Ellenville, New York: Mari Gilbert dedicated her life to seeking justice for her daughter, Shannan Gilbert, who disappeared in May 2010. Shannan’s mysterious disappearance led Mari to uncover the grim truth behind the Gilgo Beach Murders, shedding light on the plight of numerous victims, particularly sex workers.
After Shannan’s disappearance, Mari tirelessly pressured law enforcement officials to take her daughter’s case seriously. The investigation eventually led to the discovery of the remains of 10 individuals, many of whom were sex workers, buried on Long Island’s South Shore. In a tragic twist of fate, Shannan’s body was found in a nearby marsh in December 2011.
Despite facing immense challenges, Mari became a vocal advocate for murder victims, especially those marginalized due to their occupation as sex workers. She highlighted the discrepancies in the treatment of victims based on their profession and tirelessly fought for their cases to be taken seriously.
As Mari delved deeper into the investigation, more shocking discoveries unfolded. The bodies of multiple women, believed to be victims of the Long Island Serial Killer, were unearthed in close proximity to each other near Gilgo Beach. The investigation further revealed additional victims, including a mother, her toddler, and an Asian male, whose identities remain unknown.
Mari’s relentless pursuit of justice culminated in challenging law enforcement’s initial findings regarding Shannan’s cause of death. She sought an independent autopsy, which suggested that Shannan may have been strangled, contradicting the authorities’ claim of accidental drowning.
However, Mari’s own life took a tragic turn when her daughter, Sarra Gilbert, who struggled with schizophrenia, fatally attacked her in July 2016. The horrifying incident marked the end of Mari’s crusade for justice, but her legacy as a fierce advocate for murder victims endured.
Despite the heart-wrenching loss of her mother, Mari’s daughter Sherre continues to carry on her legacy through the “Praying for Shannan Maria Gilbert” Facebook page. Mari’s story also inspired the 2020 thriller “Lost Girls,” immortalizing her unwavering dedication to seeking truth and justice for her daughter and the victims of the Gilgo Beach Murders.
Mari Gilbert’s determination, courage, and persistence serve as a testament to the enduring fight for justice and the unwavering love of a mother seeking resolution for her daughter’s untimely fate.