogy technology enabled the breakthrough, solving a case that would have remained unsolved years ago. Zigler, who is from the area, is currently in custody. Wes Sperino, the victim’s son, expressed relief, stating he now has closure after decades of uncertainty. The case highlights how modern forensic techniques can revive decades-old investigations, providing answers to families long after the crimes occurred.