Disappeared April 3, 1980 Body discovered February 1982 | Cause of death Homicide by stabbing | |
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Full Name Cynthia Joan Gastelle Status Remains identified after 32 years Died c. April 1980 (aged 18)
Prince William County, Virginia Known for Unidentified victim of homicide | ||
Cynthia Joan Gastelle was a formerly unidentified American murder victim who disappeared on April 3, 1980. 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 its identity.
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Circumstances
Cynthia was last seen heading to a job interview at a deli in Takoma Park. She had left home around 10:30 and had boarded a Ride On bus to Silver Spring according to her brother Peter Gastelle. Cynthia had run away twice before so her family waited a few days before reporting her missing.
Cynthia's skeletal remains were found on February 12, 1982 on Bull Run Mountain in Haymarket, Viriginia; they were located in a secluded wooded area.
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.