Gus Garcia-Roberts: he's a reckless character driven by sex. All rights reserved. This case is not the first time Burke was investigated; back in the early 1990s, he was monitored by Internal Affairs for his relationship with a prostitute. When PIX11 contacted Spotas office Wednesday for comment, we did not receive a response. All dressed up, the two young women wandered around Times Square like carefree tourists. Guys, I am telling you this is an OUTRAGEOUS claim. Google the whores of Babylon and have you ever seen the movie eyes wide shut? RICHARD DORMER | Former Suffolk County Police Commissioner [to reporters in 2011]: We found the pocketbook belonging to Shannan Gilbert. A week later, a quarter of a mile from her belongings, they finally found Shannan. Why else would he Do that? What about the Black call girl who was running away from that area half dressed screaming, They are trying to kill me! Did anyone question her? From then, the investigations into the Long Island Serial Killer (LISK) apparently started getting murky. Afterwards, she tries a new agency, but gets few dates. " from the time that she called me, it was poof. And I don't want to wait for that phone call. They kept looking for Shannan, and in December 2011, a year-and-a-half after she disappeared . 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She had been working as an escort in New York City when she vanished in June 2007. Brewer was drugging them. He told her mother that he brought Shannon to a home for wayward/troubled girls in the nyc borough of Queens. Missy Cann: She had got a job at a telemarketing place and she was doing really well. Prosecutors say Spota and McPartland tried to cover up the beating of Christopher Loeb by then-Police Chief James Burke. Police weren't sure if these newly discovered bodies were victims of the same killer. California Privacy Rights | On the spot where each woman was found, they erected a cross. Former Suffolk County Detective John Oliva, who investigated gang violence, says Burke's background set him apart from other cops there. Geraldine Hart: It's new associates and friends and family to talk to -- people who can tell us her whereabouts and her connections. Nov. 8, 2017: Original charges against James Burkes accuser dropped, Oct. 28, 2017: Brown: Thomas Spota couldnt continue as Suffolk DA, Oct. 26, 2017: Burke, at heart of Spota case, receives $145G pension, Oct. 26, 2017: DA Thomas Spota leaving my post after federal indictment, Oct. 26, 2017: Spotas decades-long relationship with Burke leads to indictment, Oct. 25, 2017: Suffolk DA Thomas Spota, top aide indicted in cover-up, Oct. 25, 2017: Editorial: District Attorney Thomas Spotas contempt for the law, Aug. 4, 2017: Burke accuser charged with violating order of protection, May 9, 2017: Sources: Drugs found in ex-Suffolk police chief Burkes prison cell, April 26, 2017: Attorneys: Christopher Loeb indictment should be thrown out, April 1, 2017: Brown: Several investigations of Long Island public officials underway, Jan. 31, 2017: Christopher Loeb goes free as guilty plea is set aside, Dec. 21, 2016: Numerous cops pleaded guilty in James Burke cover-up, court papers say, Nov. 16, 2016: James Burke, ex-Suffolk police chief, appealing prison sentence, Nov. 2, 2016: Ex-Suffolk police chief James Burke gets 46 months in prison, Oct. 31, 2016: Prosecutors recommend 51-month jail sentence for James Burke, Oct. 28, 2016: James Burke asks for no prison so he can care for ill mom, Sept. 9, 2016: Former Suffolk police chief James Burke sentencing date set, May 3, 2016: Steve Bellone was warned James Burkes past would lead to scandal, Feb. 2, 2016: James Burke, ex-Suffolk police chief, offered plea deal of about 5 years, sources say, Dec. 9, 2015: James Burkes arrest generates disappointment, concern in Suffolk, Dec. 10, 2016: Janison: Suffolks official puzzles are piling up, Dec. 10, 2015: James Burke, ex-Suffolk police chief, charged in assault, cover-up, Dec. 8, 2015: James Burke, former Suffolk police chief of department, indicted, sources say, Oct. 27, 2015: Suffolk Police Chief James Burke resigns as federal probe reopens, Nov. 7, 2013: Man at center of case with top Suffolk cop Burke says chief, other cops beat him, Oct. 24, 2013: Testimony: Burke left crime scene with duffel bag. He remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. I miss her so much. Sara Karnes: she picked old '40s Hollywood glamour the way her curls fell that day just looked so '40s with the makeup and everything like that. Lynn Barthelemy: We get on the internet. Investigators made a full match