Florida Man Arrested in 1997 New York Murder of Veteran and Toddler
A breakthrough in a decades-old cold case has led to the arrest of a Florida man accused of killing a New York mother and her young daughter in 1997. The case, long shrouded in mystery, involved victims who went unidentified for years and were once believed to be connected to the infamous Gilgo Beach murders.
Identification After Nearly Three Decades
The victims, 31-year-old Army veteran Tanya Denise Jackson and her 2-year-old daughter Tatiana Marie Dykes, were unidentified for decades. Investigators referred to them only as “Peaches” and “Baby Doe” until advanced forensic genealogy finally confirmed their identities earlier this year. Their remains were discovered in separate locations years apart, complicating the investigation and linking the case to multiple jurisdictions.
Suspect Arrested in Florida
Authorities arrested 66-year-old Andrew Dykes in Florida after a New York grand jury charged him with two counts of murder. Investigators say he lived in New York at the time of the killings and maintained a connection to the victims. He was taken into custody without incident and is awaiting extradition to New York to face charges.
A Case Once Tied to Gilgo Beach
The discovery of the toddler’s remains near Gilgo Beach in 2011 initially raised suspicions that the case was connected to the long-running serial homicide investigation in the same area. However, detectives now say the murders of Tanya and Tatiana were separate from the Gilgo Beach serial killings, despite their proximity in both location and timeline.
Renewed Investigation Opened the Door
The turning point came when investigators revisited the case using modern DNA-matching tools and genealogical databases. After confirming the victims’ identities, detectives re-interviewed witnesses, reviewed old evidence, and followed new leads that pointed to Dykes as a suspect. Forensic advancements ultimately helped connect him to both crime scenes.
Path Toward Justice
Prosecutors say the arrest represents a significant step toward resolving a crime that has weighed heavily on investigators and the victims’ extended family for nearly 30 years. More court proceedings are expected once Dykes is transferred to New York. Officials noted that additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
The arrest brings renewed hope that a tragic chapter marked by uncertainty and unanswered questions may finally be nearing justice.
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