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Long Island Cold Case: Mother and Daughter Identified in Gilgo Beach Investigation
In a significant development in the Gilgo Beach case, authorities have identified the remains of a woman and her daughter, discovered 14 years apart on Long Island. This breakthrough sheds light on the cold case murders of Tanya Jackson and Tatiana Dykes, which officials say could potentially be linked to the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killings.
Victims Identified After Years of Mystery
Tanya Jackson, 26, was found dismembered in Hempstead Lake State Park in Lakeview, New York, on June 28, 1997. Her daughter, Tatiana Dykes, age 2, was discovered roughly 20 miles away along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach in April 2011, Nassau County officials announced at a press briefing on Wednesday.
- Jackson was known as “Peaches,” due to a distinctive tattoo on her torso.
- Dykes had been referred to as “Baby Doe” before identification.
DNA Analysis Key to Unlocking the Case
Nassau County Police homicide detective Stephen Fitzpatrick stated that a 2015 DNA analysis established the genetic link between the two victims. The case was subsequently transferred to the FBI, where forensic experts were able to positively identify the bodies.
Tanya Jackson: A Veteran and Single Mother
At the time of her death, Jackson was a single mother residing in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood. She served “honorably” in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 1995, according to Fitzpatrick.
Additional Details about Tanya Jackson’s Life:
- She was reportedly employed in a medical capacity, possibly at a doctor’s office, while living in Brooklyn.
- A friend or neighbor may have cared for her daughter while she was at work.
Seeking Public Assistance in Ongoing Investigation
Nassau County authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could aid in the ongoing investigation into Jackson and Dykes’ deaths.
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Possible Connection to Gilgo Beach Killings
The unsolved nature of this case has fueled speculation about a possible connection to the so-called Gilgo Beach killings. Starting in late 2010, police investigated the deaths of at least 10 individuals, primarily sex workers. The remains were located along a secluded highway near Gilgo Beach on Long Island.
Rex Heuermann and the Gilgo Beach Investigation
The investigation into the Gilgo Beach serial killings led to the arrest of architect Rex Heuermann in 2023. He has been charged with seven alleged murders and maintains his innocence.
Investigation to Explore All Avenues
Fitzpatrick emphasized that the investigation into the deaths of Jackson and her daughter will consider all possible scenarios.
“Although Tanya and Tatiana have commonly been linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killings — because of the timing and locations of their recovered remains — we are not discounting the possibility that their cases are unrelated from that investigation,” Fitzpatrick stated.
The detective cautioned against incorporating internet speculation into the investigation.