to Bittrolff after obtaining a plastic cup from his trash. But when Lily grew older and more tech savvy, she typed her mom's name into the internet search bar. Geraldine Hart: Not having the FBI involved consistently from the beginning has definitely hindered this investigation. But he didn't know that my sister had a sister like me. So why didn't they bring her home?". Or maybe it was something even more sinister than that. All she knew was that someone had taken her sister. And in February 2016, James Burke pleaded guilty to violating Loeb's civil rights and conspiracy to obstruct justice. From there, Suffolk County Police Chief James Burkegoes on to state at a press conference that investigators were looking into whether or not he had anything to do with the women killed in the Long Island Serial Killer case.The movie even ends with an addendum stating that Bittrolff was convicted in the deaths of two of the women found., So were there actual links between Bittrolff and the broader case?. James Burke became a cop, and by age 27, was already a sergeant in the police department. So now, lets find out more about James, shall we? I miss her so much. Convicted of: Deprivation of civil rights; conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice. case is probably seperate, but she was killed in his back yard.. John Oliva: One of the highest paid departments in the country. Erin Moriarty: I mean, he became police chief. Dominick Varrone: We knew his background and we knew at that time that they had crossed state lines coming from Maine to Long Island. He says he only called Shannan's family to offer support. And she got her own apartment and she was really proud. Please enter valid email address to continue. DOMINICK VARRONE [to reporters in 2011]: The items were found a distance apart . He and Dr. Hackett and Brewer. RICHARD DORMER [to reporters]: I don't think it's a coincidence that four bodies ended up in this area. Sara Karnes: It's been 10 years since they found her, and they haven't found him. Dominick Varrone: That hurt the investigation and the public's perception. Long Former Suffolk police member testifies James Burke But where was Shannan? Leanne also claims to have had several other Suffolk County police officers as clients and offered to take a lie detector test to back up her story. Loeb watched the proceedings inside the Central Islip courtroom and took notes. We were untouchable. Sitemap | Dominick Varrone: I get a phone call that I'm being told to retire within 15 days, or I'd be demoted to captain. Former Suffolk police chief James Burke in 2015 was the subject of Senator Boyle's calls for answers on the Long Island Serial Killer case. James Burke, the Suffolk County Police Departments former top uniformed officer, was indicted in December 2015 and charged by federal prosecutors with orchestrating an elaborate scheme to conceal his own crime. Gus Garcia-Roberts: He was charming. John Oliva: if I'm the chief of department and I've got dead bodies on the side of the road, I would take any help I could get. Lily Waterman: Yeah. Suffolk police report: As sergeant, chief James Burke twice lost gun I have to prove it, and I intend to prove it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. What about Natasha Lugo who washed up on the beach? Gilberts final hours are a mystery. The women also shared other striking similarities. Elizabeth Meserve: And when she didn't call, then I know that was her last day. New leads could finally solve gruesome Gilgo Beach murders The Strange Rise and Violent Fall of Long Island's When she was away, Megan called Lily every night. 'We all knew Burke did it:' Prosecution's star witness returns to the stand for trial of former Suffolk DA, top aide, Retired Suffolk lieutenant kept meticulous calendars of Spota, McPartland conversations, Key witness says he had conversations with Spota, McPartland about Burke cover-up, Ex-Suffolk detective 'feared for everything' during alleged Spota cover-up, DA Spota says he never spoke with Bellone about Burke, 2011 letter from Spota denies James Burke misdeeds, Former Suffolk officer admits he took part in Loeb beating during testimony in Spota trial. Ray fought for and won access to the 911 calls made that night. Not sure of Hacketts age but it fits. In one piece of footage, a friend of LISK victim Melissa Barthelemy who only identified herself as Kritzia explained that her slain pal told her that she was planning to see a client on Long Island before she vanished. