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{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox civilian attack
| title
| image
| caption
| map
| type
| victims
| location = [[Suffolk County, New York]], United States
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{{Infobox serial killer
| child = yes
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| reward_amount = $50,000
| capture_status = Suspect in custody}}
| accused = 1
| charges = *[[Murder in New York law#First-degree murder|First-degree murder]] (3 counts)
*[[Murder in New York law#Second-degree murder|Second-degree murder]] ( | weapon
}}
The '''Gilgo Beach serial killings''' were a [[serial killer|series of murders]] spanning from the early 1990s until 2011. Many of the victims' remains were found over a period of months in 2010 and 2011 during a police search of the area along [[Ocean Parkway (Long Island)|Ocean Parkway]], near the remote beach town of [[Gilgo, New York|Gilgo]] in [[Suffolk County, New York]]. The search was prompted by the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert, who, like many of the known victims,
The remains of four victims designated "The Gilgo Four" were found within a quarter of a mile of each other near Gilgo Beach in December 2010. Six more sets of remains were found in March and April 2011 in Suffolk and [[Nassau County, New York|Nassau]] counties.<ref name=WNYW>{{cite news |url=http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/8-sets-of-remains-recovered-from-beach-20110404 |title=8 Sets Of Remains Now Found On Beach |work= myfoxny.com | publisher= [[WNYW]] |access-date=April 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407094557/http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/8-sets-of-remains-recovered-from-beach-20110404 |archive-date=April 7, 2011}}</ref><ref name=FoxNews>{{cite news |url=
== Police investigations ==
===Bodies discovered===
The investigation was prompted by the search for Shannan Gilbert, a 24-year-old woman who disappeared in the area in May 2010 after fleeing from a client's home. Human remains were discovered by the side of Ocean Parkway in Oak Beach on December 11, 2010.
Gilbert disappeared after making a 23-minute-long emergency call to [[9-1-1|911]], saying, "They are trying to kill me." A month after her disappearance, the Suffolk County Police Department's missing persons bureau asked Officer John Mallia to search for Gilbert with his trained [[Search and rescue dog|cadaver dog]], a [[German Shepherd]] named Blue. Over the course of summer 2010, Mallia unsuccessfully searched the gated beach community where Gilbert had last been seen.<ref name=NYTDog/><ref name=NBCJan2020/>
Mallia made a new attempt at a search on December 11, 2010, staying close to the [[Shoulder (road)|shoulder]] of the parkway. The officer based his choice of search area on [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] data indicating that dumped bodies are frequently found close to roadways. Despite thick vegetation and a light layer of snow, Mallia's cadaver dog alerted to a scent which the pair tracked to a skeleton wrapped in disintegrating burlap. The remains were later identified as Melissa Barthelemy. Police discovered three additional bodies while searching the scene for further evidence. The bodies of the four victims – Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello – were found approximately {{convert|500|ft}} from each other.<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><ref name=NBCJan2020>{{cite news |last1=Burke |first1=Minyvonne |title=Police reveal evidence in New York serial killer case nearly decade after 11 bodies found |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/police-reveal-evidence-new-york-serial-killer-case-nearly-decade-n1117401 |access-date=July 17, 2021 |agency=NBC News |publisher=NBC Universal |date=January 10, 2020 |archive-date=July 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717061636/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/police-reveal-evidence-new-york-serial-killer-case-nearly-decade-n1117401 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In March 2011, partial remains of Jessica Taylor were found along Ocean Parkway. Eight years earlier, in 2003, other parts of Taylor's remains had been found in [[Manorville, New York|Manorville]], a town in Suffolk County. The next month, in April 2011, police discovered three additional sets of remains: an unidentified female toddler, an unidentified Asian person, and Valerie Mack, partial remains of whom – like those of Jessica Taylor – had been found in Manorville years earlier in November 2000.<ref name='newsday'>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/breaking/gilgo-search-to-extend-into-nassau-1.2803585|title=Police expand Gilgo probe into Nassau|publisher=Newsday.com|date=April 6, 2011|access-date=April 12, 2011|archive-date=October 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013071227/http://www.newsday.com/news/breaking/police-expand-gilgo-probe-into-nassau-1.2803585|url-status=live}}</ref> Two more bodies were found in Nassau County: Karen Vergata, whose partial remains had previously been found on [[Fire Island]] in 1996, and an unidentified woman with a distinctive tattoo of peaches who was later found to be the mother of the unidentified toddler found in Suffolk County.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bolger |first1=Timothy |title=Is The FBI Close to Identifying The Murder Victim Known as Peaches? |url=https://www.longislandpress.com/2022/10/11/fbi-near-identifying-peaches/ |access-date=14 August 2023 |agency=Long Island Press |date=11 October 2022}}</ref>
