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319. The Killer Next Door - The Murder of Leslie Peer - Murder With My Husband | Wave AI Podcast Notes

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319. The Killer Next Door - The Murder of Leslie Peer

Murder With My Husband

Mon May 04 2026

Summary

Podcast Summary: Murder With My Husband – Episode 319

Episode Title: The Killer Next Door – The Murder of Leslie Preer
Date: May 4, 2026
Hosts: Peyton Moreland & Garrett Moreland
Podcast by: OH NO MEDIA

Episode Overview

This episode investigates the murder of Leslie Preer in Chevy Chase, Maryland, a case that seemed straightforward at first—fitting the common true crime narrative of the “husband did it”—but ultimately unraveled into a far more complicated tragedy spanning over two decades. The hosts explore how assumptions and Occam’s Razor can sometimes mislead investigators, bringing listeners through the years of suspicion, heartbreak, and eventual resolution thanks to breakthroughs in genetic genealogy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Preer Family and Community ([08:33]–[12:56])

Leslie Preer, born in Rhode Island, settled in Chevy Chase, MD with husband Sandy and daughter Lauren.
The family had a reputation for warmth, stability, and hospitality. Leslie was beloved at work and by her neighborhood.
Lauren, the only daughter, maintained an extremely close relationship with Leslie.

The Discovery of the Crime ([12:56]–[16:37])

On May 2nd, 2001, Leslie failed to arrive at work and didn’t answer her phone, prompting concern from coworkers and her husband, Sandy.
Upon entering the house with Leslie’s boss, Sandy found furniture overturned, blood on walls and appliances, and the family dog coming from the basement.
They called 911; police arrived and discovered Leslie’s body face-down under a running shower—an apparent attempt by the killer to wash away evidence.
- “Her head has been slammed into the floor so hard that it has, like, imprinted on the floor in the shape of a V. It also appears she’s been strangled.” – Peyton [15:50]

Early Investigation and Suspicions ([16:37]–[29:48])

No signs of forced entry, suggesting Leslie knew her killer.
Initial suspicion centered on Sandy due to proximity, marital stress, and issues cited during interviews.
- Sandy detailed marital problems tied to Leslie’s drinking and claimed to have spent the evening before her death running errands and then going straight to bed.
- He failed a polygraph test, further increasing police suspicion.
- “You’re playing God with somebody’s life.” – Garrett [05:21]
But DNA samples collected at the scene did not match Sandy. Instead, they matched an unknown male, but there was no hit in law enforcement databases.

Cold Case Stagnation and Fallout ([29:48]–[32:34])

With no new suspects and lingering doubts, Sandy was socially ostracized and remained under suspicion until his death in 2017.
- “That would ruin your reputation.” – Garrett [30:43]
- “Until his dying breath, he insists he’s innocent.” – Peyton [31:00]
Lauren, their daughter, continued to advocate for her father’s innocence and pursued answers.

The Case Reopens: Genetic Genealogy Breakthrough ([32:34]–[41:57])

In 2022, two female detectives, Allison Dupois and Tara Augustin, reopened the case using genetic genealogy.
DNA analysis led them to a family tree with matches in Romania, and eventually to a familiar surname: Gilgore.
Investigators matched the name "Eugene Gilgore" in old case files—a former high school boyfriend of Lauren's, previously dismissed as a tip from a neighbor due to lack of evidence.

Revisiting the Gilgore Connection ([41:57]–[45:49])

Eugene had deep personal ties to the family and occasionally waited in their house while dating Lauren.
Despite a seemingly amicable breakup in 1999, Eugene engaged in increasingly erratic and violent behavior in his adult life, including an incident in 2021 with his second ex-wife.
Because Eugene’s brother sometimes dog-sat for the Preers, the family had access to a key, explaining the lack of forced entry.

Closing In & DNA Match ([45:49]–[50:17])

Investigators collected Eugene’s DNA covertly in 2024 at Dulles International Airport using a discarded water bottle.
DNA matched samples from the 2001 murder scene, confirming Eugene Gilgore was Leslie’s killer.
- “That DNA found at the crime scene 23 years ago, it’s a match for Eugene Gilgore.” – Peyton [48:07]
Lauren was shocked and devastated by the revelation, having never suspected Eugene.
- “She said it felt, quote, unreal.” – Peyton [48:33]

Confession, Motive, and Sentencing ([50:17]–[52:20])

