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Andrew Dykes Pleads Not Guilty in 1997 Killing of Tanya Denise Jackson

Prosecutors cite DNA from a discarded straw to tie the former trooper to the victim ahead of a January 16 hearing.

Overview

  • Dykes, 66, was ordered held without bail in Nassau County following his extradition from Florida.
  • Investigators say DNA from a straw discarded in a Tampa restaurant matched genetic material recovered from Jackson’s body.
  • Prosecutors stated they believe Dykes also killed his 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana, though no charge has been filed in the child’s death.
  • Defense attorney Joseph Lo Piccolo said he will challenge the DNA evidence and the newer testing methods used in the case.
  • Authorities say Jackson’s killing is not tied to the Gilgo Beach serial murders, for which Rex Heuermann faces separate charges.