On May 9, 2011 police speculated that because of similarities in the cases, Valerie Mack (who at the time was unidentified) and Jessica Taylor may have been murdered by a second, separate killer.<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> On November 29, 2011 police announced that they believed one person to be responsible for all ten murders and that the perpetrator is almost certainly from Long Island. The single killer theory stems from common characteristics between the condition of the remains and forensic evidence related to the bodies.<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> In June 2011, Suffolk County police announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the Long Island murders.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/06/16/new.york.bodies/|title=Police raise reward in Long Island serial killer case|website=CNN.com|access-date=June 17, 2011|archive-date=November 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110051808/http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/06/16/new.york.bodies/|url-status=live}}</ref> Shannan Gilbert's remains were located in Oak Beach in December 2011, 19 months after her disappearance. The cause of her death is contested.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roppolo |first1=Michael |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=14 August 2023 |agency=CBS News |date=14 July 2023}}</ref>
In June 2024, Rex Heuermann was charged with the 1993 murder of Sandra Costilla, whose case had not previously been linked to the Gilgo Beach murders. With this
===FBI involvement===
On December 10, 2015 Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini announced that the
===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 ''Gilgonews.com'', a website enabling the department to share news and receive tips regarding the investigation.<ref name="News12LongIsland">{{cite news|last=Lehpamer|first=Eileen|url=http://longisland.news12.com/story/41571239/suffolk-police-to-hold-news-conference-on-new-evidence-in-gilgo-beach-murders|title=Police release picture of new evidence in Gilgo Beach murder case|date=January 16, 2020|work=News12LongIsland|access-date=January 16, 2020|archive-date=January 18, 2020|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|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=gilgonews>{{cite web |url=https://www.gilgonews.com/ |title=Gilgo News |website=Gilgo News |publisher=Suffolk County Police Department |access-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803074657/https://www.gilgonews.com/ |url-status=
===Identification of remains through genealogy===
In June 2019, a proposal was made to use [[genealogy]] to identify the unidentified victims and possibly the killer in the Gilgo Beach case.<ref>{{cite news|last=Green|first=Leonard|url=https://www.newsday.com/amp/long-island/crime/gilgo-killings-serial-killer-1.33501011|title=New forensic advances could help solve Gilgo Beach murder, experts say|date=July 7, 2019|work=Newsday|access-date=July 17, 2019|archive-date=July 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717182358/https://www.newsday.com/amp/long-island/crime/gilgo-killings-serial-killer-1.33501011|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 28, 2020 "Jane Doe No. 6" was identified as Valerie Mack, who also went by the name of Melissa Taylor.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Suffolk Police ID Another Long Island Serial Killer Victim|url=https://www.longislandpress.com/2020/05/22/suffolk-police-id-another-long-island-serial-killer-victim/|last=Bolger|first=Timothy|date=May 22, 2020|website=LI Press|language=en-US|access-date=May 23, 2020|archive-date=May 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531234844/https://www.longislandpress.com/2020/05/22/suffolk-police-id-another-long-island-serial-killer-victim/|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 4, 2023 "Jane Doe No. 7" was revealed to be Karen Vergata, whose identity had been established during 2022.<ref name="Ebrahimji">{{Cite web |last=Ebrahimji |first=Brynn Gingras, Alisha |date=2023-08-04 |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=2023-08-04 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref name="independent.co.uk">{{Cite web |date=2023-08-04 |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=2023-08-04 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>
=== Suspect ===▼
In July 2023, Rex Andrew Heuermann, a 59-year-old Nassau County resident, was arrested in [[Midtown Manhattan]] and subsequently charged with three counts of first-degree murder, as well as three counts of the [[lesser included offenses|lesser charge]] of second-degree murder, related to the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valencia |first=Jamel |date=2023-07-14 |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=2023-09-02 |website=WPDE |language=en}}</ref> He was also named as the prime suspect in the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, and▼
