Up and Vanished Weekly: PREVIEW: An Unknown Victim

Release Date: July 11, 2025

Introduction

In the latest preview episode of Up and Vanished Weekly, host Maggie Freleng sets the stage for an intense exploration of one of Long Island's most harrowing mysteries. This detailed summary captures Maggie's narrative, highlighting key points, discussions, and the unfolding of a chilling case that has gripped the true crime community.

Case Overview

Maggie Freleng introduces listeners to a grim discovery that set off a chain of unsettling events on Long Island, New York. On a "blustery winter day in December 2010," a police officer and his K9 unit were conducting a search for a woman reported missing months earlier. Their methodical canvassing of the marshlands along Ocean Parkway led to a shocking find: the skeletal remains of a woman, later identified as 22-year-old Megan Waterman (00:30).

“As the team systematically canvases the marshlands of Ocean Parkway, they stumble upon the unthinkable skeletal remains.” – Maggie Freleng [00:30]

Discovery of Additional Victims

The initial discovery was merely the beginning. Just two days after Megan Waterman's remains were found, authorities uncovered three more bodies:

1. 24-year-old Melissa Barthelemy
2. 27-year-old Amberlynn Costello
3. 25-year-old Maureen Brainard Barnes

Remarkably, all four women, collectively known as the Gilgo 4, were found within a quarter-mile radius of each other, each wrapped in burlap. Their discovery painted a scene reminiscent of a horror movie, intensifying local fears (02:15).

“The scene was like something out of a horror movie.” – Maggie Freleng [02:15]

Expansion of the Case

The investigation did not stop with the Gilgo 4. Between 2010 and 2011, a total of 11 sets of remains were unearthed in the surrounding areas. Subsequent victims included:

• 20-year-old Jessica Taylor
• 24-year-old Valerie Mack
• 26-year-old Tanya Jackson and her baby Tatiana Dykes
• 27-year-old Karen Vergata
• An unidentified Asian man, later referred to as Asian Doe

The clustering of these discoveries raised alarms about the presence of a serial killer operating in the region, leaving law enforcement grappling with the complexity and severity of the case (04:45).

“It seemed imminent that a serial killer was on the loose in Long Island.” – Maggie Freleng [04:45]

Police Investigation and Challenges

Maggie delves into the challenges faced by authorities during the investigation. The inability to locate Megan Waterman initially, coupled with the subsequent discoveries, underscored significant gaps in the missing persons' protocols and heightened concerns about public safety.

“Authorities could never have imagined that this unexpected discovery would be the first of many mysteries.” – Maggie Freleng [01:10]

Community and Public Impact

The revelations had a profound impact on the Long Island community, fostering an environment of fear and uncertainty. National attention spotlighted the case, prompting discussions about victim identification processes, law enforcement efficacy, and the broader implications of such a spree of disappearances and murders.

Conclusion

This preview episode of Up and Vanished Weekly promises a deep dive into the Gilgo Beach murders, exploring the intricate details and lingering questions surrounding the case. Host Maggie Freleng, alongside Payne Lindsey and other members of the true crime community, aims to peel back the layers of mystery to uncover the truths hidden beneath.

For listeners eager to delve deeper into this case, subscribing to Tenderfoot+ offers early access to full episodes, exclusive content, and more.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “As the team systematically canvases the marshlands of Ocean Parkway, they stumble upon the unthinkable skeletal remains.” – Maggie Freleng [00:30]

• “The scene was like something out of a horror movie.” – Maggie Freleng [02:15]

• “It seemed imminent that a serial killer was on the loose in Long Island.” – Maggie Freleng [04:45]

• “Authorities could never have imagined that this unexpected discovery would be the first of many mysteries.” – Maggie Freleng [01:10]

Additional Information

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Up and Vanished Weekly on Tenderfoot+ for full episode access and to stay updated on the latest developments in this and other riveting true crime cases.

For more details and to subscribe, visit tenderfoottuff.com.

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