Full Breakdown
Arrest in 1997 Murders of Tanya Jackson and Daughter Linked to Gilgo Beach Investigation
12/6/2025, 2:25:28 AM
Overview of the Case
Andrew Dykes, a 66-year-old man from Tampa, Florida, has been charged with the murders of Tanya Denise Jackson and her two-year-old daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes. The case, which dates back to 1997, gained renewed attention due to its potential connections to the infamous Gilgo Beach murders on Long Island, New York. Jackson's dismembered remains were discovered in a Rubbermaid container at Hempstead Lake State Park, while her daughter's remains were found in 2011 along Ocean Parkway, near other victims associated with the Gilgo Beach investigation.
Key Details of the Investigation
Tanya Jackson, a 26-year-old U.S. Army veteran originally from Mobile, Alabama, was identified only by a distinctive peach tattoo on her torso, earning her the nickname "Peaches." Her daughter, Tatiana, was referred to as "Baby Doe" until their identities were confirmed through advanced DNA technology earlier this year. The investigation into their deaths had long been complicated by the proximity of their remains to those of other victims believed to be linked to a serial killer operating in the area.
Dykes was arrested on a fugitive warrant from Nassau County, New York, shortly after a grand jury indicted him on two counts of murder. He is currently being held in Hillsborough County Jail, awaiting extradition to New York. Dykes has not yet entered a plea but expressed his desire to return to New York to defend himself during his initial court appearance.
Background and Context
The remains of Tanya Jackson were found in June 1997, while her daughter's remains were discovered 14 years later. The initial investigation into Jackson's death suggested she had been dismembered and decapitated. Despite being linked to the broader Gilgo Beach investigation, authorities have maintained that Jackson and her daughter's murders are separate from the cases involving other victims found in the area.
Rex Heuermann, an architect arrested in 2023 and charged with the murders of seven women associated with the Gilgo Beach killings, has not been linked to the deaths of Jackson or her daughter. Investigators have stated that while there were theories connecting the cases, they believe the murders of Jackson and Tatiana were committed by someone else.
Official Statements & Responses
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly declined to comment on the specifics of the indictment against Dykes. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed the evidence that led to the charges, nor clarified the nature of Dykes' relationship with Jackson beyond being the biological father of Tatiana.
Criticism & Opposition
The long duration of the investigation and the initial inability to identify the victims have drawn criticism from some quarters. The case has raised questions about the effectiveness of the investigative processes in cold cases, particularly those involving marginalized individuals.
What's Next
Dykes is expected to be extradited to New York in the coming days, where he will face charges related to the murders. The ongoing investigation may reveal further details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Tanya Jackson and her daughter.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’d like to go to New York and defend myself.” — Andrew Dykes, during his initial court appearance.