was subsequently charged with her murder in January 2024. On June 6, 2024, Heuermann was arraigned and charged with the murders of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla. 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 |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 |website=The New York Times |access-date=14 July 2023 |date=14 July 2023 |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><ref>{{cite web |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/ |website=www.cbsnews.com |access-date=14 July 2023 |date=14 July 2023 |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715062903/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gilgo-beach-murders-long-island-serial-killer-suspect-arrest-new-york/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Heuermann has pleaded not guilty on all counts.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fadulu |first1=Lola |title=A Timeline of Events in the Gilgo Beach Serial Killings |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/14/nyregion/gilgo-beach-killings-timeline.html |website=The New York Times |date=14 July 2023 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714184625/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/14/nyregion/gilgo-beach-killings-timeline.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BBC News">{{Cite news |date= 2023-07-14 |title=Gilgo Beach murders: Architect charged in Long Island serial killer case |language=en-GB |work=BBC.com| publisher= BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66190844 |access-date=2023-07-15}}</ref> According to his indictment, Heuermann is under investigation in the 2000 death of Valerie Mack.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Siemaszko |first1=Corky |title=Suspect in Gilgo Beach killings may have started preying on women more than three decades ago |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/suspect-gilgo-beach-killings-may-started-preying-women-three-decades-a-rcna155855 |website=NBC News |publisher=NBC |access-date=7 June 2024 |date=6 June 2024}}</ref>▼
Heuermann is an [[architect]] and has lived much of his life in [[Massapequa Park, New York|Massapequa Park]] on the south shore of [[Long Island]]. In an interview on YouTube, Heuermann stated he has worked in [[Manhattan]] since 1987.<ref name="WapoRex">{{cite news |last1=Avi-Yonah |first1=Shera |last2=Rosenzweig |first2=Dan |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/ |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=14 July 2023 |language=en |date=14 July 2023}}</ref> Authorities began to seriously consider Heuermann as a suspect in March 2022 after discovering that a [[Chevrolet Avalanche]] vehicle registered in his name had been linked to one of the killings by a witness. According to investigators, Heuermann's cellphone records indicated that he had been in contact with three of the four victims, and an email account linked to him had been used to conduct online searches of the investigation's progress. Court records also indicated that he had searched the internet for "sadistic materials, child pornography, [and] images of the victims and their relatives."<ref name="WapoRex"/><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 |access-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715062909/https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23876845-659083418-rex-heuermann-gilgo-beach-murder-suspect-bail-documentation |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Genealogical DNA test#Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing|Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing]] indicated a potential match between a sample of Heuermann's DNA gleaned from a pizza crust he had discarded and a hair found on burlap in which one of the victims was wrapped. A potential match to Heuermann's wife was also found when comparing hair found on or near three of the victims to samples taken from bottles found in the trash outside the Heuermann residence. Investigators have stated that Heuermann's wife and children were out-of-state each time the killings are believed to have occurred.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beech |first=Kristina Sgueglia, Brynn Gingras, John Miller, Samantha |date=2023-07-14 |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=2023-07-15 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Ray |date=2023-07-20 |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=2023-07-28 |website=CNN |language=en}}</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 worker|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.<ref name="eltmanAP
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 lived in [[Manorville, New York|Manorville]], {{convert|30|mi|km}} from where the torsos of Gilgo Beach victims Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack were recovered. Bittrolff was a hunter who was said to enjoy killing animals. He was a carpenter by trade with access to hacksaws and electric saws. Because many of the bodies were found precisely dismembered, his access to and proficiency with these tools is
▲=== Suspect ===
▲In July 2023, Rex Andrew Heuermann, a 59-year-old Nassau County resident, was arrested in [[Midtown Manhattan]] and subsequently charged with three counts of first-degree murder, as well as three counts of the [[lesser included offenses|lesser charge]] of second-degree murder, related to the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valencia |first=Jamel |date=2023-07-14 |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=2023-09-02 |website=WPDE |language=en}}</ref> He was also named as the prime suspect in the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, and
