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Valerie Mack

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Valerie Lynn Mack (July 2, 1976 - c. September 5, 2000) before identification, was a young woman whose torso was discovered in Manorville, New York in 2000. Her head, hands and right foot were later found near Gilgo Beach, New York in 2011.

She was identified through forensic genealogy in May 2020. In December 2024, Rex Heuermann was charged with her murder, along with additional victims associated with the Long Island Serial Killer (LISK).

Background[]

Prior to her placement in the foster care system and subsequent adoption by the Mack family, she was born with the last name Fulton, having four older biological siblings. When she was in her teens, she associated with a troublesome peer group, leading to “rebellious” behaviors including substance use and truancy.

Mack had a son at about 18, but was estranged from both him and his father towards the final few years of her life.

Disappearance[]

Mack, employed by a retail chain, had also been working as an escort in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the time of her disappearance; she was known to use the alias “Melissa Taylor.” Her family members last saw her in the spring or summer of 2000 in Port Republic, New Jersey. She was known to frequent Suffolk County, New York, where she had several encounters with police that resulted in arrests.

Members of her adoptive family made efforts toward filing a missing person report. Based on her history and status as an adult, authorities declined to open an investigation, believing her absence was voluntary.

Discovery[]

The nude, dismembered torso of her body was discovered in Manorville, New York on November 19, 2000. Around 11 years later on April 4, 2011, her head, hands and right foot were found in a plastic bag in the vicinity of Ocean Parkway on Gilgo Beach. No personal items, jewelry, or clothing were found with the partially recovered remains.

Investigators initially believed she was a sex worker in the New York City area. She was one of eleven victims found along the remote Long Island highway, and one of ten who are believed to be victims of a serial killer.

Characteristics[]

  • Brown hair.
  • Hazel eyes (unknown while unidentified).
  • Her left and right nasal bones had previously been fractured and then healed.

Gallery[]

Media[]

  • Prior to her identification, Mack’s case was discussed on the documentary series The Killing Season, which documented the Long Island Serial Killer.
  • 48 Hours mentioned the case while focusing primarily on the suspect.
  • The 2025 limited series Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer briefly detailed the case.

Sources[]

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