Andrew Dykes Arrested for Connection to Gilgo Beach Victim Tanya Denise Jackson’s Murder
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Andrew Dykes, a resident of Tampa, Florida, was arrested in connection with the 1997 murder of Tanya Denise Jackson, a victim associated with the Gilgo Beach serial killings. The arrest took place on Wednesday, Dec. 3, following a warrant issued by Nassau County, New York, as reported by ABC News. Dykes, aged 66, appeared in front of a Florida judge on Thursday, Dec. 4, facing murder charges. The Nassau County Police Department has been contacted for further information regarding this case.
Tanya Denise Jackson was not the only victim in this tragic event. Her two-year-old daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes, was also killed in the 1997 incident, with her remains found 14 years later. Jackson was initially known by the name “Peaches” due to a peach tattoo on her body, while her daughter was referred to as Baby Doe. It wasn’t until April 2025 that their identities were confirmed through genetic genealogy testing. Jackson, a U.S. Army veteran, was just 26 years old at the time of her death.
In the month of April, the Nassau County Police announced a $25,000 reward for any valuable information related to this cold case, shedding light on the dark shadows of the past. The discovery of Tatiana’s remains in 2011 along the southern shore of Long Island drew connections to the infamous Gilgo Beach murders. In 2023, Rex Heuermann, an architect and father, was apprehended in connection with three of the deaths linked to the Gilgo Beach case and later charged with seven murders but not related to Jackson and her daughter.
As the authorities continue to investigate this long-standing mystery, the community awaits justice for the victims and their families. The harrowing details of these cold cases highlight the resilience and dedication of law enforcement in pursuing justice even after decades have passed. The use of advanced genetic genealogy testing has been crucial in unveiling hidden truths and providing closure to families who have long been seeking answers.
The tragic events surrounding Tanya Denise Jackson and her daughter Tatiana Marie Dykes serve as a reminder of the importance of continuing efforts to solve cold cases and bring perpetrators to justice. The unwavering commitment of law enforcement, combined with technological advancements in forensic science, offers hope for resolving even the most challenging investigations. The arrests made in connection to the Gilgo Beach murders represent a significant step towards achieving justice and closure for the victims and their loved ones.
The case of Andrew Dykes and his alleged involvement in the murder of Tanya Denise Jackson marks a turning point in the ongoing investigation. As more details emerge and the legal process unfolds, the community remains vigilant in seeking answers and closure. The dedication of law enforcement and the support of the public are key elements in bringing resolution to cold cases and ensuring that justice prevails. The arrest of Dykes signifies a significant development in the pursuit of truth and accountability for the victims of the Gilgo Beach tragedy.