▲was subsequently charged with her murder in January 2024. On June 6, 2024, Heuermann was arraigned and charged with the murders of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla. 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 |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 |website=The New York Times |access-date=14 July 2023 |date=14 July 2023 |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><ref>{{cite web |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/ |website=www.cbsnews.com |access-date=14 July 2023 |date=14 July 2023 |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715062903/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gilgo-beach-murders-long-island-serial-killer-suspect-arrest-new-york/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 17, 2024 Heuermann was indicted for the 2000 murder of Valerie Mack <ref>{{Cite web |last=Cergol |first=Greg |last2=Staff • • |first2=NBC New York |date=2024-12-17 |title=Accused Gilgo killer indicted in another murder, bringing victim count to 7: DA |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/gilgo-beach-killer-valerie-max-rex-heuermann/6073848/ |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=NBC New York |language=en-US}}</ref> Heuermann has pleaded not guilty on all counts.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fadulu |first1=Lola |title=A Timeline of Events in the Gilgo Beach Serial Killings |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/14/nyregion/gilgo-beach-killings-timeline.html |website=The New York Times |date=14 July 2023 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714184625/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/14/nyregion/gilgo-beach-killings-timeline.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BBC News">{{Cite news |date= 2023-07-14 |title=Gilgo Beach murders: Architect charged in Long Island serial killer case |language=en-GB |work=BBC.com| publisher= BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66190844 |access-date=2023-07-15}}</ref>
▲Heuermann is an [[architect]] and has lived much of his life in [[Massapequa Park, New York|Massapequa Park]] on the south shore of [[Long Island]]. In an interview on YouTube, Heuermann stated he has worked in [[Manhattan]] since 1987.<ref name="WapoRex">{{cite news |last1=Avi-Yonah |first1=Shera |last2=Rosenzweig |first2=Dan |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/ |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=14 July 2023 |language=en |date=14 July 2023}}</ref> Authorities began to seriously consider Heuermann as a suspect in March 2022 after discovering that a dark green {{circa|2001|2006}} [[Chevrolet_Avalanche#First_generation|Chevrolet Avalanche]]
==The Gilgo Four: victims discovered in December 2010==
Line 70 ⟶ 69:
Shortly after her disappearance, a friend of Brainard-Barnes's, Sara Karnes, received a phone call from a man on an unfamiliar number. The man claimed that he had just seen Brainard-Barnes and that she was alive and staying at a "whorehouse in Queens." He refused to identify himself and could not tell Karnes the location of the house. He told Karnes he would call back and give her the address, but never called again. Karnes said that the man had [[General American English|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=14 August 2023 |agency=People |date=7 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129125352/https://people.com/crime/long-island-serial-killer-update-police-fbi-investigation/ |archive-date=29 November 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
At the time of her disappearance, Brainard-Barnes was working at a [[Super 8 (hotel)|Super 8 motel]] in [[Manhattan]]. On the night of July 9, 2007, she called a friend in Connecticut and told her that she was planning on meeting a client outside of 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=
===Melissa Barthelemy===
Barthelemy, 24, of [[Erie County, New York]], went missing on July 12, 2009. She had been living in the [[Bronx]] in New York 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> Barthelemy 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=2024-05-16 |website=www.gilgonews.com}}</ref> On the night she went missing she met with a client, deposited $900 in her bank account, and attempted to call an old boyfriend, but did not get through. Beginning one week later, and lasting for five weeks, her 15-year-old sister Amanda received a series of "vulgar, mocking, and insulting" calls from a man who may have been the killer using Melissa Barthelemy's cell phone.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="NYT2011-04-08" /> The caller asked if Amanda "was a whore like her sister."<ref name="NYT2011-04-08"/>
The calls became increasingly disturbing and eventually culminated in the caller telling Amanda that her sister was dead and that he was going to "watch her rot." Police traced some of the calls to [[Madison Square Garden]], [[Midtown Manhattan]], and [[Massapequa]], but were unable to determine who was making them.<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, New York|Manorville]]" from her daughter's phone around the time of her disappearance.<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}} tall and {{convert|95|lb}}.<ref name=NYTDog/> Barthelemy's remains were the first to be found in the search for Shannan Gilbert.<ref name=":1" />
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Waterman, 22, of [[South Portland, Maine|South Portland]], [[Maine]], went missing on June 6, 2010, after placing advertisements on Craigslist as an escort. The previous day she had told her 20-year-old boyfriend that she was going out and would call him later. At the time of her disappearance she was staying at a motel in [[Hauppauge, New York]], 15 miles northeast of Gilgo Beach. 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 mother of one and had become a victim of sex trafficking by her boyfriend.<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> Waterman's pimp was arrested on sex trafficking charges on April 11, 2012, but is not thought 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=2024-05-16 |website=www.gilgonews.com}}</ref> Waterman was {{convert|5|ft|5|in|abbr=on}} tall.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moriarty |first1=Erin |title=Did The Long Island Serial Killer Shop For Look-Alike Victims Online? |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/long-island-serial-killer-lookalike-victims-online/ |access-date=August 3, 2021|work=[[48 Hours (TV program)|48 hours]]|date=December 11, 2020 |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803074653/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/long-island-serial-killer-lookalike-victims-online/ |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> Waterman was reported missing by family members on June 8, 2010, after uncharacteristically failing to check in on her three-year-old daughter who had been left in their care.<ref name=":2" />
