The Gilgo Beach murders investigation has taken a new turn as police conduct an extensive search in Manorville, New York. Law enforcement sources revealed that investigators were meticulously combing a wooded area on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In a statement, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the ongoing investigation, stating that the Suffolk County Police Department, the New York Police Department, and the New York State Police are collaborating with the District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation revolves around the deaths of four women found murdered near Gilgo Beach on Long Island in the 2010s, known as the “Gilgo Four.” Rex Heuermann, 60, has been charged in connection with these deaths and is currently awaiting trial in jail.
Heuermann was initially charged with the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. In January, an additional charge was added for the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.
The remains of the four victims were discovered along a quarter-mile stretch of parkway on Jones Beach Island in 2010. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently in custody.
The search in Manorville is part of an ongoing investigation. Authorities have uncovered the remains of six more adults and a toddler during their search, but no arrests have been made in connection with these deaths.
Investigators are exploring possible links between Heuermann and these additional victims, but officials have declined to provide specific details about the search.
Manorville has a prior connection to the Gilgo Beach murders. In July 2003, the remains of Jessica Taylor, a 20-year-old sex worker, were discovered in the town. In March 2011, additional remains belonging to Taylor were found several miles east of the “Gilgo Four” location.
Furthermore, the remains of Valerie Mack, a 24-year-old escort, were found near Taylor’s remains in April 2011. Partial remains of Mack had previously been discovered in Manorville in 2000.
While no charges have been filed in the deaths of Taylor and Mack, police suggest a potential connection between the two victims.
