History of Gilgo Beach serial killings in Timeline
The Gilgo Beach serial killings involve a series of murders in Long Island, New York, from 1993 to 2011. The remains of multiple victims were discovered between late 2010 and 2011 during a police search along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach in southern Suffolk County, New York.
3 hours ago : Gilgo Beach Victims Identified: Mother Tanya Jackson and Toddler Tatiana Dykes named.
Nassau County police identified 'Peaches,' Tanya Denise Jackson, an Army veteran, and her daughter Tatiana Marie Dykes, victims in the Gilgo Beach Murders. This brings closure to a long-standing cold case.
October 22, 1970: Birth of Tanya Denise Jackson
Tanya Denise Jackson was born in Alabama on October 22, 1970.
1987: Heuermann's Work in Manhattan
In an interview, Rex Heuermann stated he had worked in Manhattan since 1987.
July 1993: Jackson's Service in the Army
Tanya Denise Jackson served in the United States Army from July 1993 to February 1995.
November 1993: Discovery of Sandra Costilla's Body
In November 1993, the body of Sandra Costilla was found by hunters in North Sea, Long Island, approximately 60 miles from Gilgo Beach, marking the earliest known victim in the Gilgo Beach serial killings charges against Rex Heuermann.
1993: Discovery of Rita Tangredi's Body
In 1993, the body of Rita Tangredi was found. John Bittrolff was later connected to the murder through DNA evidence.
1993: Murder of Sandra Costilla
In November 1993, Sandra Costilla, a 28-year-old woman from Trinidad and Tobago, was killed. In December 2024, Rex Heuermann was charged with her murder.
1993: Start of Gilgo Beach Serial Killings
The Gilgo Beach serial killings spanned from 1993 up until 2011, marking the beginning of a series of murders on Long Island, New York.
1994: Discovery of Colleen McNamee's Body
In 1994, the body of Colleen McNamee was found. John Bittrolff was later connected to the murder through DNA evidence.
February 1995: Jackson's Service in the Army
Tanya Denise Jackson served in the United States Army from July 1993 to February 1995.
March 17, 1995: Birth of Tatiana Marie Dykes
On March 17, 1995, Tatiana Marie Dykes was born in Texas. Her skeletal remains were later found in 2011 near Valerie Mack's remains.
February 14, 1996: Karen Vergata Last Seen
Around February 14, 1996, Karen Vergata, a 34-year-old woman from Manhattan, was last seen. She was believed to be working as a sex worker and was never reported missing. She was identified in 2023.
April 20, 1996: Discovery of Vergata's Legs
On April 20, 1996, the severed legs of Karen Vergata were found in a garbage bag on Fire Island, marking an early discovery in what would later be connected to the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
1996: Discovery of Jane Doe No. 7 Remains
In 1996, partial remains of "Jane Doe No. 7" were discovered on Fire Island, predating the Gilgo Beach serial killings discoveries, with additional remains found in April 2011.
1996: Discovery of Partial Remains of Karen Vergata
In 1996, partial remains of Karen Vergata were found on Fire Island.
June 28, 1997: Discovery of Jackson's Torso
On June 28, 1997, the dismembered torso of an unidentified woman, later nicknamed "Peaches", was found in a green plastic Rubbermaid container at Hempstead Lake State Park in Lakeview, New York. The container was dumped next to a road. A distinctive heart-shaped peach tattoo on her left breast was noted.
1997: Jackson Living in Brooklyn
In 1997, Tanya Denise Jackson was known to be living in Brooklyn. She was estranged from her family and was never reported missing.
November 2000: Discovery of Partial Remains of Valerie Mack
In November 2000, partial remains of Valerie Mack were found in Manorville.
November 19, 2000: Discovery of Mack's Partial Remains
On November 19, 2000, partial remains of Valerie Mack were discovered in Manorville, New York, though they were not identified until 2020, becoming a key piece of evidence in the Gilgo Beach serial killings investigation.
