The Case of the Long Island Serial Killer: Unraveling the Mystery
On May 1, 2010, 24-year-old Shannan Gilbert made a frantic call to 911, expressing distress while on a date with a new client in Oak Beach, Long Island. Stating that “they’re trying to kill me,” her call marked the beginning of a complex investigation into her disappearance, which would later reveal a troubling pattern of violence targeting women.
Despite the urgent nature of her plea, it took eight months before police initiated a search for Gilbert along Ocean Parkway, an area where she was last seen. Their efforts soon expanded beyond her case when they discovered the remains of four women—Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello—who collectively became known as the “Gilgo Four.” All were sex workers, and their discoveries marked the onset of a long investigation into a suspected serial killer, dubbed the Long Island Serial Killer (LISK).
Netflix Docuseries: “Gone Girl: The Long Island Serial Killer”
The events surrounding Gilbert’s disappearance and the subsequent investigation are documented in Netflix’s recent series “Gone Girl: The Long Island Serial Killer,” directed by Liz Garbus. The series outlines not only the circumstances surrounding the murders but also the alleged police corruption that hindered the investigation, leading to the eventual identification of 61-year-old Rex Heuermann as a suspect. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the murders of seven women, and his trial date is yet to be determined.
Delayed Action by Authorities
Shannan Gilbert’s mother, Mari Gilbert, faced significant obstacles when trying to report her daughter missing. According to family attorney John Ray, the police response was dismissive, citing Gilbert’s profession as a reason for their lack of urgency. Ray recounted that police told Mari, “Oh, you know, she’s a prostitute. She’ll turn up.” It wasn’t until Mari’s persistent efforts that the case gained more attention, ultimately leading to the discovery of the other victims.
Many experts believe Gilbert’s case catalyzed the investigation, prompting authorities to reconsider their lack of action. Though Heuermann faces charges in multiple murders, Gilbert’s call to police and her subsequent disappearance served as a tragic trigger for the eventual identification of more victims and the investigation of the serial killer.
Investigative Failures and Corruption
Gus Garcia-Roberts, an investigative journalist, highlighted significant corruption within the Suffolk County Police Department that stifled the investigation. District Attorney Thomas Spota and Police Chief James Burke had a longstanding relationship, which some allege led to a cover-up as they prioritized their own interests over public safety. Officers reported discouragement from seeking assistance from external agencies, including the FBI, resulting in stalled progress on the LISK case.
Burke’s controversial career included multiple internal complaints regarding his conduct. Reports indicated that he minimized the murders by labeling them as “misdemeanor murders”, contributing to public frustration over the investigation’s stagnation. Eventually, Burke was imprisoned for unrelated charges, creating an opportunity for new investigators to pursue the case. Within weeks of their involvement, they identified Heuermann as a key suspect.
Ignored Witness Accounts
In 2011, just months prior to the discovery of the Gilgo Four, witnesses provided police with a detailed description of a man linked toAmber Costello’s last known whereabouts. Friends of Costello reported a disturbing encounter with a man seeking to confront her, who left a chilling impression on them. When law enforcement questioned the witnesses after Costello’s death, they supplied specific details about the individual, including his striking height and vehicle description. However, these leads were not pursued effectively at the time, despite being crucial to the investigation.
Conclusion
The saga of the Long Island Serial Killer illustrates a complex interplay of tragedy, systemic failures, and the resilience of those seeking justice for victims. As new developments continue to unfold in the case, the hope remains that the stories of Shannan Gilbert and the Gilgo Four might prompt essential changes within law enforcement practices regarding the treatment of victims, particularly those in vulnerable professions.
