Search For Shannan Gilbert Resumes
OAK BEACH, NY (WCBS 880) - The search for a missing prostitute from New Jersey continues today on Long Island.
WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs On The Search
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Authorities believe the remains of Shannan Gilbert are likely in one of the Oak Beach drainage canals, not far from where investigators found some of her personal items last week.
The canals are the focus of the search today.
It was the disappearance of the 24-year-old more than a year ago that lead to the discovery of 10 suspected homicide victims along Ocean Parkway.
On Monday, Family members of some of the victims of the suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer visited the area where the search is continuing for missing Gilbert.
They tell WCBS Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs they're there to show support for the Gilbert family.
WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs With A Murder Victim's Sister
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"It's more important because we have to remember that there's a murderer out there. You know, it's not just mainly about the girls. It's about the public safety and anyone else that could be his next victim," said Melissa Cann, whose sister Maureen Barnes was among those whose body was found.
Authorities, however, don't believe Gilbert's disappearance is connected. In fact, they think she likely accidentally drowned.
In the meantime, family and friends of Gilbert and the known homicide victims plan a candlelight vigil Tuesday night to mark the one year anniversary of discovery of the bodies there.
Cann's says it doesn't matter that Gilbert may not be among the killer's victims.
She says she still feels a closeness to the missing woman, adding that she's like family.
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