Bodies Mother and Toddler Found Near Gilgo Beach Identified as Army Veteran and Her Daughter
Bodies Authorities have identified the remains of a woman and toddler found years ago near the site of the infamous Gilgo Beach murders as a U.S.
Jackson, who may have worked as a medical assistant, was previously referred to as “Peaches” by investigators due to a distinctive tattoo found on her body.
Despite the proximity to the Gilgo Beach crime scenes, police emphasized there is currently no evidence linking their deaths to Rex Heuermann, who has been charged with the murders.
More Details Emerge in Identification of Woman and Child Found Near Gilgo Beach
New information has been released following the identification of Tanya Denise Jackson and her daughter,
Tatiana Marie Dykes, whose remains were found years apart on Long Island.
During a press briefing, law enforcement officials explained that the breakthrough came through DNA evidence collected at the scenes, along with advanced genetic genealogy techniques.
Police Vow to Uncover Truth Behind Deaths of Tanya Jackson and Daughter Tatiana
Authorities have long questioned whether the mother and daughter’s deaths are connected to the larger Gilgo Beach investigation.
Which has focused on the discovery of at least 10 sets of human remains — primarily those of women who worked as sex workers — found on or near Ocean Parkway since late 2010.
Rex Heuermann, a Manhattan-based architect, has been charged in connection with the deaths of several of those women.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney’s office, which is leading the prosecution of Heuermann, said it would not comment on “any topics even tangentially involved to the investigation” while pre-trial proceedings are underway.
Investigators believe the person died in or before 2006, was between 17 and 23 years old, stood around 5 feet 6 inches tall, and may have presented as female.
Initially believed to be male, officials now say they believe the victim may have been gender non-conforming.