2000: Valerie Mack Went Missing
In 2000, Valerie Mack, also known as Melissa Taylor, went missing while living in Philadelphia and working as an escort, marking an early event in what would later be connected to the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
2000: Torso Found Belonging to Jane Doe No. 6
In 2000, the torso of an unidentified woman, who would later be dubbed "Jane Doe No. 6", was found. In 2020, officials determined that the torso belonged to the remains found on April 4, 2011.
2000: Heuermann Indicted for Valerie Mack's Murder
In December 2024, Rex Heuermann was indicted for the 2000 murder of Valerie Mack, linking the earlier crime to the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
2000: Last time Valerie Mack was seen
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.
July 21, 2003: Jessica Taylor Went Missing
On July 21, 2003, Jessica Taylor, 20, who was living in Manhattan, went missing, later becoming a victim in the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
July 26, 2003: Discovery of Taylor's Torso
On July 26, 2003, the torso of Jessica Taylor was discovered in Manorville, New York, marking a significant development in what would later be connected to the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
2003: Taylor's Work as a Sex Worker
In 2003, Jessica Taylor worked as a sex worker in Washington, D.C., and Manhattan. She was last seen working around the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan between July 18 and 22, 2003.
2003: Discovery of Partial Remains of Jessica Taylor
In 2003, other parts of Jessica Taylor's remains were found in Manorville, a town in Suffolk County.
July 9, 2007: Last Sighting of Maureen Brainard-Barnes
On July 9, 2007, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, a 25-year-old from Norwich, Connecticut, was last seen, stating she planned to spend the day in New York City. She was a seasonal telemarketer who turned to sex work via Craigslist to pay her mortgage.
July 12, 2009: Melissa Barthelemy Went Missing
On July 12, 2009, Melissa Barthelemy, 24, of Erie County, New York, went missing. She was working as a sex worker through Craigslist and met a client, deposited $900, and attempted to call an old boyfriend on the night she disappeared.
May 1, 2010: Shannan Gilbert's 911 Call and Disappearance
On May 1, 2010, Shannan Gilbert, working as an escort, made a panicked 911 call at 4:51 AM, reporting that someone was "after her" and trying to kill her. She was last seen banging on a nearby residence's door in Oak Beach, screaming for help before running off.
May 2010: Disappearance of Shannan Gilbert
In early May 2010, Shannan Gilbert disappeared from Oak Beach, Long Island, prompting a search that eventually led to the discovery of other victims in the Gilgo Beach serial killings. Gilbert worked as a sex worker and advertised on Craigslist.
June 6, 2010: Megan Waterman Went Missing
On June 6, 2010, Megan Waterman, 22, of Scarborough, Maine, went missing after placing advertisements on Craigslist as an escort, marking a key event in the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
June 8, 2010: Waterman Reported Missing
On June 8, 2010, Megan Waterman was reported missing by family members after failing to check in on her daughter, adding urgency to the Gilgo Beach serial killings investigation.
September 2, 2010: Amber Costello Went Missing
On September 2, 2010, Amber Costello, a 27-year-old sex worker, went missing after reportedly going to meet a stranger who offered $2,500 for her services, ultimately leading to the investigation of Rex Heuermann in the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
December 11, 2010: Discovery of Melissa Barthelemy and Additional Bodies
On December 11, 2010, Officer John Mallia and his cadaver dog, Blue, discovered the remains of Melissa Barthelemy wrapped in burlap near Ocean Parkway. During the search for further evidence, police found three additional bodies: Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. The discovery led to the finding of more victims and the realization that a potential serial killer was at work.
December 2010: Discovery of Maureen Brainard-Barnes' Body
In December 2010, the body of Maureen Brainard-Barnes was found, restrained with leather belts, as part of the Gilgo Beach serial killings investigation.
December 2010: Waterman's Body Recovered
In December 2010, the body of Megan Waterman was recovered, becoming one of the key discoveries in the Gilgo Beach serial killings case.
