Remains Found in 1977 Identified as Missing 15-Year-Old Girl
September 19, 2026

Nearly 50-Year-Old Mystery Finally Identified
Human remains discovered nearly five decades ago in Wilson County, North Carolina, have been identified as those of a 15-year-old Maryland girl who disappeared in 1977.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation identified the remains as Cindy Marcell Blizzard, who had reportedly run away from her home in Monkton, Maryland, in the spring of 1977.

Remains Found Near Firestone Plant
On December 29, 1977, skeletal remains and clothing were discovered in a wooded area near the Firestone plant in Wilson.

At the time, investigators determined that the remains belonged to a young woman. The medical examiner estimated that she had been in the area for between six months and two years.

The cause and manner of death could not be determined. However, investigators said the circumstances surrounding where the remains were discovered raised the possibility of foul play, and the case was treated as a homicide investigation.

DNA Technology Solves Decades-Old Mystery
For years, investigators attempted to identify the victim by comparing dental records with missing-person cases, but no match was found.

The case was reopened in 2010, when additional DNA testing was conducted. However, investigators still could not identify the remains.

In 2024, the SBI’s Cold Case Investigative Team took another look at the case using forensic technology that had not been available in 1977.

A bone sample was sent to a forensic laboratory, where investigators developed a detailed DNA profile. Forensic genetic genealogy was then used to search for potential relatives.

The investigation eventually pointed to Cindy Blizzard, allowing authorities to confirm her identity with assistance from agencies in North Carolina and Maryland, as well as the FBI.

Cindy’s Death Remains Unsolved
Although investigators now know who the victim was, they still do not know exactly what happened to her.

The North Carolina SBI said Blizzard’s death remains unsolved and investigators are continuing to seek information about the case.

Anyone with information about Cindy Blizzard or her disappearance is asked to contact the SBI Cold Case Tip Line at 919-582-TIPS, email coldcases@ncsbi.gov, or contact the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office.

Sources
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
WRAL – Remains found in Wilson County in 1977 identified as missing 15-year-old girl
ABC News – Remains found nearly 50 years ago in North Carolina identified as missing Maryland teenager
CBS News – Remains found 49 years ago in North Carolina identified as 15-year-old girl
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Nearly 50 years after her remains were discovered, investigators finally know the identity of a missing 15-year-old girl. But one question remains: what happened to Cindy Blizzard?

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This article reports on an ongoing cold-case investigation. Details are based on information released by law enforcement.