{{Short description|American serial killer case}} {{split|Rex Heuermann|date=April 2026|discuss=Talk:Gilgo Beach serial killings#Split Rex Heuermann into separate article}} {{Use American English|date=August 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox civilian attack | title = Gilgo Beach serial killings | image = Ocean_Parkway_Road_on_Long_Island_2021.jpg | caption = An aerial view of the Ocean Parkway road where 10 of the 11 bodies linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killings were found buried in the shrubbery, marshes and trees along this transport route. | date = 1993–2010 | map = | type = Serial killing, murder of prostitutes | victims = 11+ | location = Suffolk County, New York, United States | verdict = Heuermann pleaded guilty to 7 murders | perp = Rex Heuermann (at least 8 murders) | convictions = * First-degree murder (3 counts) * Second-degree murder (7 counts; three lesser included offenses and four individual charges)<ref>{{cite web |title=What we know about Rex Heuermann, identified as the Gilgo Beach murders suspect |website=nbcnews.com |publisher=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/know-rex-heuermann-identified-gilgo-beach-murders-suspect-rcna94250 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714181124/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/know-rex-heuermann-identified-gilgo-beach-murders-suspect-rcna94250 |url-status=live }}</ref> | weapon = }}The '''Gilgo Beach serial killings''' were a series of murders on Long Island, New York, between 1993 and 2010. The case gained national attention in late 2010 and 2011, when police searching for missing woman Shannan Gilbert discovered the remains of ten victims along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach and in nearby areas of Suffolk and Nassau counties. Four victims—Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard‑Barnes, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello—were found in December 2010 in close proximity and became known as the "Gilgo Four." Six additional sets of remains were located in March and April 2011, several of which were later connected to earlier unsolved cases.
Gilbert's disappearance in May 2010 prompted the initial search, though her cause of death remains disputed and is not conclusively linked to the other victims. Between 2023 and 2024, Rex Heuermann, a Manhattan architectural consultant and resident of Massapequa Park, was charged with seven of the murders, including those of the Gilgo Four as well as the killings of Sandra Costilla, Valerie Mack, and Jessica Taylor. In April 2026, Heuermann pleaded guilty to seven murders and admitted to an eighth: that of Karen Vergata.
== Main perpetrator==
=== Background === Rex Andrew Heuermann was born on September 13, 1963, in Massapequa Park, New York, a village on the South Shore of Long Island, to Theodore and Dolores Heuermann. Childhood acquaintances of Heuermann recalled him as being a "momma's boy" who was extremely close to his mother, whom they characterized as controlling. His father, a World War II veteran and former second lieutenant in the United States Air Force, passed away in 1975, when Heuermann was twelve years old. Heuermann purchased his childhood home from his mother in 1994 for $170,000 and continued living in the residence until his arrest in 2023.<ref>[https://nypost.com/2023/07/22/gilgo-beach-murder-suspect-rex-heuermann-was-mommas-boy/ Gilgo Beach murders suspect Rex Heuermann was ‘momma’s boy’: sources]. Matthew Sedacca and Dean Balsamini. ''New York Post''. 22 July 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2026.</ref> Neighbors commented on the house's increasingly dilapidated appearance during the intervening years, in comparison to more upscale surrounding homes.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/23/nyregion/gilgo-beach-heuermann-house-for-sale.html Can the Gilgo Beach Suspect's House Become a 'Nice Starter Home'?] Corey Kilgannon. ''The New York Times''. 23 November 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2026.</ref>
Heuermann is a 1981 graduate from Berner High School in Massapequa Park, where another member of his senior class was actor William Baldwin.<ref>[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/billy-baldwin-gilgo-beach-murders-suspect-rex-heuermann-high-school-classmate/ Billy Baldwin says Gilgo Beach murders suspect was his high school classmate: "Mind-boggling"]. Li Cohen. CBS News. 14 July 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2026.</ref> He studied architecture at the New York Institute of Technology and, by 1987, was working for an architectural firm in Manhattan.<ref name="WapoRex">{{cite news |last1=Avi-Yonah |first1=Shera |last2=Rosenzweig |first2=Dan |date=July 14, 2023 |title=What we know about the Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect arrest |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/07/14/gilgo-beach-serial-killings-suspect-arrest/ |access-date=July 14, 2023 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en }}</ref>
Heuermann married his first wife on September 29, 1990, in New Brunswick, New Jersey; the marriage ended in divorce in 1994. He married his second wife, Asa Ellerup, in April 1996 and lived with her and their two children prior to his arrest; Ellerup filed for divorce in 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 14, 2023 |title=Who is Rex Heuermann? |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/crime/gilgo-beach-serial-killings-rex-heuermann-charged-with-3-murders-sbm5kjil |access-date=July 15, 2023 |work=Newsday |language=en-GB }}</ref>
===Investigation=== Authorities began to consider Heuermann a suspect in March 2022 after determining that a dark green first‑generation Chevrolet Avalanche registered in his name matched a vehicle described by a witness in one of the killings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moriarty |first=Erin |date=June 16, 2024 |title=Co-worker: Rex Heuermann once unnerved her by tracking her down on a cruise: "I told you I could find you anywhere" - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rex-heuermann-gilgo-beach-serial-killings-suspect-48-hours/ |access-date=December 18, 2024 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Lee |date=July 17, 2023 |title=Chevy that led to Gilgo Beach suspect Rex Heuermann's arrest was out in plain sight |url=https://nypost.com/2023/07/17/chevy-that-led-to-rex-heuermanns-arrest-was-out-in-plain-sight/ |access-date=December 18, 2024 |language=en-US }}</ref>
Investigators stated that Heuermann's cellphone records showed contact with three of the four victims, and an email account linked to him had been used to search for information about the investigation. Court records also indicated that he had searched online for "sadistic materials, child pornography, [and] images of the victims and their relatives".<ref name="WapoRex2" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gilgo Beach Suspect Bail Documentation |url=https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23876845-659083418-rex-heuermann-gilgo-beach-murder-suspect-bail-documentation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715062909/https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23876845-659083418-rex-heuermann-gilgo-beach-murder-suspect-bail-documentation |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |access-date=July 15, 2023 }}</ref>
DNA testing showed a potential match between DNA recovered from a discarded pizza crust and DNA found on hair collected from burlap used to wrap one of the victims. A potential match to Heuermann's wife was also identified, when comparing hair found on or near three victims to samples taken from bottles recovered from the trash outside the Heuermann residence. Investigators stated that Heuermann's wife and children were out of state during each of the periods when the killings are believed to have occurred.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Kristina Sgueglia |author2=Brynn Gingras |author3=John Miller |author4=Samantha Beech |date=July 14, 2023 |title=Burner phones. Pizza crust. DNA on burlap. A New York architect was charged with killing 3 women in Gilgo Beach serial killings cold case |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/14/us/gilgo-beach-murders-suspect-arrest/index.html |access-date=July 15, 2023 |website=CNN |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Ray |date=July 20, 2023 |title='The day has finally come': Years in the making, evidence leads investigators to Rex Heuermann |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/16/us/rex-heuermann-gilgo-beach-murders-capture/index.html |access-date=July 28, 2023 |website=CNN |language=en }}</ref>
===Charges=== On July 13, 2023, Heuermann was arrested and charged with three counts of first‑degree murder and three counts of second‑degree murder in connection with the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy (24, d 2009), Megan Waterman (22, d 2010), and Amber Costello (27, d 2010).<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Valencia |first=Jamel |date=July 14, 2023 |title=Suspected serial killer arrested: Long Island architect linked to the 'Gilgo Four' murders |url=https://wpde.com/news/nation-world/suspected-serial-killer-arrested-long-island-architect-linked-to-the-gilgo-four-murders-through-burner-phones-and-dna-evidence-rex-andrew-heuermann-melissa-barthelemy-megan-waterman-amber-costello-maureen-brainard-barnes-netflix-film-lost-girls |access-date=September 2, 2023 |website=WPDE |language=en }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Sederstrom |first=Jill |date=June 2, 2025 |title=Who Is Accused Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Rex Heuermann and What Is He Charged With? |url=https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/who-is-accused-gilgo-beach-serial-killer-rex-heuermann |access-date= |website=Oxygen True Crime |language=en-US }}</ref>
On June 6, 2024, Heuermann was arraigned and charged with the murders of Jessica Taylor (20, d 2003) and Sandra Costilla (28, d 1993). Costilla's murder had not previously been linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killings.<ref>[https://www.newsweek.com/sandra-costilla-jessica-taylor-gilgo-beach-killer-rex-heuermann-victims-1908076 Who Are Sandra Costilla And Jessica Taylor? Gilgo Beach Victims Revealed], ''Newsweek'', Monica Sager, June 6, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William K. |last2=Kilgannon |first2=Corey |last3=Cramer |first3=Maria |last4=Goldstein |first4=Joseph |date=July 14, 2023 |title=Suspect Arrested in Serial Killings of Women Near Gilgo Beach |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/14/nyregion/gilgo-beach-murders-long-island-suspect.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714232654/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/14/nyregion/gilgo-beach-murders-long-island-suspect.html |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=The New York Times }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 14, 2023 |title=Suspect charged in Gilgo Beach serial killings cold case that rocked Long Island - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gilgo-beach-murders-long-island-serial-killer-suspect-arrest-new-york/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715062903/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gilgo-beach-murders-long-island-serial-killer-suspect-arrest-new-york/ |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=www.cbsnews.com }}</ref> This development extended the timeline of the case back to the early 1990s, much earlier than previously believed by investigators.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Cergol, Greg |author2=Jennifer Millman |date=June 6, 2024 |title=Accused Gilgo killer indicted in murders of 2 more women, including previously unknown victim |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/long-island-serial-killer-gilgo-beach-rex-heuermann-new-murders/5482303/ |access-date=June 7, 2024 |publisher=NBC |agency=NBC New York }}</ref>
