EDWARDSVILLE/GRANITE CITY - Madison County prosecutors on Friday, May 22, 2026, charged Albert Lee “Buddy” Zigler, 70, with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the 1993 killing of Randy Gail Sperino, a case that authorities said had remained unresolved for more than three decades.
The charges were announced Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Madison County Administration Building boardroom by Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine and Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor.
Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
Sperino's body was found in 1993 on Hanfelder Road in unincorporated Madison County. Investigators said Sperino, who was born and raised in Granite City, was last seen getting into the suspect’s vehicle in Granite City while visiting her father, before she was killed. Zigler lived in a mobile home park close to where Sperino was found when the murder occurred.
“The charges that we’re announcing today represent an important step toward justice in a case that has remained unresolved for more than three decades,” Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine said in a statement. “While nothing can erase the pain experienced by Miss Sperino’s loved ones, we hope this development provides some answers after so many years.”
Haine said the case shows “the extraordinary value of modern investigative tools such as forensic genealogical DNA.”
“Advances in technology and science are creating opportunities to solve cases that, years ago, might never have been solved,” Haine said.
He said technology alone does not solve crimes or secure convictions.
“These tools are only effective because of the dedication, persistence, and professionalism of investigators who are willing to revisit evidence, follow leads, knock on doors, conduct interviews, and continue pursuing the truth, no matter how much time has passed,” Haine said.
Madison County Cold Case Murder Press Conference
Haine praised Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor and investigators at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office for their work on the case.
“Seven years ago, Sheriff Connor had the foresight to know that a new investigative tool — even though it was just emerging — might be able to provide a breakthrough in this investigation,” Haine said. “So he began working with forensic scientists in the field, and he began looking at how this technique could be applied to the evidence already gathered here. The sheriff and his investigators never wavered in seeking justice in this case.”
Haine also said former sheriff’s investigators who have since retired made significant contributions to the case during their tenures.
He additionally commended law enforcement agencies throughout Madison County for remaining “forward-thinking and committed to staying current with the latest tools and techniques.”
“Finally, I commend the Assistant State’s Attorneys in my office; just as investigators continue adapting to new technology and science, our prosecutors are doing the same,” Haine said. “It is not enough simply to obtain evidence through advanced methods. Our prosecutors have to understand this evidence thoroughly and present it clearly and effectively. Because at the end of the day, even the most advanced science and technology have to be presented effectively in a courtroom to 12 jurors.”
