Gilgo Beach Homicide Victim Was Known Only by Tattoo. Now, ‘Peaches’ and her Toddler Daughter Have Names

New Names Revealed for Suspected Long Island Serial Killer Victims

Authorities on Long Island have finally uncovered the identities of a woman and her two-year-old daughter, whose remains were found nearly 30 years ago at Gilgo Beach. The woman has been identified as Tanya Denise Jackson, aged 26, and her daughter as Tatiana Marie Dykes, through the use of genetic genealogy testing.

During a press conference held on Wednesday, April 23, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly remarked that while the identification of the victims is a crucial first step, there is still much work to be done in solving the murders. Jackson was initially known as “Peaches” by investigators due to a peach-shaped tattoo discovered on her chest. Part of her remains were initially found in Hempstead Lake State Park in a plastic container back in June 1997.

Further remains of Jackson, along with those of her daughter, were uncovered in April 2011 near Gilgo Beach on Ocean Parkway. The discovery was part of an ongoing investigation, with the remains of at least 10 individuals, predominantly female sex workers, being found along the parkway since 2010.

Architect Rex Heuermann, a father of two, was arrested in 2023 in connection with three deaths and later charged with murder in relation to seven of the deaths. However, authorities have stressed that at present, Heuermann does not face charges in connection with the deaths of Jackson and her daughter.

Homicide Det. Lt. Stephen Fitzpatrick emphasised during the press briefing that although Jackson and Dykes have been connected to the Gilgo Beach serial killings due to the timing and locations of their remains, there’s a possibility that their cases are separate from the ongoing investigation. He urged against speculation and bringing unfounded theories into the case.

Jackson had served in the U.S. military from 1993 to 1995 across several states and was residing in Brooklyn at the time of her death. She was employed at a doctor’s office, possibly as a medical assistant. Despite DNA analysis linking the mother and daughter in 2015, their identities remained a mystery until 2022 when the FBI made the identification. A positive identification was made in early 2024 after gathering DNA samples and interviewing family members.

The authorities waited before publicising the identities to reach out to the family and ensure the appropriate burial of the remains. Tanya and Tatiana were laid to rest in Alabama with full military honours, honouring Jackson’s service to the country. Jackson had never been reported missing, and a $25,000 reward has been offered for any information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

In conclusion, the unveiling of the identities of ‘Peaches’ and her daughter adds a new chapter to the longstanding mystery of the Gilgo Beach serial killer case. The painstaking investigative work conducted by authorities brings hope of justice for the victims and their families, while underscoring the tireless efforts in solving cold cases and bringing closure to unsolved crimes.