In January 2024, Heuermann was charged with the murder of Maureen Brainard‑Barnes, 25, who disappeared in 2007.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last1=Marcelo |first1=Philip |last2=Collins |first2=David |date=January 16, 2024 |title=Suspect in Long Island's Gilgo Beach serial killings is charged with the death of a fourth woman |url=https://apnews.com/article/gilgo-beach-long-island-killings-rex-heuermann-40366d420e743a29418ead5576019d61 |website=AP News |language=en }}</ref>
=== Plea and court proceedings === On April 8, 2026, Heuermann pleaded guilty to the seven murders with which he had been charged and admitted to committing an eighth murder. His sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2026.<ref name="NBCHeuermann2026">{{cite news |last=Lavietes |first=Matt |last2=Reiss |first2=Adam |date=April 8, 2026 |title=Rex Heuermann admits to killing 8 women in Gilgo Beach serial killings |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gilgo-beach-serial-killer-suspect-rex-heuermann-expected-plead-guilty-rcna266547 |access-date=April 8, 2026 |work=NBC News }}</ref>
== Victims == === Sandra Costilla - body located in eastern part of Long Island=== Sandra Costilla was a 28-year-old woman from Trinidad and Tobago who was killed on November 19 or 20 in 1993. In December 2024, 31 years after her death, Heuermann was charged with her murder. DNA from hairs found on her body matched Heuermann's.<ref>{{cite web |title=THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, C.P.L. §530.40 - against - BAIL APPLICATION Indictment No. 71635-24 REX A. HEUERMANN |url=https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/01/11/804664d84239aa23400cb6afb4d7/superseding-bail-application-6-6-2024.pdf |access-date=April 7, 2025 }}</ref>
Costilla was living in New York City at the time of her disappearance. Her body was discovered in November 1993 by hunters in a wooded area in North Sea, Long Island, approximately {{convert|60|miles}} northeast of Gilgo Beach. She is the earliest known victim included in the murder charges against Heuermann, suggesting that he allegedly began killing in the 1990s or earlier and that he disposed of bodies in locations beyond the Gilgo Beach area.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bowman |first1=Emma |title=The Gilgo Beach killings suspect is charged with two more murders. Here's what to know |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/06/06/nx-s1-4995579/gilgo-beach-serial-killer-murders |website=NPR |date=June 7, 2024 |access-date=June 7, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Gusoff, Carolyn |author2=Dick Brennan |author3=Jennifer McLogan |author4=Katie Houlis |author5=Renee Anderson |title=Gilgo Beach suspect Rex Heuermann charged with killing 2 more women. Indictment describes "blueprint" for murders. |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/gilgo-beach-murders-rex-heuermann-new-murder-charges/ |access-date=June 7, 2024 |agency=CBS News |date=June 7, 2024 }}</ref>
=== The Gilgo Four: victims discovered in December 2010 === ==== Maureen Brainard-Barnes ==== Maureen Brainard-Barnes of Norwich, Connecticut, was 25 when she disappeared. She was last seen on July 9, 2007, saying she planned "to spend the day in New York City." She was not seen again.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120904072455/http://www.norwichbulletin.com/carousel/x1850112690/DA-Norwich-woman-likely-a-victim-of-serial-killer%23axzz1KjcoxOPI "DA: Norwich woman likely a victim of serial killer"], Norwichbulletin.com; retrieved April 27, 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Hawkins |first=Kristal |url=http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/unsolved/long-island-ripper/maureen-brainard-barnes.html |title=Maureen Brainard-Barnes — The Long Island Ripper |publisher=Trutv.com |date=July 12, 2007 |access-date=May 20, 2014 |archive-date=January 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109174732/http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/unsolved/long-island-ripper/maureen-brainard-barnes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Brainard-Barnes worked as a seasonal telemarketer and turned to sex work when unable to find other employment.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Ray |date=July 21, 2023 |title=What we know about the women known as the 'Gilgo Four' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/21/us/gilgo-beach-four-killings-victims/index.html |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=CNN |language=en }}</ref> A mother of two, she advertised as a sex worker on Craigslist to pay her mortgage. She had been out of the sex industry for seven months but returned after receiving an eviction notice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/serial-killer/faces-of-the-gilgo-victims-1.2865774#1 |title=Faces of the Gilgo victims |publisher=Newsday |date=April 30, 2013 |access-date=May 20, 2014 |archive-date=January 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109182136/http://www.newsday.com/long-island/serial-killer/faces-of-the-gilgo-victims-1.2865774#1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Her body was found in December 2010.<ref name=WABC-TV>{{cite web |url=https://abc7ny.com/archive/8050530/ |title=Three more human remains found on Long Island |publisher=WABC-TV |date=April 4, 2011 |access-date=April 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009095641/http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local/long_island&id=8050530 |archive-date=October 9, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> She had been restrained with three leather belts, and DNA found on one of the belts matched the wife of Heuermann.<ref name=":0" />
Shortly after her disappearance, her friend Sara Karnes received a call from a man using a blocked number. He claimed he had seen Brainard-Barnes and that she was alive and staying at a "whorehouse in Queens." He refused to identify himself or provide the location. Karnes asked him to call back from an identifiable number so police could act on the information; he said he would but never called again. Karnes reported that the man had no discernible regional accent.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pelisek |first1=Christine |title=Long Island Serial Killer: How Close Are Police to Catching the Suspect — or Suspects? |url=https://people.com/crime/long-island-serial-killer-update-police-fbi-investigation/ |access-date=August 14, 2023 |agency=People |date=November 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129125352/https://people.com/crime/long-island-serial-killer-update-police-fbi-investigation/ |archive-date=November 29, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
At the time she disappeared, Brainard-Barnes was working from a Super 8 motel in Manhattan. On the night of July 9, 2007, she called a friend in Connecticut and said she planned to meet a client outside the motel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maureen Brainard-Barnes |url=https://www.gilgonews.com/vics/MaureenBrainardBarnes |access-date=June 7, 2022 |website=www.gilgonews.com |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518215308/https://www.gilgonews.com/vics/MaureenBrainardBarnes |url-status=usurped }}</ref> Like many of the victims, she was very petite, at {{convert|4|ft|11|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|105|lb}}.<ref name="NYTDog">{{cite news |last1=Fernandez |first1=Manny |author2=Tim Stelloh |title=Officer and His Dog Play Key Role in Hunt for Remains |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/18/nyregion/in-long-island-hunt-for-bodies-key-role-for-officer-and-dog.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=July 17, 2021 |newspaper=New York Times |date=April 17, 2011 |archive-date=August 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802094317/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/18/nyregion/in-long-island-hunt-for-bodies-key-role-for-officer-and-dog.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== Melissa Barthelemy ==== Melissa Barthelemy, 24, of Erie County, New York, went missing on July 12, 2009. She had been living in the Bronx and working as a sex worker through Craigslist.<ref name=wsjblog2011-01-24>{{cite news |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2011/01/24/drawn-to-citys-glamour-cut-down-by-a-serial-killer |title=Drawn to city's glamour, cut down by serial killer |publisher=Wall Street Journal |date=January 24, 2010 |access-date=April 9, 2016 |archive-date=March 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331005948/http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2011/01/24/drawn-to-citys-glamour-cut-down-by-a-serial-killer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She was known to use the alias "Chloe".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Victim Melissa Barthelemy |url=https://www.gilgonews.com/vics/MelissaBarthelemy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724002210/https://www.gilgonews.com/vics/MelissaBarthelemy |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=www.gilgonews.com }}</ref> On the night she disappeared, she met with a client, deposited $900 in her bank account, and attempted to call an ex‑boyfriend but did not reach him. Beginning one week later and continuing for five weeks, her 15‑year‑old sister received a series of "vulgar, mocking, and insulting" calls from a man — possibly the killer — using Barthelemy's phone.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="NYT2011-04-08" /> The caller asked whether the girl "was a whore like her sister."<ref name="NYT2011-04-08"/>
The calls escalated and culminated in the caller telling her sister that Barthelemy was dead and that he was going to "watch her rot." Police traced some calls to Madison Square Garden, Midtown Manhattan, and Massapequa but were unable to identify the caller.<ref name="NYT2011-04-08">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/09/nyregion/09bodies.html |title=Prostitutes' killer seen as versed in police techniques |work=The New York Times |date=April 8, 2011 |access-date=April 9, 2016 |first1=William K. |last1=Rashbaum |first2=Joseph |last2=Goldstein |archive-date=April 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412015350/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/09/nyregion/09bodies.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Barthelemy's mother noted that there were "a lot of calls to Manorville" from her daughter's phone around the time she disappeared.<ref name="people.com">{{cite web |url=http://people.com/crime/prosecutor-says-john-bittrolff-long-island-serial-killer/ |title=Prosecutor Suggests a N.Y. Carpenter Could Be a Suspect in the Long Island Serial Killer Case |date=September 13, 2017 |website=people.com |access-date=October 9, 2017 |archive-date=October 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021203120/http://people.com/crime/prosecutor-says-john-bittrolff-long-island-serial-killer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Barthelemy was {{convert|4|ft|10|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|95|lb}}.<ref name=NYTDog/> Her remains were the first discovered during the search for Shannan Gilbert.<ref name=":1" />
