Julia Shepherd of North Amityville is a human resources secretary...

Julia Shepherd of North Amityville is a human resources secretary with the Amityville school district and a community mentor with COMPASS, which works to keep young people away from alcohol and drug problems. (Dec. 10, 2012) Credit: Erin Geismar

I've lived in this area for 30 years. I'm from Alabama. We have a tradition where the older ones come and each generation follows. So first my older sister came here and then my older brother and so on. When I came here originally I was 18. I lived here for a couple years and I moved around and came back.

I like the family connection. It's a small community and very family oriented.

Absolutely. It's grown. When I first came here they didn't have a CVS, a Walgreens, all these apartment buildings.

I still think there is somewhat of a separation between South and North Amityville. We're still not one community.

Community. Even if it's two communities everyone feels like they live in a community.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney sat down with NewsdayTV’s Ken Buffa to discuss the Gilgo case and the sentencing of Rex Heuermann. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost; News 12/ Pool. Photo Credit: Newsday/ James Carbone; Handout

'We had a very strong case' Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney sat down with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa to discuss the Gilgo case and the sentencing of Rex Heuermann.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney sat down with NewsdayTV’s Ken Buffa to discuss the Gilgo case and the sentencing of Rex Heuermann. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost; News 12/ Pool. Photo Credit: Newsday/ James Carbone; Handout

'We had a very strong case' Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney sat down with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa to discuss the Gilgo case and the sentencing of Rex Heuermann.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME