Burial of Shannan Gilbert set for Thursday after independent autopsy, family lawyer says

Relatives of a woman whose disappearance led to the discovery of human remains along Ocean Parkway will bury her Thursday after an independent autopsy was completed Monday, the family's attorney said.

Attorney John Ray said a funeral and burial for Shannan Gilbert will take place Thursday morning at Amityville Cemetery. He would not disclose results from a pathologist's autopsy.

Her remains were found in December 2011 on Oak Beach. Her disappearance in 2010, and the discovery of 10 others dumped along Ocean Parkway, have confounded investigators. They suspect a serial killer or killers is responsible for the 10 deaths but don't believe Gilbert's is linked.

"We're trying to find the true killer of Shannan," Ray said. "There will be no finality in Shannan's mother's mind until this murderer is caught."

An autopsy by the Suffolk County medical examiner found the cause or manner of her death to be "undetermined."

The family tried to raise $16,000 in funeral costs, but the cemetery offered to provide services for a nominal fee, Ray said.

In a statement, Suffolk police declined to comment.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.