(NewsNation) — Police have identified two bodies, one woman and one toddler, that were found near a Long Island seafront in relation to the Gilgo Beach serial killings, according to The New York Times.
The woman, who had been known as “Peaches” because of a tattoo on her torso, was thought to be the mother of a 2-year-old whose body was found near the South Shore beach. She has been identified as Tanya Denise Jackson, and the toddler has been identified as Tatiana Marie Dykes, according to Detective Capt. Stephen E. Fitzpatrick.
According to The New York Times, of the 10 victims found near Gilgo Beach, nine have been identified. Rex Heuermann, an architectural consultant from New York, has been accused of killing seven women, including four who were found on Gilgo Beach.
It is unknown at this point if the two recently identified remains are related to the Gilgo Beach killings case.
Remains found near Gilgo Beach identified
During the news conference, police were not clear on whether or not they believed Heuermann played a role in the woman and child’s death.
Fitzpatrick said, “I’m not saying it is him, I’m not saying it’s not him.” He did say that their deaths were being investigated alongside the Gilgo Beach killings, but they could be unrelated.
Pieces of Jackson’s remains were reportedly found in 1997 at Hempstead Lake State Park. More of her remains were found near Gilgo Beach in 2011. Tatiana’s remains were also found in 2011 on Ocean Parkway, near Jackson’s remains.
Police said Tatiana was found in a thicket, wearing gold jewelry while wrapped up in a blanket. Her remains were linked to Jackson’s remains by DNA testing.
Investigators are now trying to identify the 10th victim, who was allegedly an Asian man dressed in women’s clothing.
Gilgo Beach killings: What is Rex Heuermann accused of?
Heuermann has been charged with murder in the deaths of seven women. This includes the Gilgo Four, whose bodies were found on Long Island, New York.
The Gilgo Four were identified in 2011 as Amber Lynn Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes and Megan Waterman. The other alleged victims include Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack.
The Gilgo Beach killings investigation started in 2010 when police found the remains of up to 18 people on Long Island. Heuermann was eventually arrested, with investigators reportedly using familial DNA to help find him.
His case was recently brought before Judge Timothy Mazzei again, according to Suffolk County, New York, court records. Heuermann’s defense team is trying to get key DNA evidence thrown out.
His team is arguing that nuclear DNA science has never been used in a New York court of law, but the prosecution says the technology has been around for years.