Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan

Episode: Gilgo Update – 1997 Murder/Dismemberment of "Peaches". ARREST! (December 14, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this gripping episode, forensic expert Joseph Scott Morgan and his co-host Dave delve into the decades-old mystery of "Peaches," the unidentified woman whose dismembered body was found in 1997, and who has now been identified—with a suspect arrested. The episode thoughtfully examines the challenges of identifying victims, the evolution of forensic science, the unique geography of Long Island’s crime scenes, and the implications for the infamous Gilgo Beach murder investigations. Throughout, the hosts maintain a somber yet conversational tone, mixing personal reflections with forensic insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Legend of "Peaches" and the Gilgo Four: Setting the Scene

• "Peaches" Case Background:
  • "Peaches" refers to an unidentified victim found in 1997, named for her distinctive peach tattoo. For years, she was believed to be part of the Gilgo Beach murders.
  • Quote:
    • "I'm going to talk about a peach, or at least the image of it that was tattooed on a woman's body that for years we didn't know who she was." — Joseph Scott Morgan (02:07)
• Personal Experience:
  • Joseph shares memories of visiting Long Island’s Gilgo area, highlighting the insular nature of the community and its difficult terrain.
  • He relates the importance of understanding local geography in serial crime investigations (06:29–07:00).
• Connection to Gilgo Cases:
  • There was a longstanding assumption that Peaches and her toddler were Gilgo Beach victims, but new evidence sets this case apart.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Whoever was doing these horrible acts had to have very specific knowledge about the terrain, about traffic movements… automatically now I'm thinking somebody has to be a native that's going out here.” — Joseph Scott Morgan (07:00)

Peaches Identified: Tanya Jackson, and Her Daughter, Tatiana

• Victim Identification:
  • Peaches identified as Tanya Jackson, a 26-year-old military veteran from Alabama.
  • "Baby Doe," found nearby, identified as her 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes.
  • Their identification marks a significant breakthrough thanks to forensic advancements.
  • “Tanya Jackson's body was discovered in 1997… It wasn't all in one piece, Joe… There was a toddler, and it didn't fit the mix.” — Dave (08:24)
• Contextualizing Gilgo Victims:
  • The hosts outline the differences—Peaches and Tatiana’s case did not fit the Gilgo Four’s victimology.
  • The area has been used as a dumping ground by possibly more than one killer (08:24–09:00).
• Family Advocacy:
  • Discussion of Shannon Gilbert’s case (another decedent found in the area) and how her family’s persistence kept the investigation alive.
  • “I really think that without Shannon Gilbert's family, that the Gilgo story might have gone away.” — Dave (12:12)

Forensic Hurdles: Old-School Investigation Meets Modern Science

• Identification in the 1990s:

  • “In the old days, if you were going to be a tattoo artist, and this is long before there were tattoo shops on every corner, you know, you had to sit at the feet of a master, right? … And before we used things like DNA, we tried to use anything we could to get bodies identified.” — Joseph Scott Morgan (23:24)
  • Peaches’ tattoo—a peach with a bite out—was instrumental. Police posted an image in a tattoo magazine, leading artist Steve Cullen of Connecticut to recognize his own work (25:12–27:00).
  • Hospitals used identifiers like unique tattoos, scars, and dental work, disseminating “BOLO” flyers to help with region-wide identification (27:37–29:31).

