Takoma Park Police Seek Help in 1980 Homicide Case

[Howard Hartman]

	City of Takoma Park Police Department 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 13, 2012	Public Information Office              301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901

Takoma Park Police Seek Help in 1980 Homicide Case

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The Prince William County, Virginia and Takoma Park, Maryland, Police Departments are asking for the public’s help in providing information about a homicide investigation from 1980 after skeletal remains were recently identified. The remains were found in 1982 in the Haymarket area of Prince William County, Virginia.

On April 3, 1980, family members of Cynthia Joan Gastelle reported her missing to the Takoma Park Police Department in Takoma Park, Maryland.

On February 12, 1982, Prince William County Police located skeletal remains on Bull Run Mountain off of Mountain Road in the Haymarket area of Prince William County. In 2001, DNA from the case was entered into the national database. In 2011, DNA from family members was collected in an unrelated case in another jurisdiction. On May 10, 2012, Prince William County Police, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Virginia, was notified of a DNA match from those submissions to the skeletal remains found in 1982. The Prince William County Police Homicide Unit is currently investigating this case as a homicide and seeking the public’s help for any information on the victim and this case.

Cynthia Joan Gastelle, 18 (at the time of her disappearance) is described as a white female, 5’01” / 90lbs, slender build with medium brown hair & hazel eyes

Anyone with information relating to this case is asked to call Crime Solvers at 703-670-3700 or 1-866-411-TIPS. You don’t have to give your name, just the information. You could earn up to a $1,000 cash reward.

You can also contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100.

Cynthia Joan Gastelle in 1980 photo


Unidentified person of interest sought by police


Aerial view of where skeletal remains were found