Body Search Moves to TOBAY, Jones Beach Monday

An extensive search for human remains that took place in Gilgo Beach along Ocean Parkway last week continues in Nassau County and TOBAY Beach on Monday.

The search for potential bodies will cover a four-mile area from Tobay Beach Park in Massapequa to the Jones Beach water tower, said Nassau County Police Department spokeswoman Jean DeLuca. The investigation will involve Nassau officers on horseback, a police helicopter and assistance from state police troopers.

“We will be looking to supply our resources as best we can,” said DeLuca.

The search will include a Nassau County medical examiner who will be available to distinguish animal bones from human remains. The search is expected to last at least until Tuesday, DeLuca said.

The investigation in Nassau comes on the heels of Suffolk County police searching brush along Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach and Oak Beach where eight bodies have been found since December 11.

The investigation began on Dec. 11, 2010 with the missing persons case of Shannan Gilbert, a 24-year-old New Jersey woman last seen in Oak Beach on May 1, 2010. Gilbert has not been among the eight bodies discovered in the 121-day investigation.

Suffolk police believe the victims are the work of a serial killer. The first four women identified were killed elsewhere and dumped in the thick underbrush along Ocean Parkway at various times over a span of several years, according to police. Four of the eight bodies were identified as young, white females who worked as Craigslist escorts. The last four found have not yet been identified.

Suffolk Police Commissioner Richard Dormer said last week police will return to search for bodies as the investigation continues.