Tanya Denise Jackson (26) & Tatiana Marie Dykes (2)—Justice Arrives 28 Years After Long Island Homicide

The long, agonizing silence surrounding a 1997 cold case has been shattered by a bittersweet wave of justice. The community of Long Island, New York, is remembering Tanya Denise Jackson, a 26-year-old U.S. Army veteran, and her toddler daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes, whose lives were brutally cut short nearly three decades ago. For years, they were known only by tragic nicknames: Tanya as “Peaches,” after a distinctive tattoo, and Tatiana as “Baby Doe.” Their story, marked by unimaginable violence, now includes a critical turning point: the recent arrest of a suspect in connection with the double homicide.

Three Decades of Unspoken Sorrow: The Identity Found

Tanya’s torso was tragically discovered in Hempstead Lake State Park in 1997. Her daughter’s remains were found years later, their connection confirmed by DNA, linking them forever in tragedy. This mother and daughter, both deeply mourned by the family who never stopped searching, were finally identified in April 2025 through the miracle of genetic genealogy. This identification was the first, vital step in reclaiming their dignity, allowing them to be laid to rest with their true names—Tanya, the Army veteran known affectionately as “Peaches,” and her young daughter. Their story is a harrowing testament to the decades of suffering endured by their loved ones.

The Shocking Arrest: A Chapter Closes on the Cold Case

Just this week, the long-overdue pursuit of justice saw a dramatic breakthrough. A suspect, Andrew Dykes, was arrested on December 3, 2025, and charged in connection with the brutal murders. This development, 28 years after the crime, brings a flood of painful memories but also a powerful, necessary hope. The sheer audacity of the crime—the killing of a young mother and her 2-year-old child—has always demanded accountability. The arrest ensures that Tanya and Tatiana, who endured such injustice in life, will finally have their cases heard in the fight for ultimate truth.

Honoring the Victims: Tanya and Tatiana’s Legacy

As the legal proceedings begin, it remains paramount that the community honors the memory of Tanya Denise Jackson and Tatiana Marie Dykes. Tanya was a U.S. Army veteran whose life was filled with unfulfilled potential. Tatiana was a toddler, pure innocence. Their memory now serves as a beacon for all cold cases—a symbol that no victim is ever forgotten, and no amount of time can erase the need for justice. May their ultimate sacrifice serve as the final motivation to secure the conviction that their families have waited three decades to see.