==== Megan Waterman ==== Megan Waterman, 22, of Scarborough, Maine, went missing on June 6, 2010, after posting escort advertisements on Craigslist. The previous day, she told her boyfriend she was going out and would call him later. At the time, she was staying at a motel in Hauppauge, New York, {{convert|15|miles}} northeast of Gilgo Beach. Waterman was reported missing on June 8, 2010, after failing to check in on her three‑year‑old daughter, whom she had left with family.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /> Her body was recovered in December 2010.<ref name="BNO"> {{cite web |url=http://wireupdate.com/wires/16417/police-find-more-victims-of-suspected-long-island-serial-killer |title=Police find more victims of suspected Long Island serial killer |publisher=BNO News |date=April 4, 2011 |access-date=April 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529235245/http://wireupdate.com/wires/16417/police-find-more-victims-of-suspected-long-island-serial-killer/ |archive-date=May 29, 2012 |url-status=dead}} </ref>
Waterman was a victim of sex trafficking.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |last1=Russell |first1=Eric |title=For the first time, daughter of Long Island serial killer victim from Maine speaks out |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2020/06/22/for-the-first-time-daughter-of-long-island-serial-killer-victim-from-maine-speaks-out/ |website=Portland Press Herald |access-date=July 15, 2021 |date=June 22, 2020 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715061645/https://www.pressherald.com/2020/06/22/for-the-first-time-daughter-of-long-island-serial-killer-victim-from-maine-speaks-out/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Megan Amelia Waterman |newspaper=Portland Press Herald |access-date=July 15, 2021 |url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mainetoday-pressherald/name/megan-waterman-obituary?pid=147991123 |date=January 23, 2011 |via=Legacy |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715111858/https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mainetoday-pressherald/name/megan-waterman-obituary?pid=147991123 |url-status=live }}</ref> Her boyfriend was arrested on sex-trafficking charges on April 11, 2012; he is not believed to be connected to her disappearance or death.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Victim Megan Waterman |url=https://www.gilgonews.com/vics/MeganWaterman |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724002950/https://www.gilgonews.com/vics/MeganWaterman |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=www.gilgonews.com }}</ref>
==== Amber Lynn Costello ==== Amber Lynn Costello, 27, of West Babylon, New York, went missing on September 2, 2010, after leaving to meet a stranger who had called her several times and offered $2,500 for her services.<ref name="BNO"/><ref>[http://www.newsweek.com/2011/04/17/terror-on-long-island.html "Terror on Long Island"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421063017/http://www.newsweek.com/2011/04/17/terror-on-long-island.html |date=April 21, 2011 }} Newsweek; retrieved April 27, 2011.</ref> Before moving to West Babylon, Costello lived with her second husband in Clearwater, Florida, and worked as a waitress. She had been a strong student but became addicted to drugs as a teenager. She had been sexually assaulted by a neighbor at age six.<ref name="newsweek.com"/> Costello was {{convert|4|ft|11|in|abbr=on}} and weighed approximately {{convert|100|lb}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pelisek |first1=Christine |title=Long Island Serial Killer: A Victim's Roommate Speaks |url=https://news.yahoo.com/long-island-serial-killer-victims-roommate-speaks-20110416-185717-763.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9kdWNrZHVja2dvLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALHL4tymDMNXwQfhmQ2AkR0CHjAlZGsQvLpCEEL5V2XgQXn1wSXO5DmMhJbfktfRTR5qiLPZeon2jDJxYSYZF-0oCUxH5jzzyflnLGwK_cW3x7SfOh3ouAoptbiesF9pw54dUp0ueMwd8TCOtSt75vPOTdEt1A72kVHSbszZnoMB |access-date=August 3, 2021 |agency=The Daily Beast |date=April 17, 2011 |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803082056/https://news.yahoo.com/long-island-serial-killer-victims-roommate-speaks-20110416-185717-763.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9kdWNrZHVja2dvLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALHL4tymDMNXwQfhmQ2AkR0CHjAlZGsQvLpCEEL5V2XgQXn1wSXO5DmMhJbfktfRTR5qiLPZeon2jDJxYSYZF-0oCUxH5jzzyflnLGwK_cW3x7SfOh3ouAoptbiesF9pw54dUp0ueMwd8TCOtSt75vPOTdEt1A72kVHSbszZnoMB |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=ABCEsposito>{{cite news |last1=Esposito |first1=Richard |last2=Hopper |first2=Jessica |title=New York Serial Killer: Three More Bodies Found on Beach |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/long-island-serial-killer-discovery-bodies-beach-raises/story?id=13294531 |access-date=August 3, 2021 |agency=ABC |date=April 5, 2011 |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803074653/https://abcnews.go.com/US/long-island-serial-killer-discovery-bodies-beach-raises/story?id=13294531 |url-status=live }}</ref> Her family believed she was in a residential drug rehabilitation center at the time she went missing. They did not immediately report her missing when she stopped responding to messages and calls.<ref name="newsweek.com">{{cite news |last1=Pelisek |first1=Christine |title=A Serial Killer Terrorizes Long Island |url=https://www.newsweek.com/serial-killer-terrorizes-long-island-66619 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |agency=Newsweek |date=April 17, 2011 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715061627/https://www.newsweek.com/serial-killer-terrorizes-long-island-66619 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Costello's roommate provided police with a description of the unknown client and the first‑generation Chevrolet Avalanche he was driving. More than a decade later, this information helped lead investigators to Heuermann as a suspect. Born in Charlotte and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, Costello was living in West Babylon with several other heroin users when she disappeared.<ref name="newsweek.com" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Victim Amber Lynn Costello |url=https://www.gilgonews.com/vics/AmberLynnCostello |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724020649/https://www.gilgonews.com/vics/AmberLynnCostello |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=www.gilgonews.com }}</ref>
=== Additional six victims discovered in March and April 2011 === Four additional sets of remains were discovered on March 29 and April 4, 2011. All were found in another area off the parkway near Oak Beach and Gilgo Beach, within {{convert|2|miles}} east of the remains located in December 2010. These victims were Jessica Taylor, Valerie Mack, Tanya Jackson, and Jackson's daughter, Tatiana Dykes.<ref name=LIkiller>{{cite news |title=Identifying Another Victim, Officials Raise Possibility of a 2nd L.I. Killer |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/10/nyregion/authorities-identify-a-fifth-li-victim.html |access-date=April 9, 2016 |first=Joseph |last=Goldstein |date=May 9, 2011 |archive-date=October 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014183143/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/10/nyregion/authorities-identify-a-fifth-li-victim.html?_r=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Suffolk County Police Department subsequently expanded the search area to the Nassau County border in an effort to locate more victims.<ref name='abc local'>{{cite web |url=https://abc7ny.com/archive/8053594/ |title=Shannan Gilbert not among new LI bodies, police say |publisher=Abclocal.go.com |date=April 5, 2011 |access-date=April 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409074028/http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news%2Flocal%2Flong_island&id=8053594 |archive-date=April 9, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Mack was not identified until 2020, and Jackson and Dykes were not identified until 2024.<ref name="NYPost">{{cite news |last=Algar |first=Selim |date=September 21, 2011 |title=Two More Faces of Death:LI detectives release new sketches of victims in hunt for serial slayer |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/two_more_faces_of_death_R3TxB7N7v5l3sBjzlsHbuN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925065612/http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/two_more_faces_of_death_R3TxB7N7v5l3sBjzlsHbuN |archive-date=September 25, 2011 |access-date=September 24, 2011 |publisher=New York Post }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2025 |title=Nassau County police reveal ID of Gilgo Beach victim 'Peaches' and her toddler |url=https://abc7ny.com/post/gilgo-beach-murders-nassau-county-police-reveal-id-victim-peaches-toddler/16230218/ |access-date=April 23, 2025 |website=ABC7 New York |language=en }}</ref>
Two additional sets of remains were found on April 11, 2011, after the search expanded into Nassau County.<ref name=ABCNews_2011-04-11>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/long-island-bodies-killer/story?id=13346276 |title=Cops: Long Island Bodies May Be From More Than One Killer |publisher=ABC News |date=April 11, 2011 |access-date=April 17, 2011 |archive-date=April 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414132159/http://abcnews.go.com/US/long-island-bodies-killer/story?id=13346276 |url-status=live }}</ref> They were located about {{convert|1|mile}} apart and approximately {{convert|5|miles}} west of the remains discovered in December.<ref name=Newsday_map>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/bodies-found-at-li-beaches-1.2541830 |title=Bodies found at LI beaches (map) |publisher=Newsday.com |date=April 11, 2011 |access-date=April 17, 2011 |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013071628/http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/bodies-found-at-li-beaches-1.2541830 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://abc7ny.com/archive/8061689/ |title=More remains found in serial killer investigation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414110539/http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news%2Flocal%2Flong_island&id=8061689 |archive-date=April 14, 2011 |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2011 }}</ref> One set belonged to a victim with XY chromosomes who may have been a crossdresser or a transgender woman. Police referred to this victim as "Asian Doe" based on forensic evidence indicating Asian ancestry. Investigators estimated that the victim had been dead for between five and ten years. The other set of remains belonged to "Jane Doe No. 7," whose partial remains had been found on Fire Island in 1996. Jane Doe No. 7 was identified as Karen Vergata in 2023.
