The search for bodies in a remote Long Island area of New York entered its third day on Thursday, with authorities suggesting a potential link to the infamous Gilgo Beach murders.
Dozens of officers from Suffolk County, NYPD, and state troopers were seen scouring the woods near Manorville with cadaver dogs, New York Post reports. A mobile command unit operates from the Manorville Fire Department headquarters, overseeing the somber search.
The focus remains on a segment of Otis Pike Preserve along Schultz Road and Wading River Manor Road, although officials have yet to disclose what prompted the search in that particular area.
Suffolk DA Ray Tierney said Wednesday that the searches were related to “an ongoing investigation” in the area but refrained from disclosing further details.
“The Suffolk County Police Department, the New York Police Department, and the New York State Police are working with the District Attorney’s Office on an ongoing investigation,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney’s office said Wednesday.
“We do not comment on investigative steps while they are underway. We will make further statements when appropriate.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, police arrested Rex Heuermann in July for the deaths of three of the four women known collectively as the “Gilgo Four.” The bodies were found within days of each other on Gilgo Beach in December 2010. All four women were buried in burlap sacks.
Heuermann is now charged with six counts of murder in the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; and Amber Lynn Costello, 27; and is the prime suspect in the death of 25-year-old Maureen Brainard-Barnes.
He remains jailed without bond.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, and Megan Waterman/Suffolk County Police Department
