LONG ISLAND detectives are searching a desolate stretch of sandy beach where four bodies in advanced stages of decomposition have been found over the past three days.
The remains were discovered on Jones beach, a barrier island to the east of New York City. They were buried in the sand about 460 metres apart, close to a road, over a period of 18 months.
Police suspect they may have a serial killer on their hands.
“Common sense tells us it’s not a coincidence,” said Gerard Pelkofsky of the Suffolk County homicide team.
The first body was discovered on Saturday afternoon between Cedar and Gilgo beaches by an officer from the local canine squad who was out combing the area with his dog, Blue. They were searching for Shonnan Gilbert (24), who went missing in May.
Originally from New Jersey, Gilbert is believed to have been working as a prostitute, having advertised for clients through the Craigslist website. She was last seen being driven to the next barrier island, Fire Island, where she had arranged, through the site, to meet a client.
Three more bodies were found on Monday close to where the first was found.
None of them has been identified, although medical examinations are now under way and early indications suggest at least two of the victims were female.
Tests also suggest the victims were killed elsewhere and their bodies dumped on the beach. – (Guardian service)