==== Valerie Mack ("Melissa Taylor"/"Manorville Jane Doe"/"Jane Doe No. 6") found at Cedar Beach, east of Gilgo Beach, west of Fire Island==== Valerie Mack, 24, also known as Melissa Taylor, was living in Philadelphia and working as an escort when she went missing in 2000.<ref name="abc7ny.com">{{cite web |url=https://abc7ny.com/gilgo-beach-murder-victim-identified-as-valerie-mack/6217196/ |title=Gilgo Beach murder victim identified as 24-year-old Valerie Mack |date=May 28, 2020 |website=abc7ny.com |access-date=May 28, 2020 |archive-date=June 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604090044/https://abc7ny.com/gilgo-beach-murder-victim-identified-as-valerie-mack/6217196/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Like many of the victims, she was small in stature, approximately {{convert|5|ft|abbr=on}}, and weighed approximately {{convert|100|lb}}.<ref name="phillyvoice">{{cite news |last=Tanenbaum |first=Michael |title=After 20 years, former Philly woman identified as victim of Gilgo Beach serial killer |url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/valerie-mack-gilgo-beach-killer-manorville-philadelphia-prostitute-craigslist-ripper-long-island/ |access-date=August 3, 2021 |agency=Philly Voice |date=May 29, 2020 |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803125317/https://www.phillyvoice.com/valerie-mack-gilgo-beach-killer-manorville-philadelphia-prostitute-craigslist-ripper-long-island/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Mack had been in foster care from an early age and was never reported missing.<ref name="pix11.com">{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2020 |title=Short, troubled life of Jane Doe No. 6 in Gilgo Beach case; she had a young son |url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/short-troubled-life-of-jane-doe-no-6-in-gilgo-beach-case-she-had-a-young-son/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=PIX11 |language=en-US |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215145521/https://pix11.com/news/local-news/short-troubled-life-of-jane-doe-no-6-in-gilgo-beach-case-she-had-a-young-son/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> She was the mother of a young son.<ref name="pix11.com"/>
Mack's partial remains were discovered in Manorville, New York on November 19, 2000, but were not identified until 2020. Her torso was found wrapped in garbage bags and dumped in the woods near the intersection of Halsey Manor Road and Mill Road, adjacent to power lines and a nearby access road.<ref name=1047UFNY/>
A head, right foot, and hands found on April 4, 2011, were initially classified as belonging to an unidentified victim known as "Jane Doe No. 6". In 2020, officials determined that these remains belonged to the same woman whose torso had been found in 2000.<ref name=1047UFNY>{{cite web |url=http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/1047ufny.html |title=The Doe Network: 1047UFNY |work=doenetwork.org |access-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117212618/http://doenetwork.org/cases/1047ufny.html |archive-date=January 17, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On May 28, 2020, police announced that the remains had been identified as Valerie Mack, who had last been seen by family members in the spring or summer of 2000 in the Port Republic, New Jersey, area.<ref name="phillyvoice"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/short-troubled-life-of-jane-doe-no-6-in-gilgo-beach-case-she-had-a-young-son/ |author=Mary Murphy |title=Short, troubled life of Jane Doe No. 6 in Gilgo Beach case; she had a young son |work=PIX11 |date=May 28, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215145521/https://pix11.com/news/local-news/short-troubled-life-of-jane-doe-no-6-in-gilgo-beach-case-she-had-a-young-son/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/police-reveal-identity-of-gilgo-victim-previously-known-only-as-jane-doe-6/2436367/ |title=Police Reveal Identity of Gilgo Victim Previously Known Only as Jane Doe #6 |author=Jennifer Millman |work=NBC New York |date=May 28, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215145905/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/police-reveal-identity-of-gilgo-victim-previously-known-only-as-jane-doe-6/2436367/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The dismembered remains of Mack and Jessica Taylor were disposed of in a similar manner and in the same part of Manorville, suggesting a possible link.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kolker |first1=Robert |title=The Gilgo Beach Murders Were a Cold Case. Then a New Police Chief Arrived. |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/25/nyregion/long-island-serial-killer-gilgo-beach.html |access-date=August 14, 2023 |agency=New York Times |date=September 25, 2020 }}</ref> Although Mack sometimes used the alias Melissa Taylor, she and Jessica Taylor were not related.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Valerie Mack |url=https://gilgonews.com/vics/MJD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528214413/https://www.gilgonews.com/Vics/MJD |url-status=usurped |archive-date=May 28, 2020 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=gilgonews.com }}</ref>
On December 17, 2024, the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office indicted Heuermann for Mack's murder.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 17, 2024 |title=Suspect in Gilgo Beach serial killings, Rex Heuermann, is accused of another murder |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gilgo-beach-serial-killer-rex-heuermann-seventh-charge-rcna184505 |access-date=December 17, 2024 |website=NBC News |language=en }}</ref>
==== Jessica Taylor - found east of and close to Gilgo Beach==== Jessica Taylor, 20, was living in Manhattan when she went missing on July 21, 2003. On July 26, her torso was discovered {{convert|45|miles}} east of Gilgo Beach in Manorville, New York, and was identified later that year through DNA analysis.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/14/nyregion/4-bodies-leave-hamlet-on-edge.html |title=4 Bodies Leave Hamlet On Edge |date=December 14, 2003 |work=The New York Times |first=Julia C. |last=Mead |access-date=February 19, 2017 |archive-date=August 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808105857/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/14/nyregion/4-bodies-leave-hamlet-on-edge.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Her torso was found atop a pile of scrap wood at the end of a paved access road off Halsey Manor Road, just north of the Long Island Expressway. Plastic sheeting was found beneath the torso, and a tattoo on her body had been mutilated with a sharp instrument.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/08/nyregion/in-brief-a-manorville-body-is-identified.html |title=A Manorville Body Is Identified |date=February 8, 2004 |work=The New York Times |first=Julia C. |last=Mead |access-date=February 19, 2017 |archive-date=August 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828015643/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/08/nyregion/in-brief-a-manorville-body-is-identified.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Additional remains found on March 29, 2011—including her skull, hands, and forearm—were matched to Taylor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.longislandpress.com/2011/03/24/long-islands-other-serial-killer/ |title=Long Island's Other Serial Killer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809175201/http://www.longislandpress.com/2011/03/24/long-islands-other-serial-killer/ |archive-date=August 9, 2012 |work=LongIslandPress.com |access-date=April 9, 2016 }}</ref><ref name="newsday.com"/>
Taylor worked as a sex worker in Washington, D.C. and Manhattan.<ref name=LIkiller/> She was last seen working near the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan between July 18 and 22.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The site where Jessica Taylor was found. |url=https://oddstops.com/location.php?id=76 |access-date=June 6, 2022 |website=oddstops.com |date=February 18, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=February 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221164538/https://oddstops.com/location.php?id=76 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== Karen Vergata ("Fire Island Jane Doe"/"Jane Doe No. 7")==== Karen Vergata, a 34-year-old woman from Manhattan, is believed to have been working as a sex worker when she disappeared in 1996.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 4, 2023 |title=Fifth Gilgo Beach victim identified as Karen Vergata, police say |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/08/04/fire-island-jane-doe-karen-vergata-gilgo-beach/70527716007/ |access-date=August 4, 2023 |website=USA TODAY |language=en }}</ref> She was last seen around February 14, 1996, and was never reported missing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 4, 2023 |title=Long Island murder victim "Jane Doe No. 7" identified as Karen Vergata, 27 years after she went missing - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gilgo-beach-murders-victim-identified-karen-vergata-missing-1996/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US }}</ref> Unidentified for 27 years, she was known as "Jane Doe No. 7" and "Fire Island Jane Doe" until she was identified through genetic genealogy in 2023.<ref name="Ebrahimji">{{Cite web |author1=Brynn Gingras |author2=Alisha Ebrahimji |date=August 4, 2023 |title=New York authorities announce identity of another Gilgo Beach murder victim |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/04/us/investigation-update-gilgo-beach-murders/index.html |access-date=August 4, 2023 |website=CNN |language=en }}</ref><ref name="independent.co.uk">{{Cite web |date=August 4, 2023 |title=Gilgo Beach murders victim Jane Doe 7 identified after 26 years |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/gilgo-beach-murders-victim-identified-b2387778.html |access-date=August 4, 2023 |website=The Independent |language=en }}</ref>
