Unsolved Agony: The Untold Murder of Mari Gilbert, Mother of Long Island Serial Killer Victim

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Netflix consistently serves up riveting true-crime documentaries at a rapid pace, often leaving viewers stunned to their very cores. One of the streaming service’s recent contributions to this genre is the critically acclaimed true-crime documentary titled “Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer“, which delves into the harrowing quest for multiple missing women and the Gilgo Beach serial murderer.

In the Netflix documentary, every aspect of the gruesome murders is meticulously covered, except for one chilling incident: the murder of Mari Gilbert, the relentless mother whose quest for justice led the investigation into the Long Island Serial Killer case. The story centers around Shannan Gilbert, a 23-year-old escort on Craigslist who went missing, and her disappearance eventually uncovered numerous murder victims along Gilgo Beach on Long Island. Mari was a key figure in the investigation, mentioned frequently throughout the series, but tragically, she too fell victim to the same killer – a fact that was not included in the documentary “Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer.” Let’s delve into the unwavering determination of a mother and the heartbreaking demise of Mari Gilbert.

Mari Gilbert’s Relentless Fight for Justice

After Shannan vanished and the bodies at Gilgo Beach were found, Mari Gilbert dedicated her entire focus on locating her daughter and advocating for justice for all other victims. Since many of these women had worked as escorts and gone missing during appointments or had past encounters with violent individuals, the police didn’t initially treat the crimes with the seriousness they deserved. Mari Gilbert wasn’t afraid to criticize the police for their initial lack of action, suspicious methods, and internal misconduct, which were crucial in eventually uncovering the serial killer responsible. Throughout the gripping true-crime documentary, Mari’s unwavering determination served as a source of strength for everyone involved, as she tirelessly brought attention to each missing or murdered woman.

When Shannan’s body was discovered 19 months after she went missing and amidst the escalating Gilgo Beach murder investigation, investigators reached a disheartening determination. Forensic experts determined that Shannan’s death wasn’t definitively a homicide but rather inconclusive, despite her death having some parallels with the Gilgo Beach murders, as the Long Island killer seemed to have a distinct pattern of operation, unlike the Night Stalker serial killer.

As a dedicated follower, I never abandoned hope, so when I wasn’t seen in any subsequent footage during the Netflix documentary, curiosity grew among viewers about my whereabouts. Particularly when Rex Heuermann, the Long Island Ripper, was identified and charged with the murder of seven individuals in July 2023, there was an irresistible yearning to witness my reaction. Unfortunately, that moment never arrived, and eventually, the documentary subtly disclosed that I had passed away.

Mari Gilbert’s Shocking Death

Without a shadow of a doubt, Mari Gilbert endured an unspeakable sorrow with the disappearance, suspected demise, and possible murder of one of her daughters, Shannan. Yet, her path to healing was cruelly cut short when she herself became a victim of a heinous crime. On July 23, 2016, Mari was horrifically murdered. The mother of four daughters – Shannan, Stevie, Sherre, and Sarra – lost her life at the hands of one of her own children.

Sarra Elisabeth Gilbert faced challenges due to severe mental health issues, eventually being diagnosed with schizophrenia. In the days preceding Mari’s demise, Sarra found herself hospitalized multiple times and tormented by hallucinations. Overwhelmed and in a state of distress, she summoned her mother and tragically took Mari’s life through 227 stabs. Furthermore, she used a fire extinguisher to inflict brutal physical harm. This horrific act led to Sarra’s apprehension, and she was indicted for second-degree murder. As a result, Mari’s daughter was sentenced to serve 25 years in prison at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women.

Mari Gilbert passed away seven years prior to Rex Heuermann’s arrest, which means she never witnessed his prosecution for what many believe was the murder of her daughter. In the event that she had still been alive, it is clear that she would have done everything in her power to expedite the apprehension of the Craigslist Killer and see him brought to justice earlier.

It’s puzzling that the true crime series omitted the heartbreaking end Mari Gilbert experienced despite her significant role in exposing Heuermann’s crimes and advocating for both the victims who had been killed and those who were potential targets. However, a 2020 mystery drama movie on Netflix named Lost Girls, and a doc-series on Prime Video from 2018 titled Twisted Sisters delve into the events surrounding Shannan’s tragic disappearance and death, as well as Mari’s shocking murder.

Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer is available to stream on Netflix.

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2025-04-07 05:32