• Breakthrough in Forensics: Genetic Genealogy

  • The latest round of identification was achieved through advanced DNA work, with help from Othram Laboratories.
  • Investigators tracked down distant relatives using old obituaries and genealogical mapping, tracing to a man who died in 1963 (16:34–17:50, 43:40–44:46).
    • “They came back with a name, but it was somebody who had died before I was born… that's how it, and that's, that's where the science goes.” — Dave (16:34)

Discovery Details: The Dismemberment and Geographic Clues

• Crime Scene Facts:
  • June 28, 1997—a torso is found in a Rubbermaid container (head, arms, and lower legs missing), wrapped with a red towel and floral pillowcase in Hempstead Lake State Park (25:10–26:00).
  • Further remains (“Jane Doe #3”) and Tatiana discovered nearby in 2011, with DNA confirming they were Peaches and her daughter (33:46–35:44).
  • Jewelry further ties mother and daughter.
• Method of Dismemberment:
  • Discussion of types of dismemberment (defensive vs. offensive; communication dismemberment, as in Black Dahlia case).
    • “I think that with Peaches, her case could either fall into one or two categories. There is a category that is actually referred to as defensive dismemberment…” — Joseph Scott Morgan (39:19)
    • “Did you know that's referred to as a communication dismemberment?” (re: Black Dahlia) — Joseph Scott Morgan (41:07)

Arrest and Case Resolution

• Suspect Identified and Arrested:
  • New DNA matches point to Andrew Dykes, the biological father of Tatiana, as the suspect in both murders.
  • He was living in Florida at the time of his arrest and awaits extradition to New York (46:24–47:26).
    • “Dykes is now in custody. That's one of the reasons we wanted to present this case today. He's now in custody. He's waiting to be extradited back up to New York because they've tied this in.” — Joseph Scott Morgan (47:26)
• Likely Domestic Violence:
  • Hosts strongly suggest the murders were domestic in origin, not tied to the Gilgo Beach serial cases.
• Significance of Identification:
  • Naming the victims was essential to solving the case and finding their killer.
    • “One of the biggest mysteries of all has been solved. Because now, just like I always say, if you want answers, find out who the dead are. Because that bit of data will lead you back to where you need to be.” — Joseph Scott Morgan (49:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “There's a term of endearment... it's a peach… I'm going to talk about another kind of peach… that was tattooed on a woman's body that for years we didn't know who she was.” — Joseph Scott Morgan (02:07)
• “We just got a deceased female skeleton. Well, that's kind of obvious. Right. Deceased female skeleton...” — Joseph Scott Morgan, on the frustrating state of some identifications (11:03)
• “I might get that [toe tag tattoo]. That's brilliant.” — Dave, after Joseph describes a case of a man with his own toe tag tattooed on his foot (23:17)
• “If you want to help out… check out DNA solves… Give as much as you can… just, you know, a few bucks to push toward a specific case.” — Joseph Scott Morgan, encouraging listeners to support DNA-based cold case investigations (49:30)
• “We do God’s work.” — Quoting Vernon Gebrith, on the sacred nature of death investigations (49:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:07 — Joseph Scott Morgan introduces "Peaches."
• 06:29–07:00 — Discussion of Long Island geography and importance for investigation.
• 08:24–10:58 — Identification and outlier status of "Peaches" and her daughter.
• 12:03–12:36 — Role of Shannon Gilbert’s family in keeping the case alive.
• 23:17–24:47 — Importance and stories around tattoos for victim identification.
• 25:10–27:00 — Discovery of the torso, use of tattoo magazine, identification process.
• 33:46–35:44 — Timeline of body parts found and linking remains by DNA.
• 39:19–41:07 — Discussion of types of dismemberment and relevance for the case.
• 43:40–46:24 — Genetic genealogy leading to suspect via a man deceased since 1963.
• 47:26 — Announcement and background of arrest of Andrew Dykes.

Conclusion

This episode of "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace" (Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan) peels back the layers of the "Peaches" case, demonstrating the power of perseverance, advanced forensic science, and inter-agency cooperation in resolving even the coldest cases. The narrative underscores the human cost—emphasizing the victims, the tireless efforts of their families, and the investigators' dedication. The tone is respectful, at times grim, but ultimately hopeful in the face of heinous crime and uncertainty.

For those interested in crime-solving or the evolution of forensics, this episode is a masterclass in investigative persistence, family advocacy, and the value of never giving up on the unidentified.