Breakthrough Finally Identifies Victims At Infamous Crime Scene

Crime scene with body near river and police tape

After nearly three decades, forensic breakthroughs have identified the remains of U.S. Army veteran Tanya Denise Jackson and her toddler daughter Tatiana, whose bodies were discovered near the notorious Gilgo Beach area where multiple serial killings have occurred.

Key Insights

Tanya Jackson, 26, previously known only as “Peaches” due to her tattoo, and her 2-year-old daughter Tatiana Dykes, have been identified through advanced DNA and genealogy techniques.
Jackson’s dismembered remains were found in Hempstead Lake State Park in 1997, while her daughter’s remains were discovered near Gilgo Beach in 2011.
While their remains were found in proximity to other Gilgo Beach victims, authorities have not established a direct connection to accused serial killer Rex Heuermann, who faces charges in seven other murders.
Jackson served in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 1995, was a single mother living in Brooklyn, and possibly worked as a medical assistant.
Authorities are seeking public assistance to help solve the murders, emphasizing that identifying the victims is just the first step in the investigation.

Mother and Daughter Identified After Decades

Law enforcement officials have made a significant breakthrough in the long-running investigation connected to the Gilgo Beach area. The remains of 26-year-old Tanya Denise Jackson and her 2-year-old daughter Tatiana Dykes have been identified through advanced genetic genealogy techniques. Jackson’s dismembered body was discovered in Hempstead Lake State Park in 1997, while her daughter’s remains were found near Gilgo Beach in 2011. For years, investigators referred to Jackson as “Peaches” due to a distinctive tattoo, while her daughter was known simply as “Baby Doe.”

The genetic link between mother and daughter was established through DNA analysis in 2015, but their identities remained unknown until the FBI’s recent breakthrough. Jackson served in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 1995 and was reportedly estranged from her family at the time of her death. She resided in Brooklyn as a single mother and may have worked as a medical assistant. The identification process was complicated by the scattered nature of the remains – Jackson’s body was found in pieces across multiple locations.

Police have released the identities of a mother and child whose remains were found near Gilgo Beach nearly three decades ago. However, they say the deaths may be unrelated to Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann. @McLoganTV reports. https://t.co/H1dxut3O7j

— CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) April 23, 2025

Connection to Gilgo Beach Serial Killings Remains Unclear

The discovery of Jackson and her daughter’s remains has sparked speculation about potential connections to the infamous Gilgo Beach serial killings. Since late 2010, at least 10 bodies, mostly female sex workers, have been found in the area. In 2023, authorities arrested Rex Heuermann, an architect who has been charged with seven murders related to the Gilgo Beach case. However, investigators are proceeding cautiously regarding any connection between Heuermann and the deaths of Jackson and her daughter.

Nassau Police Detective Captain Stephen Fitzpatrick emphasized that investigators are considering all possibilities in the case. “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,” he stated. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him, and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office continues to prosecute his case.

Investigation Continues with Public Assistance

Nassau County officials are now seeking public assistance to help solve the murders of Jackson and her daughter. They’re specifically looking for information about Jackson’s activities and associates in the mid-1990s. Authorities have noted that the toddler’s father is cooperating with the investigation and is not considered a suspect. Jackson received full military honors at her burial, recognizing her service to the country before her tragic death.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said, “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.”

Authorities are also working to identify another set of remains found in the Gilgo Beach area in 2011, believed to be of a person of Chinese descent. This case highlights the significant advances in forensic technology that have allowed cold cases to be reopened and potentially solved. Detective Fitzpatrick has cautioned against allowing internet speculation to influence the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the need for methodical police work to bring justice to the victims and closure to their families.