Eugene at first denied involvement, but later confessed, citing blackouts due to heavy drinking and cocaine use.
He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in August 2025, received a 22-year sentence, but claimed not to remember the murder itself.
- “He says, I know Lauren and Leslie’s family want to know why I was there and what happened, but I’m sorry, I’m unable to remember and provide an explanation.” – Peyton [51:54]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Judicial System Flaws:
“I just think it’s insane…a judge can just decide somebody’s fate...playing God with somebody’s life.”
– Garrett [05:19]
On Familial Consequences:
“He died being the number one suspect, like that everyone kind of… It’s crazy.”
– Peyton [51:00]
On Case Closure:
“So the next time you hear the case of a husband and a wife…don’t immediately jump to conclusions. The reality is the truth is sometimes more complex than it seems.”
– Peyton [52:39]
On DNA as Truth:
“DNA doesn’t lie. His DNA was found underneath her fingernails…at the bloody crime scene.”
– Peyton [49:20]
On the Lingering Questions:
“Are drugs and alcohol all there is to this? Is there more Eugene isn’t sharing? Did he have a obsession with Leslie?”
– Peyton [52:20]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[06:16] — Introduction to the case, sources, and the role of Occam’s Razor in criminal investigations.
[08:33] — Background on Leslie Preer and her family’s life in Chevy Chase, MD.
[13:56] — Discovery of the crime scene and Leslie’s body.
[16:37] — Police begin investigating, suspicion falls on husband Sandy.
[29:48] — Cold case status as DNA does not match Sandy; social fallout.
[32:34] — Case reopens with new detectives and genetic genealogy approach.
[38:26] — Discovery of the “Gilgore” surname and Eugene’s connection.
[45:49] — Investigation into the Gilgore family, focusing on Eugene.
[48:07] — DNA collection and match to Eugene Gilgore.
[50:17] — Eugene’s confession and plea deal.
[52:39] — Hosts discuss the broader message about assumptions and the complexity of truth.

Wrap-Up & Tone

Peyton and Garrett balance empathy, skepticism, and analysis throughout the episode, emphasizing the human cost of investigative tunnel vision and wrongful suspicion. Their personal asides—questioning systems, motivations, and the incompleteness of the final confession—invite listeners to question their assumptions and reflect on the complexities of justice.

The episode ends with a somber acknowledgment of the destruction wrought not only on the victim but on her family, her husband, and her daughter, and a call to resist easy answers in true crime narratives.

Useful for listeners who missed the episode:
This summary covers all critical facts, emotional beats, and key insights from the case, providing a comprehensive understanding of how the murder of Leslie Preer evolved from open-and-shut suspicion to a case solved by persistence and twenty-first-century forensics.

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Transcript

A (0:02)

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D (1:50)

You're listening to an Ono Media podcast.

C (1:53)

Hey everyone. Welcome back to the podcast.

D (1:55)

This is Murder with my husband. I'm Peyton Moreland.

B (1:57)

And I'm Garrett Moreland.

D (1:58)

And he's the husband.

B (1:58)

And I'm the husband.

D (1:59)

I feel like my voice might sound a little weird.

D (8:33)

Maybe he was just named after this place. Okay, so we're in the upscale area of Chevy Chase, Maryland, where in 2001, 49 year old Leslie Prear is living that white picket fence life you really only see in movies. The manicured lawn, the neighborhood kids running around in the streets, the country club just down the block. The idyllic place to raise a family. Which is exactly what she and her husband, 50 year old Carl Sandy, as he was known prayer, are doing now. Leslie wasn't originally from Maryland, though. She was actually born in Rhode island back in 1952. And when she was young, she and her family moved to Pensacola, Florida, where her father actually worked for the Navy. But at least Leslie wasn't alone. She was actually one of eight kids. And many of her siblings said that Leslie was by far the sweetest one of them all with the biggest heart. She was also quirky and resembled their mother in a lot of ways. It was Also there in Pensacola that Leslie met Sandy, her husband. The two bonded over the fact that they both came from military families and they quickly fell for one another while they were both attending the University of Florida. Now afterwards, Sandy became an accountant before shifting over into it. And then finally in 1974, they tied the knot and welcomed their daughter Lauren three years later in 1977. And baby Lauren became the center of Leslie's world. As the only child, Leslie fawned over Lauren. She would do anything for her. This is something that never changed. Even when the family moved to Maryland and Lauren grew older, the two mother and daughter always stayed extremely close. But even as a newcomer in Maryland, Leslie found her place in this community very easily. Her co workers said not only was she beautiful inside and out, she was a shining light that would always brighten up the office. Plus everyone thought she and Sandy, her husband were a match made in heaven. He was a guy's guy who loved to have fun and joke around over a few beers. He was always warm and friendly with everyone. They were the perfect example of this fun loving couple what a marriage should be in a nice place with a nice family. The daughter Lauren even said her parents were always so sweet together. Her dad was obsessed with her mother as a family they always had dinner together every night. They were the home in the neighborhood where all of the local kids came after school to hang out the prayers. House was warm, it was loving, it was safe. At least until May of 2001. So by then Lauren has grown up. She's 23 years old, so she's now living in a place of her own. But her apartment was not far. It was actually just a few minutes drive from her parents home. Plus like I said, she and her mom were best friends. They spoke on the phone every single day. But on May 2nd, things were different. That morning the husband Sandy took off for work per usual around 7.45am he said goodbye to Leslie before he left. And meanwhile Leslie was set to be at work that day at 10am Now Leslie didn't have a car, so she always either walked the mile or so or took bus to work. She didn't mind the long walk through her beautiful neighborhood to get to the bus stop. But sometimes that stroll took a little longer than expected, causing her to be a minute or two late to work if she missed the usual pickup. However, that Wednesday morning in 2001, 10am comes and goes and Leslie doesn't make it into her office. Now her co workers assume she probably as a doctor's appointment or Something and forgot to mention it to them because Leslie was rarely ever late without calling. And now she's not even answering her phone. They're trying to reach out to her. So when 10:45am rolls around and there's still no sign of her, her boss and good friend Brett Reedy actually calls Sandy, Leslie's husband. Now, when Brett asks Sandy, hey, why hasn't Leslie shown up for work today? Sandy immediately seems frantic, like he can sense something is just not right. He knows his wife didn't have anything scheduled that morning. She should be at work. So this concerns him. Now, her boss and Sandy, Their first thought is, could something have happened to Leslie on the way into work? Did she get into an accident of some kind, either on or on the way to the bus? Now, luckily, Leslie's house, like I said, is very close to the office. So Brett offers to just go over right away to look for Leslie, drive the route. And Sandy was like, listen, I'll meet you at our home ASAP. Now, by the time Brett gets there, it's about 11:35am and Sandy is only a minute or two behind him. But the second they walk through the front door, they can tell something is off. There appears to have been a struggle in this house. Furniture is turned over on its side. There's blood smeared on the walls in the kitchen.

