Woyem News 
A search of the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s home has concluded. Long Island officials announced in a press conference that the victim previously known as Jane Doe 7 has been identified as Karen Vergata, a 34-year-old escort who was last seen alive in Manhattan in 1996. Police refused to answer any questions regarding the possible connection between Vergata’s murder and serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann. Prosecutors have requested a DNA swab from Heuermann, who has been charged with the murders of Amber Castello, Megan Waterman, and Melissa Barthelemy. He is also the prime suspect in the killing of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. The victims went missing in 2009 and 2010, with their remains being discovered along Gilgo Beach.
Suffolk County officials revealed that Vergata had been identified as Jane Doe 7 last year, but the information was kept confidential due to the ongoing investigation into Heuermann. They also cited the need to contact Vergata’s family members as a reason for the delay in making the identification public. However, it has since been reported that Vergata’s two biological sons were not informed before the announcement. The sons only found out after the press conference when they were contacted by the woman who adopted them as children. This news came as a shock to Eric, one of the sons, who believed that Vergata was only missing.
Karen Vergata was 34 years old when she went missing in 1996. She lived in Manhattan and worked as an escort. Her disappearance occurred around Valentine’s Day, but no missing persons report was filed at the time. The search for Shannan Gilbert, another missing woman, led to the discovery of bodies along the south shore of Long Island. Heuermann has not been charged in Gilbert’s death, but he is the prime suspect in the killings of several other victims.
The Gilgo Beach area has been the site of the discovery of at least 11 victims’ remains. It is uncertain if all the murders were committed by the same killer. Many of the victims were sex workers who offered escort services on Craigslist or worked in New York City. The first victim, Melissa Barthelemy, was found in 2010 during the search for Shannan Gilbert. The remains of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello were found two days later. These women were known to advertise escort services on Craigslist. Other victims include Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack, who were also involved in the escort industry. The remains of an Asian male and two unidentified victims have also been found in the area.
In conclusion, the search of the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s home has ended, and officials have identified one of the victims as Karen Vergata. The investigation into the connection between her murder and suspect Rex Heuermann is ongoing. The Gilgo Beach area has been the site of multiple murders, and the identities of some victims remain unknown. Families are still waiting for answers and justice in these cases.