December 2010: Discovery of Asian Person's Body
In December 2010, the body of a young Asian person who died from blunt-force trauma was discovered at Gilgo Beach, near the first four sets of remains. The victim was biologically male and was found wearing women's clothing, indicating that they may have been a trans woman.
December 2010: Initial Discovery Near Oak Beach and Gilgo Beach
In December 2010, the first set of remains were discovered near Oak Beach and Gilgo Beach, setting the stage for the subsequent discoveries in April 2011 related to the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
December 2010: Discovery of the "Gilgo Four"
In December 2010, the remains of four victims, known as "The Gilgo Four," were discovered within a quarter-mile of each other near Gilgo Beach, marking a significant development in the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
2010: Discovery of Victims' Remains
In late 2010, the remains of multiple victims were found during a police search along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach in southern Suffolk County, New York, as part of the Gilgo Beach serial killings investigation.
2010: Initial Search for Shannan Gilbert
In the summer of 2010, following the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert in May, Officer John Mallia and his cadaver dog, Blue, unsuccessfully searched for Gilbert in the gated beach community where she was last seen.
March 2011: Discovery of Partial Remains of Jessica Taylor
In March 2011, partial remains of Jessica Taylor were found along Ocean Parkway. Other parts of her remains had been found in Manorville in 2003.
March 29, 2011: Further Remains Matched to Taylor
On March 29, 2011, further remains, including Jessica Taylor's skull, hands, and forearm, were matched to the torso found in 2003, connecting the cases in the Gilgo Beach serial killings investigation.
April 4, 2011: Discovery of Additional Remains
On April 4, 2011, four more sets of remains were discovered off the parkway near Oak Beach and Gilgo Beach, including Jessica Taylor, Valerie Mack, "Jane Doe No. 3"/"Peaches", and her daughter, in connection with the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
April 11, 2011: Discovery of Additional Remains in Nassau County
On April 11, 2011, the search for victims in the Gilgo Beach serial killings expanded into Nassau County, where two further sets of remains were discovered, including a male victim and "Jane Doe No. 7".
April 2011: Discovery of Additional Remains
In April 2011, police discovered three additional sets of remains: an unidentified female toddler, an unidentified person of Asian descent, and Valerie Mack, partial remains of whom had been found in Manorville in November 2000.
September 2011: Release of Composite Sketch
In September 2011, police released a male-presenting composite sketch of the Asian victim found in December 2010.
December 2011: Discovery of Gilbert's Remains
In December 2011, 19 months after her disappearance, Shannan Gilbert's remains were located in Oak Beach marshland, about 1/2 mile from where she disappeared. Some of her clothing and belongings were discovered a week earlier in the same vicinity.
2011: The New York Times Article on Perpetrator Profile
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.
2011: Discovery of Victims' Remains
In 2011, the remains of multiple victims were found during a police search along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach in southern Suffolk County, New York, marking a significant development in the Gilgo Beach serial killings investigation.
April 11, 2012: Arrest of Waterman's Pimp
On April 11, 2012, Megan Waterman's pimp was arrested on sex trafficking charges, although he is not believed to be connected to her disappearance or death.
May 2012: Medical Examiner's Ruling on Gilbert's Death
In May 2012, the Suffolk County medical examiners ruled that Shannan Gilbert had accidentally drowned after entering the marsh. Police believe she was in a drug-induced panic, concluding her death was "death by misadventure" or "inconclusive."
November 15, 2012: Mari Gilbert's Lawsuit
On November 15, 2012, Mari Gilbert, Shannan Gilbert's mother, filed a lawsuit against the Suffolk County Police Department, seeking more information about her daughter's disappearance and death.
2013: DNA Submission by Bittrolff's Brother
In 2013, DNA submitted by John Bittrolff's brother, who was convicted in an unrelated case, led to a match connecting Bittrolff to the murders of Rita Tangredi and Colleen McNamee.