D (22:03)

Yeah. Now, the DNA that was collected underneath her fingernails, those samples are collected and sent off for testing. And as they await the results, police also start canvassing the neighborhood for any witnesses. And they speak to one neighbor who says they saw something strange about two nights earlier, the evening before Leslie's death. They said they found it weird that all of the lights were on in the prayer house, but all of the shades were closed. And another neighbor told police that on the morning of Leslie's death, Sandy saw them outside and said goodbye to them before he left for work. And they just found this odd because Sandy never really made it a point to say hello or goodbye to this specific neighbor in the past. But they're like, yeah, the morning she was murdered, we did see him outside, and he did talk to us. Now, detectives have to consider, okay, is Sandy covering for something? Or people just reading into the situation a little too much? I mean, your neighbor ends up murdered, Police come over and are like, hey, did you see anything? Are you just, like, looking for things that maybe. I don't know. Ordinarily, these aren't details someone might find suspicious. But when you're dealing with a murder case, everything just kind of seems like a red flag. Which is why police call Sandy in for questioning pretty quickly. And there is one question from the autopsy that's really eating away at them. Again, it's the time of Leslie's death. Death. If she could have been killed before Sandy went to work that morning, then chances are he was definitely home when this murder happened. In which case they start to think maybe those eyewitness statements need to be considered after all. So they tell Sandy they want to know exactly, minute by minute, what happened the day before Leslie died. Okay, Now Sandy's like, it was a regular day. He went to work, but after he was done, he had to take some old computers to a dump to get rid of them. He said he did that before they closed at 8pm and then he said he needed a new phone charger. So he stopped at three different stores after that to find the charger that fit. But he claims he was home.

D (24:41)

He's like, yeah. So I get home to Leslie by 9pm that night. He says when he got there, he went right to bed. But he claims Leslie stayed up for a bit, though he couldn't remember what time she actually got into bed. However, this whole story makes detectives a bit weary of Sandy, because to them, it almost seems like he's trying to secure an alibi for himself. Going to the dump isn't exactly something you do on an everyday basis. But things get even more confusing when Sandy willingly reveals a skeleton from Leslie's closet. So in this interrogation, Sandy says actually Leslie was drinking quite a bit recently, and it had kind of been putting a strain on their marriage. He claimed that both of them were feeling a lot of stress at work, and they were having a hard time keeping up with bills and finances. That when she drank, it was heavy and they would get into arguments, mainly because, according to Sandy, she would make a, quote, mountain out of a molehill. In fact, he said he actually started coming home much later from work because of Leslie's drinking. He didn't want to be around it as much. But when officers asked, okay, she's drinking. Did any of this ever lead to violence? Sandy said, no, absolutely not. Though he said there was one time where he tried to get her to stop. He claimed, quote, the most violent I ever got was I grabbed her, and I just said, you got to snap out of it, like, grabbing her by the shoulders. At one point, he also confessed he had hit a wall while arguing with Leslie. But after realizing things were just kind of spinning out of control, he made an effort to correct his mistakes. Now it's at this point detectives bring up the topic of divorce. And Sandy's like, no, it was never mentioned. The two of them loved each other. They were willing to work through anything. Divorce just wasn't on the table for either of them, despite this rough patch. Now, meanwhile, Sandy's doing everything he can to cooperate with the investigation. On his end, he hands over his watch and his glasses to be tested for blood. He allows them to photograph his hands and face and analyze for any injuries or scratches to his body because they know Leslie fought back, which they don't find any. So the police figure there's only one good way to learn more, and they strap Sandy up to a polygraph test.