Summary
In November 1993, Randy Gail Sperino was last seen walking in Granite City, Illinois. During the investigation, a witness reported seeing Sperino enter a dark-colored pickup truck believed to be from the late 1970s or early 1980s. On November 9, Sperino’s body was discovered in a nearby field. The grandmother had been brutally bludgeoned to death.
Investigators developed an STR DNA profile from biological evidence collected at the scene and entered the profile into CODIS. However, no matches to a known individual were identified at that time. Despite investigators' efforts, the case went unsolved for more than three decades.
In May 2025, investigators submitted evidence to Othram for advanced DNA testing. Scientists at Othram used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive SNP profile suitable for forensic genetic genealogy analysis. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile to generate new investigative leads.
The leads ultimately helped investigators narrow their focus to a potential suspect. Following additional investigative work, authorities identified 70-year-old Albert Zigler as the individual responsible for Sperino’s murder. Zigler was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office spent more than three decades investigating the case and interviewing hundreds of individuals in pursuit of justice for Sperino and her family.
This marks the 13th publicly announced case in Illinois solved using Othram’s technology. Explore these cases and more at Othram’s website.
Dan Miller
Director of Customer Service
Dan guides law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally through every step of the forensic process—from crime scene to courtroom. He ensures investigators have the support and resources they need to navigate advanced DNA testing and maximize the impact of forensic evidence in their cases.