Ocean Parkway Body Search to Extend to Jones Beach Monday

An extensive search for that took place along Ocean Parkway in Suffolk County this week will be concentrated around in Wantagh starting Monday morning.

The investigation in Nassau County comes on the heels of Suffolk County Police searching brushes along Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach and Oak Beach where three were discovered on top of five human remains that have been found in that area since December 11. The investigation began on Dec. 11, 2010 with a search for 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 119-day investigation.

Suffolk County Police have previously stated that they believe the victims could be the work of a . The first four women identified were killed elsewhere and dumped in the thick underbrush along Ocean Parkway at various times over a span of at least a year, according to police. Four of the eight bodies discovered were identified as young, white females who worked as Craigslist escorts.

The search for potential bodies in Nassau will cover a four-mile area from Tobay Beach Park in Massapequa to the Jones Beach water tower, according to 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.

On hand at the search scene will be an official from the 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.

Suffolk Police Commissioner Richard Dormer said they would return to search for bodies along Ocean Parkway as their investigation continues. On Dec. 17, 2010 police extended their from Suffolk County into Nassau around Jones Beach and Tobay Beach, but did not discover any remains in the area.