Gilbert family speaks out about remains found

ULSTER COUNTY (WABC) -- The family of Shannan Gilbert spoke out about the news that a fifth body was found between Gilgo and Oak Beaches.

"I don't know what to think. I guess my reaction is, 'Really are you serious another body?' Why didn't they find that before? It's just hard," said Sherre Gilbert, Shannan's sister.

Sherre Gilbert got that phone call late Tuesday night saying police found more remains, leaving her to wonder if it is her sister Shannan.

"We always have hope. We keep praying that she's out there alive. But so many months have gone by you just want her to be found either way," Sherre Gilbert said.

The remains were found along Ocean Parkway in heavy brush roughly one half mile east of where they found the remains of four other women last year.

Investigators say it could be the body of the 24-year-old prostitute from Jersey City but it's too soon to know for sure.

Gilbert was last seen in May begging for help before running hysterically into the brush.

Investigators say she just left the home of a man she met on Craigslist.

Detectives say Joseph Brewer is not a suspect and that he is cooperating with the investigation.

"My prayers are with the families," Brewer said.

Police uncovered the remains of four young women while they were searching for Gilbert in December.

All of the women were in their 20s, and all worked as prostitutes.

Detectives believe the same killer chose the same desolate spot.

He pulled onto the shoulder of the westbound lanes, dragged the body out of his vehicle, and then dumped it no more than 25 feet off the road.

Gilbert's sisters say this has been a long difficult 10 months waiting for news.

Now they need closure.

"She had this presence. When she was in a room everything felt whole. Now that she's not here it's not the same. She was the best sister, best daughter, greatest aunt. She means everything to us. We just want her home. We need her home." Stevie Smith said.

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