Gilgo Beach Victim ‘Peaches’ Identified: Tanya Denise Jackson
Authorities identified “Peaches” and her daughter, clarifying a case that has haunted investigators for nearly 30 years. On April 23, 2025, Nassau County police announced that the Gilgo Beach victim identified is Tanya Denise Jackson, a 26-year-old U.S. Army veteran, and her daughter is Tatiana Marie Dykes.
The Unveiling of Identities
The announcement came during a press conference where officials detailed the process that led to the victims’ identification. Investigators discovered Tanya Jackson’s dismembered torso in a container at Hempstead Lake State Park in June 1997. For decades, authorities referred to her as “Peaches” because of a distinctive peach tattoo found on her body. The release of their names marks a pivotal moment in a case that has remained unresolved for far too long.
A Life Interrupted
Originally from Alabama, Tanya Jackson had moved to Brooklyn, New York, where she worked as a medical assistant. At the time of her disappearance, she was a young mother, and her daughter, Tatiana, was just two years old. Investigators uncovered Tatiana’s remains several years later while probing the notorious Gilgo Beach murders. Although authorities found their bodies in different locations, DNA evidence linked them in 2015. Authorities used genetic genealogy to confirm their identities in early 2024 but withheld their names for investigative reasons.
Connections to the Gilgo Beach Murders
Investigators link Tanya and Tatiana’s case to a series of murders involving at least ten female sex workers. Authorities found these victims along a desolate highway near Gilgo Beach. Police arrested Rex Heuermann in 2023 for several murders, but they assert that Jackson and Dykes’ cases are distinct.
“We’re not saying it’s him, but we’re not saying it’s not him,” remarked Nassau County Homicide Det. Lt. Stephen Fitzpatrick. “For now, we are treating this case as separate.”
A Call for Information
Authorities have identified the father of Tatiana and confirmed that he is cooperating with the investigation. However, they have not revealed whether he is a suspect. Law enforcement offers a $25,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest in this case.
Det. Lt. Fitzpatrick urged the public to come forward with any information, asking, “Did you know Tanya from her time in the military? Were you a neighbor or coworker in Brooklyn? Perhaps you saw her and Tatiana at a medical appointment. We want to hear from anyone who might have information.”
Commitment to Justice
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly expressed her unwavering commitment to seeking justice for Tanya and Tatiana. “We will not rest until we identify their killer,” she stated emphatically. “Every lead will be pursued, and every thread will be followed until we can bring justice to this mother and her child.”
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Rex Heuermann faces charges in the deaths of multiple victims and has pleaded not guilty, maintaining his innocence. Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney has not commented on the identification of Jackson and Dykes due to legal proceedings.
A Community United in Support
The identification of Tanya Denise Jackson and her daughter Tatiana Marie Dykes highlights the urgent need for justice. It also underscores the importance of community involvement in solving tragic cases. As authorities continue their investigation, they encourage anyone with information to step forward. The heartbreaking loss of these lives underscores the urgency of finding answers and ensuring that their story is not forgotten.
Source: ABC7
