Police Expand Search for Bodies in Long Island, Possible Connection to Gilgo Beach Murders

The search for bodies in a remote Long Island area of New York entered its third day on Thursday, with authorities suggesting a potential link to the infamous Gilgo Beach murders.

Dozens of officers from Suffolk County, NYPD, and state troopers were seen scouring the woods near Manorville with cadaver dogs, New York Post reports. A mobile command unit operates from the Manorville Fire Department headquarters, overseeing the somber search.

The focus remains on a segment of Otis Pike Preserve along Schultz Road and Wading River Manor Road, although officials have yet to disclose what prompted the search in that particular area.

Suffolk DA Ray Tierney said Wednesday that the searches were related to “an ongoing investigation” in the area but refrained from disclosing further details.

“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,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney’s office said Wednesday.

“We do not comment on investigative steps while they are underway. We will make further statements when appropriate.”

Rex A. Heuermann, the architect accused of murdering at least three women near Long Island’s Gilgo Beach, appears before Judge Timothy P. Mazzei in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Riverhead, N.Y. (James Carbone/Newsday via AP, Pool)

As CrimeOnline previously reported, police arrested Rex Heuermann in July for the deaths of three of the four women known collectively as the “Gilgo Four.” The bodies were found within days of each other on Gilgo Beach in December 2010. All four women were buried in burlap sacks.

Heuermann is now charged with six counts of murder in the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; and Amber Lynn Costello, 27; and is the prime suspect in the death of 25-year-old Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

He remains jailed without bond.

The story is developing. Check back for updates.

Read More LISK Coverage Here

[Feature Photo: Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, and Megan Waterman/Suffolk County Police Department

You May Also Like

Long Island Code Enforcement Officer Arrested for Illegally Stopping Driver for Alleged DWI

A Long Island village code enforcement officer was arrested Wednesday after investigators…

The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Thursday, April 17, 2025

The happiest cartoon we’ve run in a long time: Saving Democracy At…

‘I didn’t file a report’: Soldier never told authorities that pregnant girlfriend was missing, then married another woman 2 months later, police say

Left: Tyrique Williams (Pulaski County Jail). Right: Annie Lock (Fayetteville Police Department).…

‘Creates a dangerous opportunity’: Trump DOJ opposes letting Jan. 6 defendant ‘examine and publish’ footage, evidence and discovery surrounding Capitol attack

Insets: Ryan Zink (Department of Justice). Background: FILE — Violent rioters loyal…