===Amber Lynn Costello===
Costello, 27, of [[West Babylon, New York]], a small town ten miles north of Gilgo Beach, was a sex worker
Prior to moving to West Babylon, Costello had been living with her second husband in [[Clearwater, Florida]], and was working as a waitress. A strong student, Costello's drug addiction began when she was a teenager. She had been sexually assaulted by a neighbor when she was 6
==Additional six victims discovered in March and April 2011==
Four more sets of remains were discovered on March 29 and April 4, 2011. All of the remains were found in another area off the parkway near Oak Beach and Gilgo Beach, within two miles and to the east of those found in December 2010. The newly discovered victims were Jessica Taylor, Valerie Mack, an unidentified woman designated "Jane Doe No. 3" or "Peaches", and an unidentified toddler who was the daughter of "Peaches".<ref name=LIkiller/> Suffolk Police subsequently expanded the search area up to the Nassau County border looking for 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>
Two further sets of remains were discovered 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 (United States)|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 found about one mile apart, approximately five miles west of those found 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=live}}</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 of remains belonged to a victim now thought to be a [[Trans woman|transgender woman
===Identified===
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Mack's partial remains were discovered in Manorville 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 a set of power lines and a nearby power line access road.<ref name=1047UFNY/>
A head, right foot, and hands found on April 4, 2011, were at first determined to have belonged to an unidentified victim, dubbed "Jane Doe No. 6"; it was later determined that they belonged to the same as-yet-unidentified 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 area of [[Port Republic, New Jersey]].<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>
Despite her alias of Melissa Taylor, investigators confirmed that there was no familial link between Mack and Jessica Taylor.<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=2024-05-16 |website=gilgonews.com}}</ref> The dismembered remains of Valerie Mack and Jessica Taylor were both disposed of in a similar manner, and in the same part of Manorville, suggesting a 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=14 August 2023 |agency=New York Times |date=25 September 2020}}</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 area of [[Port Republic, New Jersey]].<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>
On December 17, 2024, Rex Heuermann was indicted for Valerie Mack’s murder by the Suffolk District Attorneys office.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-17 |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=2024-12-17 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref>
▲Despite her alias of Melissa Taylor, investigators confirmed that there was no familial link between Mack and Jessica Taylor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Valerie Mack |url=https://gilgonews.com/vics/MJD |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=gilgonews.com}}</ref> The dismembered remains of Valerie Mack and Jessica Taylor were both disposed of in a similar manner, and in the same part of Manorville, suggesting a 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=14 August 2023 |agency=New York Times |date=25 September 2020}}</ref>
====Jessica Taylor====
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====Karen Vergata / "Fire Island Jane Doe" / "Jane Doe No. 7"====
Karen Vergata, a 34-year-old woman from Manhattan, was believed to have been working as a sex worker when she disappeared in 1996.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-04 |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=2023-08-04 |website=USA TODAY |language=en}}</ref> Vergata was last seen around February 14, 1996, and was never reported missing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-04 |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=2024-05-16 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Unidentified for 27 years, Vergata was variously known as "Jane Doe No. 7" and "Fire Island Jane Doe" until she was identified through [[genetic genealogy]] in 2023.<ref name="Ebrahimji"/><ref name="independent.co.uk"/>
Vergata's severed legs were found in a garbage bag on [[Fire Island]] on April 20, 1996.<ref name="NYT2011" /><ref name="NYPost" /><ref name="LIPress" /> Fifteen years later, on April 11, 2011, her skull and several of her teeth were recovered at [[Tobay Beach]], the second set of remains to be discovered in [[Nassau County, New York|Nassau County]] that day.<ref name="nbcnewyork.com" /><ref name="newsday.com" /> These remains were linked through DNA testing to the remains 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 postulated that Vergata's legs were carried to Fire Island by the water after her remains were dumped on Long Island.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-06-09 |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=2024-05-16 |website=PIX11 |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Unidentified===