September 2014: Independent Autopsy of Gilbert's Remains
In September 2014, forensic pathologist Michael Baden conducted an independent autopsy of Shannan Gilbert's remains due to the controversy surrounding her death. Baden found damage to her hyoid bone, suggesting strangulation, but her death is still officially listed as an accident.
2014: Bittrolff's Arrest
In 2014, John Bittrolff was arrested after his DNA was found on the bodies of two murder victims.
October 2015: Resignation of Police Chief James Burke
In October 2015, police chief James Burke resigned from the Suffolk County Police Department. He was later indicted for civil rights violations and conspiracy for blocking FBI involvement in the Gilgo Beach cases for years.
December 10, 2015: FBI Joins the Investigation
On December 10, 2015, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini announced that the FBI had officially joined the Gilgo Beach serial killer investigation.
November 2016: Sentencing of James Burke
In November 2016, James Burke, former police chief, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for assault and conspiracy related to blocking the FBI from assisting in the Gilgo Beach investigation.
December 2016: Identification of Peaches and Jane Doe No. 3
In December 2016, DNA testing positively identified "Peaches" and "Jane Doe No. 3" as the same person. DNA analysis also identified "Peaches" as the mother of "Baby Doe".
2016: Death of Mari Gilbert
In 2016, Mari Gilbert was killed by her daughter, Sarra Gilbert, who suffered from severe mental illness.
May 2017: John Bittrolff Conviction
In May 2017, John Bittrolff was convicted of murdering two sex workers.
May 2017: Bittrolff Convicted of Murder
In May 2017, John Bittrolff was convicted of the murders of Rita Tangredi and Colleen McNamee and later sentenced to consecutive terms of 25 years for each murder. Bittrolff's attorney rejected the prosecutor's assertion that he might be involved in the Gilgo Beach murders.
September 12, 2017: Prosecutor Links John Bittrolff to Gilgo Beach Murders
On September 12, 2017, Suffolk County prosecutor Robert Biancavilla suggested that John Bittrolff, convicted of murdering two sex workers, might be responsible for some of the Gilgo Beach murders.
2017: Sarra Gilbert's Conviction
In 2017, Sarra Gilbert was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison for the death of her mother, Mari Gilbert.
June 2019: Proposal to Use Genetic Genealogy
In June 2019, a proposal was made to use genetic genealogy to identify the unidentified victims and potentially the killer in the Gilgo Beach case.
January 16, 2020: Release of Belt Image and Website Launch
On January 16, 2020, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart released images of a belt with the letters "HM" or "WH" found at the crime scene near Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach. They also launched Gilgonews.com, a website to share news and receive tips regarding the investigation.
May 6, 2020: Court Order to Release Gilbert's 911 Call
On May 6, 2020, the New York State Supreme Court ordered the Suffolk County Police to release the recording of Shannan Gilbert's 911 call, denying their request to withhold it.
May 28, 2020: Identification of Valerie Mack
On May 28, 2020, police announced that the remains were 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.
2020: Linking of Body Parts to Jane Doe No. 6
In 2020, officials determined that a head, right foot, and hands found on April 4, 2011, belonged to the same unidentified woman whose torso had been found in 2000, originally named Jane Doe No. 6.
2020: Identification of Mack's Remains
In 2020, the partial remains discovered on November 19, 2000, were identified as Valerie Mack, linking the earlier find to the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
May 13, 2022: Release of Gilbert's 911 Call
On May 13, 2022, the Suffolk County Police Department released the 911 call made by Shannan Gilbert before her disappearance.
2022: Identification of Karen Vergata
In 2022 "Jane Doe No. 7" Karen Vergata was identified.
July 2023: Arrest and Charges Against Rex Heuermann
In July 2023, Rex Heuermann was arrested in Midtown Manhattan and charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder related to the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello in connection with the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
July 2023: Rex Heuermann Charged with Murder
In July 2023, Rex Heuermann, an architect from Manhattan, was charged with the murder of the Gilgo Four and three other women, including Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla, and Valerie Mack, marking a major development in the Gilgo Beach serial killings case.