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Elizabeth Meserve: She was afraid he would hurt her family; he would hurt Lilliana. Lily Waterman: It's never going to be over. The bodies of both women were dumped in wooded areas in the same area on Long Island's south shore: Tangredi in East Patchogue and McNamee in nearby I was also suspicious of the Shannans driver?! James married the love his life, Erin Burke, on September 29th, 1984. He served New York as a proud Police Officer for over 30 years. Starting out as an NYPD officer and retiring as a Detective Sergeant for the Nassau County Police Department. He enjoyed life to the fullest, but above all, he loved his family, especially his wife and children. I think the doctor called Shannons mother because he wanted to let her in on what was going onwith her daughter in a surreptitious way, thereby implicating himself. Very scary. Along with that, as he hasnt faulted, we assume that he is also cooperating with the authorities when required. Dominick Varrone: it was probably the biggest case we ever had, and we put a tremendous amount of effort into that case. Missy Cann: [in tears] It's really, really hard. It was scary. They were all sex workers in He was born in (LogOut/ Varrone says her skeletal remains were found collapsed in thick brush. "She called at a train station in New York From Penn Station. John Ray, the attorney for Shannan Gilbert's family, says he is determined to prove her death wasn't an accident. Maureen's sister Melissa Cann says Maureen's death is always in the back of her mind. That same year, an escort also came out to pose allegations against him. From police chief to perp: FBI case against James Burke isnt over I would do anything to bring her back, but I can't. Missy Cann: I want answers. Although those other victimshaven't beenofficially declared part of the case,theories about how those additional killings could be connected have circulated for years. Missy Cann: My sister was a wonderful person. The wrongful death claim has been dismissed. They find another one and another one," Varrone tells Moriarty. Look, Im not saying he isnt on to something herebut the fact that this guy just called a press conference basically accusing the former chief of police of being a serial killer? Gilbert is was not just randomly placed there by a separate serial killer either but by the same group of guys. When the Smithtown native was brought into custody, he was tied to the floor and violently beaten by James. The women were identified as Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello. "Some say the call was Topics you care about, straight to your inbox. Indictments sealed. (Incidentally, Spota resigned in disgrace from office in 2017 after being indicted on obstruction of justice charges related to a police brutality case against Burke, who had been involved in the Gilgo Beach investigation. Burke faces a second federal count of conspiracy to obstruct a federal, civil rights investigation. jury selection She said that in 2011, she partied with James at an unknown Oak Beach home, where they engaged in rough sex. According to her, there were various drugs at the place, and she saw James use cocaine on a few occasions. And the surprises kept coming. Oliva suspects Spota may have protected him. Tangredi and McNamee have not been included in the 10 official deaths linked to the so-called Long Island Serial Killer, nor are they among the six additional women, including Shannan Gilbert, subsequently found in the same area. Former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke is thought to be a person of interest to some who have followed the Long Island Serial Killer case. Burke, who was named Suffolk police chief Elizabeth Meserve: The police found her, and so Lily said, "they found my mum. He called seven times, threatening her younger sister, and torturing her with details of Melissa's murder. In the early 1990s, he had sex with a prostitute in his police car, and also failed to safeguard his weapon. Missy Cann wants are answers and justice. But Missy had no luck in her search. Gus Garcia-Roberts: He starts slapping Chris Loeb choking him grabbing him by his ears, yelling at him, threatening him that he is going to give him a hot shot, which is a laced heroin injection which would be fatal. "We're really aggressively pursuing this case. John Ray: I do not think Suffolk County put any effort into investigating Peter Hackett to this day. On June 6, 2010, Megan was seen exiting a Holiday Inn Express in Hauppauge at 1:30 a.m. Elizabeth Meserve: There's footage of her walking down a little side path I guess that's along the back or the side of the hotel.