It appears police could have another killer on their hands using online sites such as Craigslist to lure their victims.
Police on Long Island say it appears four women whose bodies were found on a path leading to Jones Beach all worked as prostitutes or escorts and advertised their services online.
The women were identified as Maureen Branard-Barnes of Norwich, Conn.; Melissa Barthelemey, of the Bronx; Amber Lynn Costello, of North Babylon and Megan Waterman, of Maine.
Waterman's body was identified last week. The identities of the remaining three were released today.
District Attorney Thomas Spota said Monday the deaths may be the work of a serial killer. Initially Suffolk County police thought so, but then had backed away from the theory.
Officials say the women were believed to be killed elsewhere and dumped along the stretch.
This is the second alleged killer suspected of using Craigslist to lure victims.
In 2009, Central New York native Philip Markoff was indicted for killing 25-year-old Julissa Brisman of New York. She advertised on the "exotic services" section of Craigslist. Markoff was also charged with the armed robbery of a 29-year-old Las Vegas woman at the Westin Copley Place hotel.
Markoff, who grew up in Sherrill, took his own life in prison in August of 2010.After his arrest, several of his friends from Central New York talked with CNY Central about their shock over the arrest. They also set up a facebook page in his defense.
This story was compiled with information from the Associated Press
