Male’s Remains Found On Long Island Beach: Police

LONG ISLAND, NY — Beachgoers braved snow flurries, walking the boardwalk and posing for family photos at Smith Point County Park on the morning of Christmas Eve, some of them unaware that a human bone had been found there by walkers the night before.

Police told Patch a man and a woman found what appeared to be a male’s jawbone near the park’s Lot A2 while walking just before 5 p.m., and they brought it to a park attendant who was on duty.

The county Medical Examiner determined the bone to be human, and it was taken to the agency's office for positive identification, police said.

All that remained of the swarm of law enforcement investigating the scene on Monday night was a single police cruiser, regularly assigned to patrol the area.

It was business as usual at the park as locals went about their morning routines.

A woman named Mary, who declined to give her last name, walks the beach daily. She threw her head back in shock when told of the discovery.

“Oh, how horrible,” she said. “I’ve lived in the area 50 years. I love the area.”

“Does it have its ups and downs?” she asked. “I don't know what area doesn't. To me, it's beautiful with good neighbors.”

Another local resident of 35 years, who only identified himself as Rich, was aware of the discovery from news reports, as well as a similar one in March 2023, though he could speculate whether it could be someone who drowned or something more nefarious.

“Something like that,” he said.

A human bone was also found at the beach back in March 2023, police previously said.

The investigation is continuing with the county’s Homicide Squad, according to a police spokesperson.

Further details were not immediately available from police.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about the remains to contact the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.

This is a breaking story. Check back later for updates.