Summary
On December 29, 1977, the skeletal remains of an unidentified girl were discovered in a wooded area near the Firestone plant at 3001 Firestone Parkway in Wilson, North Carolina. Investigators responded and began collecting evidence and investigating. Skeletal remains and clothing were recovered from the scene. Because of the condition of the remains, the girl could not be visually identified. Her cause and manner of death were listed as undetermined, although investigators are treating the case as a homicide.
Despite a lengthy investigation, the girl could not be identified and the case went cold. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP6681.
In 2024, investigators with the Wilson County Sheriff's Office, working with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Cold Case Investigative Team and the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, submitted evidence to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas. At Othram, scientists worked to develop a DNA extract from the provided sample, then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive SNP profile for the girl.
The SNP profile was used by law enforcement in a forensic genetic gealogy search to develop new investigative leads. Using this new information, investigators conducted a follow-up investigation leading them to potential relatives of the girl.
Reference DNA samples were collected and compared to the DNA profile of the unidentified girl using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing at Othram. This investigation led to the positive identification of the girl, who is now known to be Cindy Marcell Blizzard. Cindy was 15 years old when she ran away from Monkton, Maryland, in the spring of 1977.
The Wilson County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Cindy's death and is seeking information from anyone who knew her in 1977 or may have information about her associates, whereabouts, or activities during that time. Anyone with information about the 1977 case involving Cindy Marcell Blizzard is asked to call the SBI Cold Case Tip Line at 919-582-TIPS, email coldcases@ncsbi.gov, or contact the Wilson County Sheriff's Office at 252-237-2118.
This is the 18th publicly announced case in the State of North Carolina where investigators have used Othram's technology to identify an individual. Learn about other cases by visiting 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.