A Florida man has been charged with murder in the death of a woman whose remains were discovered near Gilgo Beach more than a decade ago, a location long associated with one of New York’s most infamous serial killer cases. Officials clarified that the murder is not believed to be linked to the ongoing Gilgo Beach serial killings.
66-Year-Old Father Accused of Killing Tanya Jackson
Authorities confirmed that Andrew Dykes, 66, of Ruskin, Florida, has been indicted by a Nassau County grand jury in the killing of Tanya Denise Jackson, whose remains were found in 2011 along a remote stretch of Long Island’s south shore.
For years, Jackson had been known only as Jane Doe No. 3, or “Peaches,” a nickname investigators used based on a distinctive tattoo found on her torso.
Investigators now say Dykes was the biological father of Jackson’s 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes, whose remains were discovered near her mother’s.
According to officials, Dykes was arrested Wednesday in Hillsborough County, Florida, on a felony fugitive warrant. He is currently awaiting extradition to Nassau County, where he is expected to be arraigned on murder charges.
Not Connected to the Gilgo Beach Serial Killings
Because Jackson’s and her daughter’s bodies were found close to the dumping site associated with the Gilgo Beach serial killer, investigators initially considered a possible link.
However, authorities said on Saturday that there is no evidence connecting Jackson’s murder to the serial killings.
The Gilgo Beach case remains ongoing. Rex Heuermann, a 60-year-old architectural consultant from Massapequa Park, is currently charged with murdering seven women, six of whom were found near the Gilgo Beach corridor.
A Break in a 15-Year Mystery
Jackson and her daughter were identified earlier this year after nearly 15 years of uncertainty. Their remains were discovered in 2011 near Ocean Parkway, along the same stretch where multiple other bodies were located as part of the broader Long Island serial homicide investigation.
Their identification was a major breakthrough for Nassau County detectives, who had worked for years to determine who the victims were and what happened to them.
The new indictment brings the long-cold case a step closer to resolution.
What Happens Next
Dykes is expected to be transported to New York once Florida authorities complete the extradition process. Nassau County prosecutors have not yet released additional details regarding the motive or specific circumstances of the murder.