Vergata's severed legs were found in a garbage bag on Fire Island, east of Gilgo Beach, on April 20, 1996.<ref name="NYT2011">{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/21/nyregion/identities-still-sought-in-string-of-murders-on-long-island.html |title=Pursuing Identities, Police Disclose Details about LI victims |website=The New York Times |date=September 21, 2011 |access-date=February 19, 2017 |archive-date=December 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216210812/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/21/nyregion/identities-still-sought-in-string-of-murders-on-long-island.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NYPost" /><ref name="LIPress">{{cite news |url=http://www.longislandpress.com/2011/09/22/suffolk-cops-getting-tips-in-li-serial-killer-probe |title=Suffolk Cops Getting Tips in LI Serial Killer Probe |publisher=LongIslandPress.com |access-date=September 24, 2011 |archive-date=September 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925103749/http://www.longislandpress.com/2011/09/22/suffolk-cops-getting-tips-in-li-serial-killer-probe/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Fifteen years later, on April 11, 2011, her skull and several teeth were recovered at Tobay Beach—the second set of remains found in Nassau County that day.<ref name="nbcnewyork.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Gilgo-Beach-Serial-Killer-Investigation-Theory-Changes-Shannan-Gilbert-134724808.html |title=Investigators Believe Single Serial Killer Behind Gilgo Beach Bodies |work=nbcnewyork.com |date=November 30, 2011 |access-date=November 30, 2011 |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918200852/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Gilgo-Beach-Serial-Killer-Investigation-Theory-Changes-Shannan-Gilbert-134724808.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="newsday.com" /> DNA testing linked these remains to those found on Fire Island in 1996.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Doe Network: 1019UFNY |url=http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/1019ufny.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110080245/http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/1019ufny.html |archive-date=November 10, 2018 |access-date=November 9, 2018 |work=doenetwork.org }}</ref> It has been suggested that Vergata's legs may have drifted to Fire Island after her remains were dumped on Long Island.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 9, 2016 |title=Early evidence of LI serial killer appeared 20 years ago on Fire Island |url=https://pix11.com/news/early-evidence-of-li-serial-killer-appeared-20-years-ago-on-fire-island/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=PIX11 |language=en-US |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516032914/https://pix11.com/news/early-evidence-of-li-serial-killer-appeared-20-years-ago-on-fire-island/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==== Unidentified victim ("Asian Doe") ==== The body of a young Asian person who had died from blunt‑force trauma was discovered on April 4, 2011, at Gilgo Beach, very close to where the first four sets of remains had been found in December 2010.<ref name=LIkiller/><ref name="newsday.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/bodies-found-at-li-beaches-1.2541830 |title=Bodies found at LI beaches |work=Newsday |access-date=April 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421025822/http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/bodies-found-at-li-beaches-1.2541830 |archive-date=April 21, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The victim had XY chromosomes and was found wearing women’s clothing, suggesting that they may have been a trans woman.<ref name=DN1>{{cite web |url=http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/2864umny.html |title=The Doe Network: 2864UMNY |work=doenetwork.org |access-date=November 9, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621142503/http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/2864umny.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The victim was estimated to be between 17 and 23 years old, between {{convert|5|ft|3|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|5|ft|9|in|abbr=on}} in height, missing four teeth, and may have had a musculoskeletal condition affecting gait. They were likely ethnically Han Chinese.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sundel |first1=Jenna |title=Shocking New Details Released About Gilgo Beach Murders |url=https://www.newsweek.com/long-island-serial-killer-rex-heuermann-update-1954449 |access-date=October 14, 2024 |agency=Newsweek |date=September 16, 2024 }}</ref> Investigators estimated that the victim had been dead for between five and 10 years.<ref name=NYPost/> A male‑presenting composite sketch was released by police in September 2011, and a female‑presenting rendering was released in September 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnston |first1=Garth |title=Cops: LI Serial Killer's Only Male Victim Was Dressed As A Woman |url=https://gothamist.com/news/cops-li-serial-killers-only-male-victim-was-dressed-as-a-woman |access-date=August 14, 2023 |agency=Gothamist |issue=September 20, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=New York officials release new renderings of possible Gilgo Beach victim |url=https://apnews.com/article/gilgo-beach-killings-rex-heuermann-new-york-bf6fd767968773b0068561437ba3c020 |last=Marcelo |first=Philip |date=September 16, 2024 |work=Associated Press }}</ref>
====Victims in separate case: Tanya Jackson ("Peaches"/"Jane Doe No. 3") and Tatiana Dykes ("Baby Doe")==== {{Main|Murder of Tanya Jackson}}
Tanya Denise Jackson, born in Alabama on October 22, 1970, was a US army veteran who was living in Brooklyn in 1997 when she disappeared along with her 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes.<ref name=":3"/> Jackson's partial remains were discovered in Lakeview, New York in 1997. Additional remains were found in Jones Beach State Park in 2011, along with those of Dykes. Unidentified for 28 years, Jackson and Dykes were identified in early 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2025 |title=Police reveal ID of Gilgo Beach victim 'Peaches' and her toddler |url=https://6abc.com/post/gilgo-beach-murders-nassau-county-police-reveal-id-victim-peaches-toddler-tanya-tatiana/16230830/ |access-date=April 23, 2025 |website=6abc Philadelphia |language=en }}</ref> In December 2025, Tatiana Dykes' father, Andrew Dykes, was arrested and charged with the murders of Jackson and their daughter. Police no longer believe the deaths are connected to the Long Island serial killings.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/florida-man-charged-gilgo-beach-victim-peaches-b2879074.html/ |title=The bodies of a woman and toddler were linked to the Gilgo Beach killings. Now a man in Florida has been charged |last=Cavallier |first=Andrea |date=December 5, 2025 |work=The Independent |access-date=December 7, 2025 |language=en-US }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Coleman |first1=Maia |title=Florida Man Charged in Murder of Woman Found Near Gilgo Beach |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/06/nyregion/gilgo-beach-murder-charges-peaches-andrew-dykes.html |website=New York Times |access-date=December 7, 2025 }}</ref>
On June 28, 1997, Jackson's dismembered torso was found at Hempstead Lake State Park in Lakeview, New York. Her torso had been placed inside a green plastic Rubbermaid container that had been dumped beside a road along the west side of the lake. Investigators reported that she had a tattoo on her left breast depicting a heart‑shaped peach with a bite taken out of it and two drips falling from the core, which led to the nickname "Peaches".<ref name="Bolger" />
On April 11, 2011, police discovered dismembered skeletal remains inside a plastic bag near Jones Beach State Park. The victim was designated "Jane Doe No. 3."<ref name="Bolger"/> In December 2016, DNA analysis confirmed that "Peaches" and "Jane Doe No. 3" were the same person.<ref name="Bolger">{{cite news |url=https://www.longislandpress.com/2016/12/13/unidentified-murder-victim-dubbed-peaches-linked-to-gilgo-beach-killings/ |title=Murder Victim Dubbed 'Peaches' Linked to Long Island Serial Killer Case |first=Timothy |last=Bolger |date=December 13, 2016 |website=longislandpress.com |access-date=July 20, 2023 |archive-date=September 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920084133/https://www.longislandpress.com/2016/12/13/unidentified-murder-victim-dubbed-peaches-linked-to-gilgo-beach-killings/ |url-status=live }}</ref> DNA testing also identified "Peaches" as the mother of "Baby Doe", who was found wearing gold jewelry similar to her mother's.<ref name=NYT2011/><ref name="Bolger"/>
Jackson had served in the Army from July 1993 to February 1995. She was estranged from her family and was never reported missing.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Police identify 'Peaches' homicide victim as Army veteran Tanya Denise Jackson, daughter as Tatiana Marie Dykes |url=https://longisland.news12.com/nassau-police-to-reveal-identities-of-1997-homicide-victims-peaches-and-her-toddler-sources-say |access-date=April 23, 2025 |website=News 12 - Default }}</ref><ref name=":3" />
== Police investigations == === Disappearance of Shannan Gilbert === On May 1, 2010, Shannan Gilbert, a 24‑year‑old escort, was working at a client's residence in a gated community in Oak Beach on Jones Beach Island in Suffolk County. At 4:51 a.m., Gilbert called 911 from the property of the client, Joseph Brewer, telling the dispatcher that someone was "after her" and that "they" were trying to kill her, but did not provide her location. She ran to a nearby home and was let inside, but fled again when asked to wait for police.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moriarty |first=Erin |date=July 20, 2013 |title='48 Hours' uncovers missing escort Shannan Gilbert's final minutes |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/48-hours-uncovers-missing-escort-shannan-gilberts-final-minutes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715063301/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/48-hours-uncovers-missing-escort-shannan-gilberts-final-minutes/ |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |access-date=September 29, 2014 |work=CBS News }}</ref> She was last seen shortly afterward, banging on the front door of another residence and screaming for help before running into the night.<ref name="cbsnews.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/long-island-serial-killer-shannan-gilbert-911-call-ordered-released/ |title=Judge Orders Release of Shannan Gilbert's 911 Call |work=cbsnews.com |date=May 7, 2020 |access-date=December 11, 2020 |archive-date=December 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213105114/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/long-island-serial-killer-shannan-gilbert-911-call-ordered-released/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In December 2011, 19 months after her disappearance, Gilbert's remains were found in a marsh between Oak Beach and Ocean Parkway, about half a mile from where she had last been seen.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lysiak |first1=Matthew |last2=Connor |first2=Tracy |date=January 10, 2019 |title=Body of Shannan Gilbert found in Oak Beach, L.I.; Had been missing since May 2010 |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/body-shannan-gilbert-found-oak-beach-missing-2010-article-1.990801 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426001544/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/body-shannan-gilbert-found-oak-beach-missing-2010-article-1.990801 |archive-date=April 26, 2013 |access-date=December 30, 2012 |work=Daily News |location=New York }}</ref> The cause of her death remains disputed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roppolo |first1=Michael |date=July 14, 2023 |title=Authorities release long-secret 911 calls linked to Gilgo Beach serial killer case: "There's somebody after me" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/shannan-gilbert-gilgo-beach-long-island-serial-killer/ |access-date=August 14, 2023 |work=CBS News }}</ref> In May 2012, Suffolk County medical examiners ruled that Gilbert had accidentally drowned after entering the marsh, though the official autopsy lists the cause of death as "undetermined."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sims-Childs |first1=Hajar |title=Autopsy Report of Examination |url=https://crimetimelines.com/wp-content/uploads/Gilbert-Suffolk-County-ME-Report-Black-Book.pdf |access-date=June 8, 2025 |date=December 14, 2011 }}</ref> Gilbert's mother, Mari Gilbert—who has since died—publicly argued that her daughter had been murdered by a serial killer and criticized police for failing to identify a perpetrator.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 1, 2012 |title=Shannan Gilbert's Cause of Death "Undetermined," According to Medical Examiner's Office |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/shannan-gilbert-gilgo-beach-autopsy-remains-serial-killer-prostitute/1977790/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504115301/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Shannan-Gilbert-Gilgo-Beach-Autopsy-Remains-Serial-Killer-Prostitute-149687895.html |archive-date=May 4, 2012 |website=NBC New York |language=en-US }}</ref>
