By Hank Russell
There has been another twist in the Gilgo Beach murder case as various news outlets reported that Suffolk County police, along with the NYPD and New York State Police, have been searching a wooded area in Manorville that could be connected to the case.
It was reported that, on April 23 and 24, there was a heavy police presence alongside Wading River Road with Suffolk K-9 units and NYPD cadaver dogs scouring the woods near Ryerson Avenue. If anything were discovered there, it would not be the first time: Parts of the remains of two victims — Valerie Mack (also known as “Manorville Jane Doe/Jane Doe #6”) and Jessica Taylor — were found in Manorville. Mack’s remains were discovered in 2000 and Taylor’s remains were found three years later. Their other remains were discovered at Gilgo Beach in 2011.
As previously reported in Long Island Life & Politics, Rex Heuermann of Massapequa Park was arrested in connection with the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello. He was also suspected of killing Maureen Brainard-Barnes.
It is not known if Heuermann is connected to the deaths of Mack and Taylor.
LILP contacted the Suffolk County Police Department for information about the recent search in Manorville. They referred LILP to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney’s office.
A spokesperson from the DA’s office said they are not confirming that the recent search has anything to do with the Gilgo Beach murders. In a statement, the office said, “The Suffolk County Police Department, the New York Police Department and the New York State Police are working with the District Attorney’s Office on an ongoing investigation. We do not comment on investigative steps while they are underway. We will make further statements when appropriate.”
LILP will continue to provide updates once they become available.