Murder of Cynthia Gastelle
Cynthia Gastelle | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of Gastelle | |
| Born | Cynthia Joan Gastelle September 4, 1961 Washington, DC |
| Disappeared | April 3, 1980 |
| Status | Remains identified after 32 years |
| Died | c. April 1980 (aged 18) |
| Cause of death | Homicide by stabbing |
| Body discovered | February 1982 |
| Known for | Unidentified victim of homicide |
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]
Circumstances[]
Cynthia Gastelle 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] She had run away twice before so her family waited a few days before reporting her missing.[5]
Gastelle'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 Gastelle's relatives were entered into the national DNA database. It was revealed in June 2012 that a match had been made.[4]
See also[]
- List of formerly unidentified decedents
- List of solved missing persons cases
References[]
- ^ "UPDATE: 1980s Missing Person Case Becomes Homicide Investigation". Bristow Beat. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
- ^ "Cynthia Gastelle's Remains Identified: 32 Years Later, Cops Link Remains To Missing Woman". Huffington Post. June 13, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
- ^ "Remains of Missing Teen IDed After 32 Years". NBC4 Washington. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
- ^ a b c "Remains of Cynthia Gastelle of Takoma Park identified 32 years after her disappearance". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
- ^ "Police keep looking for answers to unidentified remains". The Washington Times. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
- ^ "Cynthia Gastelle's Remains Identified: 32 Years Later, Cops Link Remains To Missing Woman". Huffington Post. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
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- 1980 in Virginia
- 1980 murders in the United States
- 1982 in Virginia
- April 1980 events in the United States
- Deaths by person in the United States
- Deaths by stabbing in the United States
- Formerly missing people
- Incidents of violence against women
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