Due to the controversy about Gilbert's death, in September 2014, forensic pathologist Michael Baden agreed to conduct an independent autopsy of Gilbert's remains in hopes of determining a clear cause of death.<ref>{{cite news |author=Cristina Corbin |date=September 18, 2014 |title=Famed coroner Baden seeks to autopsy remains of Craigslist escort |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/famed-coroner-baden-seeks-to-autopsy-remains-of-craigslist-escort/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007202638/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/09/18/noted-coroner-michael-baden-to-request-independent-autopsy-on-remains-shannan/ |archive-date=October 7, 2014 |access-date=September 29, 2014 |work=Fox News }}</ref> Upon examination of Gilbert's remains, Baden found damage to her hyoid bone suggesting that strangulation may have occurred. Baden also noted that her body was found face-up, which is not common for drowning victims. Despite this, her death is still officially listed as an accident.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/03/12/prostitute-found-dead-near-ny-serial-killers-dumping-ground-likely-murdered Prostitute found dead near NY serial killer's dumping ground] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118031023/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/03/12/prostitute-found-dead-near-ny-serial-killers-dumping-ground-likely-murdered/|date=November 18, 2015}}, foxnews.com, March 12, 2015.</ref>
On May 6, 2020, the New York State Supreme Court ordered Suffolk County Police to release Gilbert's 911 call recording, denying their request to withhold it after more than 10 years.<ref>[http://longisland.news12.com/story/42099347/suffolk-police-ordered-to-release-shannan-gilbert-911-tape Suffolk police ordered to release Shannan Gilbert 911 tape] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507195632/http://longisland.news12.com/story/42099347/suffolk-police-ordered-to-release-shannan-gilbert-911-tape|date=May 7, 2020}}, News 12 Long Island, May 6, 2020.</ref> On May 13, 2022, the Suffolk County Police Department released the 911 call.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Planas |first1=Antonio |last2=Winter |first2=Tom |last3=Schapiro |first3=Rich |date=May 14, 2022 |title=911 tapes released after 12 years in case of missing woman that led to finding 10 other bodies on Long Island |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/911-tapes-released-12-years-case-missing-woman-led-finding-10-bodies-l-rcna28726 |access-date=August 9, 2023 |agency=NBC News }}</ref>
=== Profile of killer === According to a 2011 ''The New York Times'' article, the perpetrator was most likely a white male in his mid-twenties to mid-forties who was very familiar with the South Shore of Long Island and had access to burlap sacks used to hold the bodies for disposal.<ref name="TimesProfile">{{cite news |last1=Fernandez |first1=Manny |last2=Baker |first2=Al |date=April 21, 2011 |title=Bright, Careful and Sadistic: Profiling Long Island's Mystery Serial Killer |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/22/nyregion/long-island-serial-killer-gets-a-personality-profile.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428223643/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/22/nyregion/long-island-serial-killer-gets-a-personality-profile.html |archive-date=April 28, 2011 |access-date=May 15, 2011 |work=The New York Times }}</ref> Investigators have held various theories on whether there may be more than one killer.<ref name="TimesProfile2" /><ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/police-say-new-york-may-have-two-serial-killers-2282119.html "Police say New York may have two serial killers"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404065519/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/police-say-new-york-may-have-two-serial-killers-2282119.html|date=April 4, 2020}}, ''The Independent''. Retrieved May 15, 2011.</ref>
=== FBI involvement === On December 10, 2015, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini announced that the FBI had officially joined the investigation. The announcement came one day after former police chief James Burke was indicted for civil rights violations and conspiracy. Burke, who resigned from the department in October 2015, was reported to have blocked FBI involvement in the Gilgo Beach cases for years.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nypost.com/2015/12/12/busted-ex-police-chief-blocked-fbi-probe-of-gilgo-beach-murders/ |author=Jamie Schram, Selim Algar and Joe Tacopino |title=Busted ex-police chief blocked FBI probe of Gilgo Beach murders |work=New York Post |date=December 12, 2015 |access-date=May 6, 2019 |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327112057/https://nypost.com/2015/12/12/busted-ex-police-chief-blocked-fbi-probe-of-gilgo-beach-murders/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The FBI had previously assisted in the search for victims but had never officially been a part of the investigation.<ref>{{cite news |title=FBI joins 'Long Island serial killer' investigation |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/fbi-joins-long-island-serial-killer-investigation |access-date=October 9, 2017 |work=Fox News |date=December 11, 2015 |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009092850/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/12/11/fbi-joins-long-island-serial-killer-investigation.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2016, Burke was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for assault and conspiracy. There was considerable other inter-agency friction and failures to cooperate in law enforcement that hindered the investigation over the years.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/magazine/gilgo-beach-killer-suffolk-police.html The Botched Hunt for the Gilgo Beach Killer], ''New York Times'', Robert Kolker, October 19, 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2024.</ref>
=== Person of interest === On September 12, 2017, Suffolk County prosecutor Robert Biancavilla said that John Bittrolff, a Suffolk County resident convicted of murdering two sex workers and suspected in the murder of a third, may have committed some of the Gilgo Beach murders. Biancavilla said that Bittrolff was likely responsible for the deaths of other women and that there were similarities between the Gilgo Beach crime scenes and Bittrolff's known murders, for which he was convicted in May 2017 and sentenced in September of that year.<ref name="eltmanAP">{{cite news |last=Eltman |first=Frank |title=Prosecutor: Convicted killer may be tied to more NY slayings |url=http://www.newser.com/article/64ad0c77a9ee4bdf9b1ec54425d42686/prosecutor-convicted-killer-may-be-tied-to-more-ny-slayings.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913232025/http://www.newser.com/article/64ad0c77a9ee4bdf9b1ec54425d42686/prosecutor-convicted-killer-may-be-tied-to-more-ny-slayings.html |archive-date=September 13, 2017 |access-date=September 13, 2017 |work=Newser |agency=Associated Press }}</ref><ref name="prosecutor">{{cite web |last=Pelisek |first=Christine |date=September 13, 2017 |title=Prosecutor Suggests a N.Y. Carpenter Could Be a Suspect in the Long Island Serial Killer Case |url=https://people.com/crime/prosecutor-says-john-bittrolff-long-island-serial-killer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502045757/https://people.com/crime/prosecutor-says-john-bittrolff-long-island-serial-killer/ |archive-date=May 2, 2019 |access-date=May 6, 2019 |work=People }}</ref><ref name="greene">{{Cite web |last=Greene |first=Leonard |date=September 12, 2017 |title=Long Island carpenter convicted of killing two prostitute eyed in at least one of the unsolved Gilgo Beach murders – NY Daily News |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/convicted-killer-tied-gilgo-beach-murders-article-1.3490281 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206102543/https://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/convicted-killer-tied-gilgo-beach-murders-article-1.3490281 |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=December 6, 2018 |website=nydailynews.com }}</ref>
Bittrolff was arrested in 2014 after his DNA was found on the bodies of two murder victims, Rita Tangredi and Colleen McNamee, whose bodies were found in 1993 and 1994, respectively. The match had been made through DNA submitted by his brother, who was convicted in 2013 on an unrelated case.<ref name="eltmanAP" /> Bittrolff was convicted in May 2017 of these murders, and in September sentenced to consecutive terms of 25 years for each murder.<ref name="eltmanAP" /> The Suffolk County police did not comment on the prosecutor's statement due to the active homicide investigation of the Gilgo Beach murders. Bittrolff's attorney rejected the prosecutor's assertion.<ref name="prosecutor" />
Bittrolff lived in Manorville, where the torsos of Gilgo Beach victims Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack were recovered. The adult daughter of Rita Tangredi was also the best friend of Melissa Barthelemy, one of the Gilgo Beach victims.<ref name="murphy17">{{cite web |author=Mary Murphy |date=September 12, 2017 |title=LI carpenter could be Gilgo Beach serial killer, tied to Craigslist murders: prosecutor |url=http://pix11.com/2017/09/12/convicted-killer-may-be-tied-to-gilgo-beach-murders-prosecutor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018033556/http://pix11.com/2017/09/12/convicted-killer-may-be-tied-to-gilgo-beach-murders-prosecutor/ |archive-date=October 18, 2017 |access-date=October 9, 2017 |website=pix11.com }}</ref>