Three victims remain unidentified: "Peaches," "Baby Doe," and "Asian
===="Peaches" / "Jane Doe No. 3"====
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A third set of remains – the skeleton of a female toddler between 16 and 24 months of age (or, by another account, 1 to 4 years of age)<ref name=1323UFNY/> – was found on April 4, 2011, about {{convert|250|ft|-1}} away from the partial remains of Valerie Mack.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/30/nyregion/among-bodies-discarded-on-a-beach-one-that-doesnt-fit.html|title=Among Bodies Discarded on a Beach, One That Doesn't Fit|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=May 30, 2011|access-date=February 19, 2017|archive-date=June 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619082620/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/30/nyregion/among-bodies-discarded-on-a-beach-one-that-doesnt-fit.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The body was wrapped in a blanket and showed no visible signs of trauma. [[DNA]] tests determined that the child's mother was "Jane Doe No. 3," whose body was found {{convert|10|mi}} west, near [[Jones Beach State Park]].<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> The toddler was wearing gold earrings and a gold necklace.<ref name=NYT2011/><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><ref name=1323UFNY>{{cite web|url=http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/1323ufny.html|title=The Doe Network: 1323UFNY|work=doenetwork.org|access-date=December 15, 2021|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218220852/http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/1323ufny.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
===="Asian
The body of a young Asian
==Discovery of Shannan Gilbert's body==
On December 13, 2011, police announced that the remains of Shannan Gilbert had been found in a marsh about half a mile from where she had disappeared. A week earlier, some of her clothing and belongings had been discovered in the same vicinity. Gilbert was last seen banging on a resident's door and screaming for help before running off into the night. Gilbert made an emergency [[9-1-1]] call that night, saying that she feared for her life.<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>
Police have stated that the death of Gilbert, a woman whose disappearance triggered the search during which the first set of bodies was found, is thought to be unrelated to the Long Island serial killer case.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/police-suspect-murder-victims-found-long-island-gilgo-beach-murdered-single-serial-killer-article-1.984318|title=Police suspect murder victims found on Long Island's Gilgo Beach were murdered by single serial killer|work=New York Daily News|access-date=November 30, 2011|archive-date=December 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201182203/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/police-suspect-murder-victims-found-long-island-gilgo-beach-murdered-single-serial-killer-article-1.984318|url-status=live}}</ref> Gilbert's now-deceased mother [[Mari Gilbert]] advocated for the theory that her daughter had been murdered by a serial killer and blamed police inaction for the failure to identify her daughter's murderer. Mari Gilbert was killed by her daughter Sarra Gilbert, who was convicted of murder in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shannan Gilbert's mother killed; daughter charged, cops say |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/mother-of-shannan-gilbert-killed-daughter-charged-cops-say-1.12084633?pts=671148 |agency=Newsday |date=July 24, 2016 |access-date=July 6, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184436/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/mother-of-shannan-gilbert-killed-daughter-charged-cops-say-1.12084633?pts=671148 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Murder of Sandra Costilla==
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'''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,
* {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2011|04|11}} |event=Further partial remains of "Peaches" / "Jane Doe No. 3" 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" identified as the daughter of "Peaches"; 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
* {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2011|12|13}} |event=Remains of Shannan Gilbert found in a marsh |location=Oak Beach, New York. }}
Line 206 ⟶ 207:
* {{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=2024-09-16 |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=2024-12-22 |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=2024-12-17 |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=2024-12-17 }}</ref>
==Possible victims==
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=== Shannan Maria Gilbert ===
