On Karen Vergata's remains, I believe that's February and the cold water preserved the remains. Did RH actually go up to Fire Island or did the remains drift there? That's what I'm wondering. There was a fierce, fierce blizzard in NY that year, but it was in
January. But Fire Island is supposed to be unbearably cold during the winter months. When the waters freeze over, they can't even operate the ferries. All these people that live there on Fire Island year-round stock up on supplies like "Life Below Zero." But I looked up NY weather for Feb and it doesn't at all look especially bad for that week in Feb 1996. (But it's usually worse on Fire Island, which is so open to the elements.) Mobility on the island for those who'd drive in is very,
very limited. Still, I believe
this is open and as far as I can see, accessible by vehicle:
Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness
www.nps.gov
Wilderness Visitor Center
www.nps.gov
Fire Island: Otis Pike Wilderness is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mastic Beach, New York.
www.theoutbound.com
Who'd be out there in February
other than an SK?? Maybe a few adventurers. Depending on how he concealed remains, would anyone even catch on?
This trail for the Otis Pike Wilderness is very near to
Mastic Beach, where John Bittrolff grew up. He went to William Floyd High School, Mastic Beach. I'm really, really starting to think it perhaps wasn't just RH. Not sure on anything at this point, but finding this pretty interesting.
John Bittrolff was charged with the murders of Rita Tangredi-Beinlich and Colleen McNamee.
www.longislandpress.com