Is Long Island Serial Killer an Ex-Cop? Just Speculation, Expert Says

There has been much speculation in the media in the past few days that an ex-cop is the serial killer behind the unsolved slayings of at least four women and perhaps four more in New York. That theory, however, is pretty far-fetched at this point, a former FBI agent told AOL News.

"This is all speculative because none of us has access to the investigation files," said Harold Copus, now head of Copus Security Consultants in the Atlanta metropolitan area. "The police have not even come out with a profile of the killer yet. Only pundits have, and they are all very general in nature."

The speculation was fueled by comments that the killer appears to be familiar with investigative techniques.

But Copus said it would be naive to think, "especially in today's world," that a serial killer would not be well-versed in police procedures.

"One of the greatest teaching tools for criminals are the forensic [books and television programs] that are out there today," Copus said. "You have serial killers out there reading about other serial killers, learning their techniques and studying up on police techniques.

"It makes them sneakier, smarter and harder to catch," he added.

The bodies of four women were found along a Long Island barrier beach in December during a search for Shannon Gilbert, a 24-year-old prostitute from New Jersey who has been missing since May.

All four of the victims were found wrapped in burlap sacks. They were later identified as Megan Waterman, 22, of Long Island, N.Y.; Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, of Norwich, Conn.; Melissa Barthelemy, 24, of Buffalo, N.Y.; and Amber Lynn Costello, 27, of Wilmington, N.Y.

A timeline in the case is not yet known, but police have said that Brainard-Barnes was last seen alive on July 9, 2007. If her death occurred around that time, her homicide would be the oldest. The most recent victim to go missing was Costello, who vanished in September, police said.

Police have since recovered the remains of four additional unidentified people near the same beach. Their sexes and identities are not yet known, and police have yet to link them to the previous discoveries. The medical examiner's office has, however, determined that Gilbert is not among the most recent victims recovered.

"Potentially, you have eight people who have been killed over a long period of time, which would make them a prolific killer," Copus said. "That is disturbing, but just because you have a prolific killer does not automatically indicate you are dealing with someone with a law enforcement background."

While an ex-cop serial killer theory is not entirely implausible, authorities have declined to comment on whether it is a theory they are taking seriously.

Regardless of whether or not the serial killer is a former member of law enforcement, Copus said authorities will have a difficult time tracking him down.

"The person who is doing this knows what they are doing and how to get around the police," he said. "They are in it for the thrill of the hunt and believe they are smarter than we are and can outfox us."