24-year-old Shannan Maria Gilbert was working as an escort at a client's residence in [[Oak Beach]] on May 1, 2010. At 4:51 in the morning, 911 dispatchers received a panicked phone call from Gilbert, who could be heard saying that there was someone "after her" and that "they" were trying to kill her. She was last seen a short time later banging on the front door of a nearby Oak Beach residence and screaming for help before running off into the night.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/48-hours-uncovers-missing-escort-shannan-gilberts-final-minutes|title='48 Hours' uncovers missing escort Shannan Gilbert's final minutes|date=July 20, 2013|work=cbsnews.com|access-date=September 29, 2014|archive-date=July 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715063301/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/48-hours-uncovers-missing-escort-shannan-gilberts-final-minutes/|url-status=live}}</ref> After nineteen months of searching, police found Gilbert's remains in a marsh, half a mile from where she was last seen.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/body-shannan-gilbert-found-oak-beach-missing-2010-article-1.990801|location=New York|work=Daily News|title=Body of Shannan Gilbert found in Oak Beach, L.I.; Had been missing since May 2010 – NY Daily News|access-date=December 30, 2012|archive-date=April 26, 2013|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|url-status=live}}</ref>
In May 2012, the [[Suffolk County, New York|Suffolk County]] medical examiners ruled that Gilbert accidentally drowned after entering the marsh. They believe that she was in a drug induced panic and have concluded that hers was "death by misadventure" or "inconclusive." Her family believes she was murdered.<ref>[http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Shannan-Gilbert-Gilgo-Beach-Autopsy-Remains-Serial-Killer-Prostitute-149687895.html Shannan Gilbert's Cause of Death "Undetermined"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504115301/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Shannan-Gilbert-Gilgo-Beach-Autopsy-Remains-Serial-Killer-Prostitute-149687895.html |date=May 4, 2012 }}, nbcnewyork.com; accessed April 9, 2016.</ref> On November 15, 2012, a lawsuit was filed by her mother, [[Mari Gilbert]], against the Suffolk County Police Department in the hopes of getting more answers about what happened to her daughter the night she went missing.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/family_lawsuit_against_physician_EfxzNwV3RPXre5jE7WJlkL|work=New York Post|first=Selim|last=Algar|title=Family of Gilgo Beach serial killer victim Shannan Gilbert files lawsuit against physician|date=November 15, 2012|access-date=December 30, 2012|archive-date=December 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218222158/http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/family_lawsuit_against_physician_EfxzNwV3RPXre5jE7WJlkL|url-status=live}}</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|url=
On May 6, 2020, the [[New York Supreme Court|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 |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=9 August 2023 |agency=NBC News |date=May 14, 2022}}</ref>
==Profile of killer==
The media had speculated about a profile of the killer, referred to by police as "Joe C" (unknown subject). According to ''[[The New York Times]]'', the perpetrator was most likely a white male in his mid-twenties to mid-forties and very familiar with the South Shore of Long Island and had access to [[Gunny sack|burlap sacks]] used to hold the bodies for disposal.<ref name=TimesProfile>{{cite news|title=Bright, Careful and Sadistic: Profiling Long Island's Mystery Serial Killer|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/22/nyregion/long-island-serial-killer-gets-a-personality-profile.html|access-date=May 15, 2011|first1=Manny|last1=Fernandez|first2=Al|last2=Baker|date=April 21, 2011|archive-date=April 28, 2011|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|url-status=live}}</ref> He may have a detailed knowledge of law enforcement techniques, and perhaps ties to law enforcement, which have thus far helped him avoid detection. According to investigators, there may be more than one killer.<ref name=TimesProfile/><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>
==In media==
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* ''[[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| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20151126104656/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jill-di-donato/the-lost-girls-of-gilgo-t_b_4252745.html |archivedate=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 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20190507033026/https://www.longislandpress.com/2014/02/07/gilgo-beach-murders-movie-debuts-at-long-island-theater/ |archivedate=May 7, 2019 | work= [[Long Island Press]]| date= February 7, 2014| access-date= }}</ref>
* Lyrics of the 2014 [[Panama Wedding]] song "Feels Like Summer" 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)|People Magazine]] Investigates'': "The Long Island Serial Killer: The Lost Girls" (2016): season 1, episodes 1–2
* [[The Killing Season (American TV series)|''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=2016-11-12 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|2309975216}} |df=mdy-all }}</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=2016-11-30 |language=English |issn=1052-2948 |id={{ProQuest|1846827581}} |location=New York, N.Y., United States |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* ''[[
* ''[[Lost Girls (film)|Lost Girls]]'', Netflix film (2020)<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 (magazine)|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>
*[[60 Minutes (Australian TV program)|''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],'' Podcast from [https://www.yubapodcast.com/mopacaudio Mopac Audio] (2020- )
* ''The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice'', [[Lifetime (TV
* ''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
* ''[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
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