=== 2020 release of evidence to the public === On January 16, 2020, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart released images of a belt found at the crime scene with the letters "HM" or "WH" (depending on the orientation of the belt) embossed in black leather. The belt had been found during the initial investigation near Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach. Police believe that the belt was handled by the perpetrator and that it had not belonged to any of the victims. The police revealed few details about the belt's evidentiary value and would not comment on exactly where it had been found. It was also announced that new scientific evidence was being used in the investigation and that they had launched a website enabling the department to share news and receive tips regarding the investigation. However, the website has since been taken down.<ref name="News12LongIsland">{{cite news |last=Lehpamer |first=Eileen |date=January 16, 2020 |title=Police release picture of new evidence in Gilgo Beach murder case |url=http://longisland.news12.com/story/41571239/suffolk-police-to-hold-news-conference-on-new-evidence-in-gilgo-beach-murders |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118110050/http://longisland.news12.com/story/41571239/suffolk-police-to-hold-news-conference-on-new-evidence-in-gilgo-beach-murders |archive-date=January 18, 2020 |access-date=January 16, 2020 |work=News12LongIsland }}</ref><ref name="gilgonews">{{cite web |title=Gilgo News |url=https://www.gilgonews.com/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803074657/https://www.gilgonews.com/ |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |access-date=August 3, 2021 |website=Gilgo News |publisher=Suffolk County Police Department }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Her Disappearance Led Authorities to the Long Island Serial Killer. So Why Isn't Shannan Gilbert's Death Considered a Murder? |url=https://people.com/shannan-gilbert-gilgo-beach-serial-killer-not-considered-murder-authorities-8652815 |access-date=June 28, 2025 |website=People.com |language=en }}</ref>
== Timeline == '''1993''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1993|11|19}}|event=Sandra Costilla last seen|location=New York City, New York.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1993|11|20}}|event=Remains of Sandra Costilla found|location=North Sea, New York.}}
'''1996''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1996|02|14}}|event=Karen Vergata last seen.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1996|04|20}}|event=Partial and then-unidentified remains of Karen Vergata found|location=Fire Island, New York.}}
'''1997''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1997|06|28}} |event=Partial and then-unidentified remains of Tanya Jackson found |location=Hempstead Lake State Park, Lakeview, New York.}}
'''2000''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2000}} |event=Valerie Mack last seen by family members in spring or summer |location=Port Republic, New Jersey.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2000|11|19}} |event=Partial and then-unidentified remains of Valerie Mack found|location=Manorville, New York.}}
'''2003''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2003|07|21}} |event= Jessica Taylor last seen |location=Port Authority Bus Terminal, Manhattan, New York.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2003|07|26}} |event= Partial remains of Jessica Taylor found |location= Manorville, New York.}}
'''2007''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2007|07|09}} |event= Maureen Brainard-Barnes last seen |location=Manhattan, New York.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2007|07}} |event=A friend of Brainard-Barnes', Sara Karnes, receives a phone call from a man claiming that he had just seen Brainard-Barnes and that she was alive and staying at a "whorehouse in Queens."}}
'''2009''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2009|07|12}} |event=Melissa Barthelemy last seen |location=Unionport, Castle Hill, Bronx, New York.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2009|07|17}} |end_date={{End date|2009|08|26}} |event=Amanda Barthelemy, sister of Melissa Barthelemy, receives a series of "vulgar, mocking and insulting" calls from a man using Melissa Barthelemy's cell phone. There are additional calls on July 23, Aug 5, Aug 19 and 26. The caller eventually tells Amanda Barthelemy that her sister is dead.}}
'''2010''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2010|05|01}} |event=Shannan Gilbert makes a panicked phone call to 911 after fleeing a client's house; she bangs on the doors of several neighboring houses and disappears |location=Oak Beach, New York.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2010|06|06}} |event=Megan Waterman last seen|location=Hauppauge, New York.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2010|09|02}} |event=Amber Lynn Costello last seen |location=West Babylon, New York.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2010|12|11}} |event=Remains of Melissa Barthelemy found|location=Ocean Parkway, Long Island, New York.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2010|12|13}} |event=Remains of Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes found|location=Ocean Parkway, Long Island, New York.}}
'''2011''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2011|03|29}} |event=Further partial remains of Jessica Taylor found|location=Ocean Parkway, Long Island, New York. }} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2011|04|04}} |event=Remains of Valerie Mack, "Asian Doe", and Tatiana Dykes found in brush area|location=Ocean Parkway, Long Island, New York. }} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2011|04|11}} |event=Further partial remains of Tanya Jackson found|location=Jones Beach State Park, Nassau County, New York. }} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2011|04|11}} |event=Further partial remains of Karen Vergata found |location=Tobay Beach, Nassau County, New York. }} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2011|09|20}} |event="Baby Doe" (later identified as Tatiana Dykes) identified as the daughter of "Peaches" (later identified as Tanya Jackson); partial remains found in 1996 and on April 11 matched to the same person (later identified as Karen Vergata); partial remains found in 2000 and on April 4 matched to the same person (later identified as Valerie Mack); a composite image of the unidentified "Asian Doe" released.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2011|12|13}} |event=Remains of Shannan Gilbert found in a marsh |location=Oak Beach, New York. }}
'''2012''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2012|5|4}} |event=Shannan Gilbert's death ruled an accidental drowning by Suffolk County medical examiner.}}
'''2016''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2016|12|13}} |event= "Peaches" and "Jane Doe No. 3" positively identified as the same person, later identified as Tanya Jackson.}}
'''2020''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2020|05|6}} |event= Suffolk County ordered by New York State Supreme Court to release the recording of Shannan Gilbert's 911 call.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2020|05|28}} |event= Police announce forensic identification of formerly unidentified remains of Valerie Mack.}}
'''2022''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2022}} |event= Remains first found in 1996 identified as Karen Vergata.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2022|05|23}} |event= Recording of Shannan Gilbert's 911 call released.}}
'''2023''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2023|07|14}} |event= Rex Heuermann charged in relation to the murders of Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, and Amber Costello and named as a suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.}}<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William K. |last2=Kilgannon |first2=Corey |last3=Cramer |first3=Maria |last4=Goldstein |first4=Joseph |date=July 14, 2023 |title=Suspect Arrested in Serial Killings of Women Near Gilgo Beach |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/14/nyregion/gilgo-beach-murders-long-island-suspect.html |access-date=July 14, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714232654/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/14/nyregion/gilgo-beach-murders-long-island-suspect.html |url-status=live }}</ref> * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2023|08|04}} |event=Police publicly announce forensic identification of formerly unidentified remains of Karen Vergata.}}
'''2024''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2024|01|16}} |event= Heuermann indicted for the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2024|06|06}} |event= Heuermann indicted for the murders of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2024|09|16}} |event= Updated forensic sketches of "Asian Doe" released, this time both male- and female-presenting versions.}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 16, 2024 |title=New images of 'Asian Doe,' a possible Gilgo Beach murder victim, are released |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/asian-doe-gilgo-beach-murders-rcna171314 |access-date=December 22, 2024 |website=NBC News |language=en }}</ref> * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2024|12|17}} |event= Heuermann charged in relation to the murder of Valerie Mack.}}<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ruiz |first1=Michael |last2=Johnson |first2=Jennifer |date=December 17, 2024 |title=Suspected serial killer Rex Heuermann charged with seventh slaying |language=en-US |work=Fox News |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/suspected-serial-killer-rex-heuermann-charged-seventh-slaying |access-date=December 17, 2024 }}</ref>
'''2025''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2025|04|23}} |event= Police publicly announce forensic identification of formerly unidentified remains of Tanya Jackson and Tatiana Dykes.}} * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2025|12|05}} |event= Andrew Dykes charged in relation to the murders of Tanya Jackson and their daughter Tatiana Dykes.}}
'''2026''' * {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2026|04|08}} |event= Heuermann pleads guilty to the seven murders he was charged with. He also admits to the murder of Karen Vergata, for which he was not previously charged.}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sisak |first=Michael R. |date=April 8, 2026 |title=Long Island architect Rex Heuermann pleads guilty to murdering 7 women and admits he killed another |url=https://apnews.com/article/gilgo-beach-serial-killings-guilty-plea-fdfbb6aace18e89bd5f7593859825eef |access-date=April 8, 2026 |website=Associated Press }}</ref>
