In connection with the unsolved deaths of at least 10 women, whose remains were discovered on Long Island’s Gilgo Beach more than ten years ago, police in New York have brought a suspect into custody. The Suffolk County Police Department had one suspect in custody in relation to the murders, according to two law enforcement sources who verified this to CBS News on Friday morning.

Also Read: Gilgo Beach murders: Police arrest suspect in unsolved Long Island serial killer case

The Gilgo Beach murder victims, also known as the Long Island Serial Killer victims, are a group of unidentified individuals who were found murdered in the vicinity of Gilgo Beach, a popular recreational area on Long Island, New York. The case has garnered widespread attention and has remained unsolved, leaving a sense of unease and frustration within the community.

Details on the victims

Melissa Barthelemy

Melissa Barthelemy, a 24-year-old woman from Buffalo, New York, went missing in July 2009. Her disappearance prompted a series of disturbing phone calls to her family in which the unidentified caller claimed responsibility for her disappearance. Melissa’s remains were discovered in December 2010, alongside the remains of other victims.

Maureen Brainard-Barnes

Maureen Brainard-Barnes, a 25-year-old sex worker from Norwich, Connecticut, went missing in July 2007. She had traveled to New York City to work as an escort. Her remains were found in December 2010, approximately three years after her disappearance.

Megan Waterman

Megan Waterman, a 22-year-old sex worker from Scarborough, Maine, went missing in June 2010. She had traveled to Long Island with her boyfriend to meet clients. Megan’s remains were discovered in December 2010, near the other victims.

Valerie Mack

Valerie Mack was an unidentified murder victim who was given the name “Valerie Doe” until her identity was discovered in 2020. Valerie Mack’s identity remained unknown for several years after her remains were discovered in 2000. She was found in a wooded area near Manorville, Long Island, which is also the location where the remains of other victims associated with the Gilgo Beach murders were found. In 2020, Valerie Mack’s identity was finally determined through DNA analysis and genetic genealogy techniques. It was revealed that her real name was Valerie Mack, and she had originally been from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Amber Lynn Costello

Amber Lynn Costello, a 27-year-old sex worker from North Carolina, was last seen alive in September 2010. She had a history of engaging in sex work and struggled with substance abuse. Her remains were found in December 2010, further connecting her to the other victims.

Also Read: Who was Shannan Gilbert? 24-year-old found dead at Oak Beach in 2011

Shannan Gilbert

Shannan Gilbert was born on October 24, 1986, in Pennsylvania. She had a troubled upbringing and had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Shannan worked as an escort and had traveled to Oak Beach, Long Island, on May 1, 2010, for an arranged meeting with a client.

On that night, Shannan made a frantic 911 call from the home of a resident in Oak Beach. She was reported to be in a distressed state, claiming that someone was after her. Shannan then abruptly left the residence and was last seen running into the nearby marshy area. Her disappearance triggered a massive search operation.

In December 2011, during the search for Shannan, police discovered multiple sets of human remains in the vicinity of Gilgo Beach. These remains were later linked to the work of the Long Island Serial Killer. However, Shannan’s remains were not among those found at that time.

After an extensive search, Shannan’s remains were eventually discovered on December 13, 2011, in a marshy area near Gilgo Beach, not far from where the other victims were found. The cause of her death was determined to be “consistent with homicidal violence.”

Jessica Taylor

Jessica Taylor, a 20-year-old sex worker from New York City, went missing in July 2003. Her dismembered torso was discovered in July 2003 in Manorville, Long Island. Her head, hands, and other body parts were found in 2011, leading investigators to connect her murder to the Gilgo Beach cases.

These victims, predominantly women involved in the sex trade, share similar profiles and circumstances, suggesting a possible connection between their cases and the work of a serial killer or killers. The discovery of their remains near Gilgo Beach raised questions about a possible serial killer operating in the area and sparked a widespread investigation.

The investigation into the Gilgo Beach murder victims has involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Suffolk County Police Department and the FBI.