WNY woman among serial killer's victims

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Police have now recovered what could be two additional bodies, bringing the total to ten, from the Long Island shoreline where the remains of a former western New York woman were found. Melissa Barthelemy and the others appear to be victims of the same serial killer.

Lynn Barthelemy is trying to be strong, but her daughter's murder has taken its toll. She just returned, with her attorney, from talking to about her daughter's case on national television. And now, there's new evidence that her daughter's killer may be responsible for at least four other killings over the past few weeks.

"I just know that he's a very sick individual and he needs to be caught as soon as possible," said Barthelemy.

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>> We spoke to the family in January, before multiple other bodies were found

>> The family told News 4 the killer taunted them, calling Melissa's younger sister

>> The search has intensified for more bodies and clues to find the killer

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Authorities in Suffolk County say that the bodies were buried in a secluded stretch of beach on Long Island in a three-mile radius. Police say that the remains of Melissa Barthelemy and three other victims were found in burlap bags, in shallow graves along this beach in December. All four of the women were in their 20's and had ties to prostitution and selling escort services on Craigslist.

Former detective Wally Zeins said, "You look for a common denominator and the common denominator right now is prostitutes and also, Craigslist."

The focus of the investigation may be seven disturbing phone calls from Melissa's own cell phone to her younger sister back in Buffalo.

Barthelemy said, "She was just totally distraught."

The caller was reportedly calm when he spoke to Melissa's 15-year-old sister. Investigators traced those calls to crowded locations in New York City.

Attorney Steven Cohen said, "You can imagine that when the phone would ring, saying that the call was from Melissa, it was an emotional roller coaster for the family."

Those calls stopped coming in August of 2009.

"We're still afraid because he's still out there," said Barthelemy.

Cohen added, "He knows personal details about the family because he had Melissa's cell phone. He was in contact with her through Craigslist. He was very adept at using technology."

But Barthelemy believes he's going to get caught.

Barthelemy said, "He's going to slip up somehow, someway."

Remains were discovered in two separate locations Monday as authorities extended their search along the Suffolk County beach. Officials sent the remains to the medical examiner's office to determine whether they are human. Police are not saying if they have any suspects.