== In media == Numerous films, television programs, podcasts, and other media have covered or referenced the case. These include: * ''48 Hours'': "Long Island Serial Killer" (July 12, 2011), re-aired on September 8, 2023, with information regarding the suspect * ''Disappeared'': "Footprints in the Sand" (April 10, 2012), season 5, episode 14 * ''Killing Time'' (2012), a play by Tom Slot<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Santora |first1=Marc |date=July 20, 2012 |title=Want to See a Play About a Killer? The Real One May Sit Beside You |page=A20 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|1705863384}} }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Deutsch |first1=Kevin |last2=Lopez |first2=Tania |date=July 25, 2012 |title=Stage play echoes Gilgo case |language=English |page=A.12 |work=Newsday |id={{ProQuest|1027629597}} }}</ref> * ''The Long Island Serial Killer'' (2013), also known as ''The Gilgo Beach Murders'', an independent feature directed by Joseph DiPietro<ref name="donato">{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jill-di-donato/the-lost-girls-of-gilgo-t_b_4252745.html |first=Jill |last=Di Donato |title=The Lost Girls of Gilgo : True-Crime Thriller Premieres In New York City |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126104656/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jill-di-donato/the-lost-girls-of-gilgo-t_b_4252745.html |archive-date=November 26, 2015 |work=Huffington Post |date=November 12, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="bolger">{{cite news |url=http://www.longislandpress.com/2014/02/07/gilgo-beach-murders-movie-debuts-at-long-island-theater/ |first=Timothy |last=Bolger |title='Gilgo Beach Murders' Movie Debuts at Long Island Theater |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507033026/https://www.longislandpress.com/2014/02/07/gilgo-beach-murders-movie-debuts-at-long-island-theater/ |archive-date=May 7, 2019 |work=Long Island Press |date=February 7, 2014 |access-date= }}</ref> * Dark Minds: "Long Island Serial Killer" (April 22, 2014), season 3, episode 5, investigative journalist, M. William Phelps and criminal profiler, John Kelly searching for clues to identify the killer on Investigation Discovery. * Lyrics of the Panama Wedding song "Feels Like Summer" (2014) reference the events of the murders in Gilgo Beach.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/07/20/panama-wedding-brings-shimmery-synthpop-hifi/86951004/ |title=Panama Wedding brings shimmery synthpop to The HiFi |author=Goins, Alexa |work=IndyStar |date=July 20, 2016 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-date=January 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128031037/https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/07/20/panama-wedding-brings-shimmery-synthpop-hifi/86951004/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * ''People Magazine Investigates'': "The Long Island Serial Killer: The Lost Girls" (2016), season 1, episodes 1–2 * ''The Killing Season'' (2016), docuseries episode<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Genzlinger |first1=Neil |title=Murders Most Foul, Beginning on Long Island |work=The New York Times |page=C4 |date=November 12, 2016 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|2309975216}} }}</ref><ref name="Killing Season Observer">{{Cite news |last1=Grant |first1=Drew |title=Couple Behind Doc 'The Killing Season' on Uncovering the Serial Murder of Sex Workers |work=The New York Observer |date=November 30, 2016 |language=English |issn=1052-2948 |id={{ProQuest|1846827581}} |location=New York, N.Y., United States }}</ref> * ''Crime Junkie'' (April 16, 2018), episode 21: "SERIAL KILLER: L.I.S.K." * ''Lost Girls'' (2020), Netflix film<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://people.com/movies/amy-ryan-plays-a-mother-fighting-for-answers-in-gripping-trailer-for-netflixs-lost-girls/ |title=Amy Ryan Plays a Mother Fighting for Answers in Gripping Trailer for Netflix's Lost Girls |last=Russian |first=Ale |date=January 16, 2020 |website=People |access-date=January 16, 2020 |archive-date=January 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117152312/https://people.com/movies/amy-ryan-plays-a-mother-fighting-for-answers-in-gripping-trailer-for-netflixs-lost-girls/ |url-status=live }}</ref> based on Robert Kolker's 2013 book of the same name * ''60 Minutes'' Australia: "Who is the Long Island serial killer?" (2020)<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 11, 2020 |title=Who is the Long Island serial killer? |publisher=60 Minutes Australia |via=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJgi5J0jflc&t=213s |access-date=June 12, 2020 |archive-date=June 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601201127/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJgi5J0jflc&t=213s |url-status=live }}</ref> * ''[https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lisk-long-island-serial-killer/id1499159204 LISK: Long Island Serial Killer]'' (2020– ), podcast from [https://www.yubapodcast.com/mopacaudio Mopac Audio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202604/https://www.yubapodcast.com/mopacaudio |date=October 29, 2023 }} * ''The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice'', Lifetime (2021), television film<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://people.com/tv/lifetime-long-island-serial-killer-trailer-true-crime-movie/ |title=Lifetime's Long Island Serial Killer, Inspired by a True Story, Tracks Search for Missing Daughter |first=Jodi |last=Guglielmi |date=January 22, 2021 |website=People |access-date=February 21, 2021 |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227195356/https://people.com/tv/lifetime-long-island-serial-killer-trailer-true-crime-movie/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/entertainment/tv/warm-tv-blog/article249373600.html |title=What to Watch Saturday: Kim Delaney in Lifetime's 'Long Island Serial Killer' movie |first=Brooke |last=Cain |date=February 20, 2021 |website=The News & Observer |location=Raleigh, North Carolina |access-date=February 21, 2021 |archive-date=February 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221022713/https://www.newsobserver.com/entertainment/tv/warm-tv-blog/article249373600.html |url-status=live }}</ref> * ''Grim Tide'' (2021), a five-part series on Fox Nation<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fox Nation's 'Grim Tide' investigates the hunt for the Long Island serial killer |first=Amy |last=Nelson |website=Fox News |date=October 22, 2021 |url=https://www.foxnews.com/media/fox-nation-grim-tide-long-island-serial-killer-murders |access-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022160219/https://www.foxnews.com/media/fox-nation-grim-tide-long-island-serial-killer-murders |url-status=live }}</ref> * ''[https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unraveled/id1543476170 Unraveled: The Long Island Serial Killer]'' (2021), a seven-part podcast series released by Investigation Discovery<ref>{{cite AV media |format=podcast |title=Unraveled: Long Island Serial Killer |url=https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/podcasts/unraveled--long-island-serial-killer |publisher=Investigation Discovery |language=en |access-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182458/https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/podcasts/unraveled--long-island-serial-killer |url-status=live }}</ref> * ''Dateline NBC'', "The Hunt for the Gilgo Beach Killer," November 2023 * ''Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer'' (2025), three-part limited documentary series on Netflix directed by Liz Garbus. * ''The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets'' (2025), four-part documentary series on Peacock directed by Jared P. Scott and executive produced by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Haynes |first1=Danielle |title='Gone Girls' docuseries explores Long Island killings as suspect goes to court |url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2025/03/31/Gone-Girls-Gilgo-Beach-killings-Netflix/3001742427717/ |access-date=March 31, 2025 |work=United Press International |date=March 31, 2025 }}</ref> * “[https://abc7ny.com/amp/post/eyewitness-gilgo-beach-documentary-serial-killings-investigation-arrest-rex-heuermann/14329877/ Eyewitness To Gilgo Beach]” by WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News (2026), a documentary series created by one of the first TV stations to cover the story, since the discovery of the bodies in 2011. WABC is a local area station serving the New York metropolitan area.
== See also == * Cleveland Torso Murderer * Internet homicide * List of serial killers in the United States
== References == {{Reflist}}
== Further reading == * {{cite news |author=Gallucci, Jaclyn |url=http://www.longislandpress.com/2010/10/21/lost-girls-when-women-go-missing-on-long-island-some-matter-prostitutes-dont/ |title=Lost Girls: When Women Go Missing, Some Matter, Prostitutes Don't |work=Long Island Press |date=October 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809164047/http://www.longislandpress.com/2010/10/21/lost-girls-when-women-go-missing-on-long-island-some-matter-prostitutes-dont/ |archive-date=August 9, 2012 }} * {{cite news |author=Gallucci, Jaclyn |url=http://www.longislandpress.com/2012/07/12/girls-disappearing-behind-the-headlines-of-the-long-island-serial-killer/ |title=Girls Disappearing: Behind the Headlines of The Long Island Serial Killer Case |work=Long Island Press |date=July 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815021520/http://www.longislandpress.com/2012/07/12/girls-disappearing-behind-the-headlines-of-the-long-island-serial-killer/ |archive-date=August 15, 2012 }} * {{cite news |author=Hannaford, Alex |url=http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/comment/articles/2011-11/18/gq-comment-long-island-serial-killer/ |title=Who will catch the Long Island Serial Killer? |work=GQ Magazine |date=November 18, 2011 }} * {{cite news |author=Kolker, Robert. |url=http://nymag.com/news/features/long-island-serial-killer-families-2011-6/ |title=A Serial Killer in Common |work=New York Magazine |date=May 29, 2011 }} * Kolker, Robert. [http://lostgirlsbook.com/ ''Lost Girls''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118031928/http://lostgirlsbook.com/ |date=January 18, 2017 }}. (Harper Perennial, 2011)
== External links == * {{cite web |website=Google Maps |url=http://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zAfqjpCEGVmw.kKQjbFqK4dUY |title=Locations and dates of remains' discoveries on Long Island |access-date=January 20, 2015 }}
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Category:Gilgo Beach serial killings Category:American murderers of children Category:Crime in the New York metropolitan area Category:Crimes against sex workers in the United States Category:Crimes on Long Island, New York Category:Deaths by strangulation in the United States Category:History of women in New York (state) Category:Nassau County, New York Category:Serial killers from New York (state) Category:Serial murders in the United States Category:Suffolk County, New York Category:Unidentified murder victims in New York (state) Category:Violence against trans women