38: What Kinds Of Forensic Evidence Will Be Key In Gilgo Beach Murders Case?

In a recent episode of the podcast Hidden Killers, Tony Brueski was joined by Joseph Scott Morgan, a Forensic Scientist and Distinguished Scholar of Applied Forensics at Jacksonville State University. The discussion delved into the intricate facets of forensic evidence related to an ongoing case involving a suspected serial killer.

At the onset, Morgan detailed the challenges of investigating cases where the bodies have been in a state of decomposition for several years. "We don't have a lot of solid data relative... about causes of death," he shared, linking the gaps in information to the advanced decomposition of the remains. The forensic scientist also touched upon patterns typically exhibited by serial killers in their modus operandi, indicating that most do not deviate from their preferred methods of execution.

He highlighted the case of one killer from New Orleans who derived perverse pleasure from using a garrot. Such killers revel in the physical pain they inflict, with the act of murdering becoming an intimate and personalized endeavor. This gruesome insight shed light on the psychology of serial killers and their attachment to certain methods of killing.

One of the more perplexing aspects of the case at hand is the varying states of the bodies found - some intact and others dismembered. Morgan stated, "What's fascinating about her [Fire Island Jane Doe] case is that her... legs were found that fateful day out on Fire Island back in 96... there's still no torso with her." This begs the question: why would a killer leave some bodies intact and yet take the time to dismember others?

Discussing this dichotomy further, Morgan posited a theory that the dismemberment could be a sign that the killer had more time with certain victims. "Is the dismemberment an indication that a subject may have had more time with someone they had targeted to kill?" Morgan mused. "It takes time to take a body apart... They would have done this, wrapped it and deposited it out there." On the contrary, other bodies might have been disposed of in haste, possibly wrapped in materials like burlap.

Contrasting these behaviors, Morgan underlined the difference between treating a dead body with a semblance of respect versus mutilating it. These variations can be significant when trying to understand the psyche of a serial killer and can give insights into their evolving patterns.

Yet, this very evolution is what baffles investigators. "To change how you're disposing of bodies is certainly an outlier in my experience," Morgan expressed. Brueski echoed the sentiment, pointing out that it's bizarre for one's methods to alter so drastically unless it's a sign of evolving behavior.

Adding a layer of complexity, the location of these bodies was discussed. The secluded nature of Long Island was emphasized, with its isolation being a potential factor in why it was chosen for body deposition.

A more unsettling aspect was the return of the suspected killer's family to their home, presumably a site of significant forensic evidence. The speed with which the house was released back to the family after investigations left both Brueski and Morgan shocked.

The podcast episode served as a sobering reminder of the complexities of forensic investigations, especially with serial killers. Morgan's insights provided a deep dive into the often unfathomable minds of those who commit such heinous acts, leaving listeners with more questions than answers about the ongoing case. As the investigation unfolds, both the public and experts alike await to see how forensic science will unveil the truths hidden within the evidence.
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