Cold Case Solved After 33 years as DNA Links Suspect to Randy Gail Sperino’s Murder

A three-decade-old murder mystery might finally be solved, thanks to advancements in DNA technology. In 1993, the body of a 33-year-old woman, Randy Gail Sperino, was discovered in a rural field in Granite City.

Despite an extensive investigation, detectives were unable to arrest any suspects in the case. Now, 33 years later, forensic genetic genealogy has helped identify a suspect. Albert L. "Buddy" Zigler, 70, was arrested in Caseyville on accusations of killing Sperino.

Zigler is facing two counts of first-degree murder in Madison County, and is currently being held in jail. The murder took place on November 9, 1993. According to witnesses, Sperino was last seen entering a dark-colored pick-up truck around 8 p.m. Around four hours later, her body was found near Horseshoe Lake Road and Hanfelder Road.

The medical examiner determined she died of blunt-force trauma to the head. Investigators collected DNA evidence from the scene and spent years interviewing numerous witnesses. However, there was no breakthrough in the case, and DNA sample also yielded no results despite repeated testing.

Finally, with advancements in investigative genetic genealogy, detectives sought help from a Texas-based laboratory, Othram. The lab examined the DNA and was able to link it to Zigler. According to prosecutors, Zigler picked Sperino up in his truck and took her to his home. He then allegedly struck her head with a bludgeon and dumped her body in a rural field.

Sperino’s son, Wesley Sperino, who was 15 at the time of her death, thanked the investigators for not giving up on the case. “I never thought that this day would come. I thought I might pass and never know, but that all changed thanks to these guys behind me and to my side,” he said.

Speriono added that with the identification of the suspect, he could finally move forward in life. “I want to say thank you. I'll finally get closure. My family. I finally know who did this and now I could be able to progress through life and open up a new door, a different chapter,” he said.

Announcing the charges against Zigler, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine said he hopes the development brings some respite to the victim’s family. “While nothing can erase the pain experienced by Miss Sperino’s loved ones, we hope this development provides some answers after so many years,” he said.

Haine also highlighted the importance of DNA technology and how it enables investigators to solve decades-old cases. “Advances in technology and science are creating opportunities to solve cases that years ago would simply be impossible to solve, but technology and science do not simply solve crimes alone, and they certainly do not bring convictions,” he said.

The news comes shortly after another suspect in Madison County was convicted because of forensic genealogy. In early May, Timothy Dubois was found guilty of multiple charges, including kidnapping and s—---- assaulting a woman outside a coffee shop in Collinsville.