New Leads Emerge in Gilgo Beach Murder Mystery

Dictionary entry for serial killer definition highlighted

The identification of Tanya Denise Jackson and her daughter Tatiana has reignited an intense investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders, opening new questions yet to be solved.

Key Takeaways

Tanya Jackson and her daughter Tatiana, discovered in 1997 and 2011, were identified through genetic genealogy.
Jackson was known as “Peaches” due to a tattoo, with her daughter referred to as “Baby Doe.”
Their deaths are being investigated for connections to the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
No confirmed link exists between Jackson’s death and accused killer Rex Heuermann.
Authorities are seeking public assistance as investigations continue.

Identification Through Genetic Genealogy

In a revolutionary breakthrough, the remains of a mother and child discovered near Gilgo Beach have been identified as Tanya Denise Jackson and her daughter, Tatiana. This identification was made possible through advanced genetic genealogy, marking a significant development in the Gilgo Beach murder investigations. Tanya, a 26-year-old U.S. Army veteran, lived in Brooklyn and possibly worked as a medical assistant. Tatiana was only 2 years old when they were found.

Jackson’s remains were initially discovered in 1997 in Hempstead Lake State Park, while Tatiana’s were found on Gilgo Beach in 2011. Before they were named, Jackson was called “Peaches” due to a distinctive tattoo, and her daughter was known as “Baby Doe.” Investigators successfully linked the two through a 2015 DNA analysis, leading the FBI to confirm their identities.

A woman and toddler whose remains were discovered scattered along an oceanfront highway not far from the victims of Long Island’s infamous Gilgo Beach killings were identified Wednesday as a U.S. Army veteran from Alabama and her daughter. https://t.co/VolWq0bBPa

— WCIA (@WCIA3) April 24, 2025

Connections with the Gilgo Beach Murders

The identification has sparked renewed interest in how their deaths might relate to the notorious Gilgo Beach serial killings. Since 2010, the remains of multiple victims have been uncovered along the same stretch of Long Island highway, raising questions about potential links. Architect Rex Heuermann was arrested in 2023 for alleged connections to seven murders, but he has denied involvement, and there is no confirmed link between him and the deaths of Jackson and her child.

“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,” Nassau Police Det. Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said.

The area holds a deep, ominous history involving at least ten bodies found, mostly female sex workers. As authorities investigate potential connections between Jackson’s death and the Gilgo Beach murders, they caution against leaping to conclusions. Detective Stephen Fitzpatrick warned against internet speculation influencing the investigation.

A woman and toddler whose remains were discovered scattered along an oceanfront highway were identified Wednesday as a U.S. Army veteran from Alabama and her daughter. https://t.co/5qZb3nAAib

— WWJ 950 (@WWJ950) April 23, 2025

Ongoing Investigations and Public Assistance

The case has undergone a resurgence of attention, with Nassau County officials seeking the public’s assistance. Since Jackson’s estrangement from her family prior to her disappearance, and with the toddler’s father cooperating with authorities, public insights could prove invaluable. Anne Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney, emphasized that revealing their identities represents just the initial step in unraveling the murders, echoing that “our work has just begun.”

“The reality is, our work has just begun. Knowing the identities of the mom and the little baby is just a first step to help us get to solving these murders,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly.

Despite existing speculation, authorities remain committed to exploring every avenue to learn the truth behind these tragic crimes. As of now, while the specters of the Gilgo Beach murders hover overhead, definitive answers remain elusive, urging the need for diligent investigation and community involvement.