July 2023: Indictment of Rex Heuermann
In July 2023, architect Rex Heuermann was indicted in relation to the murders of Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes.
August 4, 2023: Identification of Jane Doe No. 7
On August 4, 2023 "Jane Doe No. 7" was revealed to be Karen Vergata, whose identity had been established during 2022.
2023: Vergata Identified Through Genetic Genealogy
In 2023, Karen Vergata, previously known as "Jane Doe No. 7" and "Fire Island Jane Doe", was identified through genetic genealogy, resolving a 27-year-old mystery related to the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
January 2024: Heuermann Charged with Maureen Brainard-Barnes' Murder
In January 2024, Rex Heuermann, already a suspect in the Gilgo Beach serial killings, was charged with the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.
June 6, 2024: Heuermann Charged with Additional Murders
On June 6, 2024, Rex Heuermann was arraigned and charged with the murders of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla, with Costilla's murder newly linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
September 2024: Release of Female-Presenting Rendering
In September 2024, a female-presenting rendering of the Asian victim, whose body was found in December 2010, was released by police.
December 2024: Rex Heuermann Charged with Additional Murders
Between July 2023 and December 2024, Rex Heuermann was charged with murdering a total of seven women: the Gilgo Four, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla, and Valerie Mack.
December 2024: Heuermann Charged with Costilla's Murder
In December 2024, 31 years after her death, Rex Heuermann was charged with the murder of Sandra Costilla, linking him to the Gilgo Beach serial killings. The charge was based on DNA evidence.
December 2024: Further Indictments of Rex Heuermann
In December 2024, Rex Heuermann was further indicted in relation to the murders of Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, and Valerie Mack.
December 2024: Heuermann Indicted for Valerie Mack's Murder
In December 2024, Rex Heuermann was indicted for the 2000 murder of Valerie Mack, further connecting him to the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
December 17, 2024: Heuermann Indicted for Mack's Murder
On December 17, 2024, Rex Heuermann was indicted for Valerie Mack's murder by the Suffolk District Attorney's office.
April 2025: Identification of "Peaches" and "Baby Doe"
In April 2025, "Peaches" and "Baby Doe" were identified as Tanya Jackson and Tatiana Dykes, resolving long-standing mysteries related to the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
April 23, 2025: Identification of Peaches and Her Daughter
On April 23, 2025, the Nassau County police announced that "Peaches" had been identified as Tanya Denise Jackson and her daughter as Tatiana Marie Dykes. The police did not comment on whether they believed their deaths were linked to the Rex Heuermann investigation.
Mentioned in this timeline
The United States of America located in North America and...
Washington D C the capital of the United States is...
Connecticut is a state located in the New England region...
An avalanche is a fast-moving flow of snow down a...
News encompasses current events disseminated through various media including oral...
Alabama is a state in the Southeastern United States bordered...
Trending
57 minutes ago Nicky Lopez Joins Cubs; Pomeranz Acquired; Red Sox Pitcher Traded.
57 minutes ago Kirk Cousins' Future Uncertain: Trade Rumors Swirl Amid Falcons Workout Surprise.
20 hours ago Anthony Volpe faces struggles and hopes for improvement with the Yankees in 2025.
58 minutes ago Purdy contract talks progress positively; Kittle denies contract dispute rumors, focusing on team.
58 minutes ago Jennifer Beals on Staying Grounded Amidst Social Media's Influence
2 hours ago Tigers vs. Padres Game 25: Olson Starts, Streaming Details and Predictions
Popular
Pope Francis is the current head of the Catholic Church...
The Real ID Act of is a US federal law...
Cristiano Ronaldo often nicknamed CR is a highly decorated Portuguese...
Michael Jordan also known as MJ is an American businessman...
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Pam Bondi is an American attorney lobbyist and politician She...