Robert Shulman's Brookhaven Burial: Long Island Killer's Prison Death Marks End of Notorious Case
Robert Shulman, a postal worker turned serial killer, terrorized Long Island in the early 1990s. His brutal crimes shocked the community and left a trail of victims in his wake. Shulman was convicted of murdering at least five young women in Hicksville, New York between 1991 and 1995.
Known as the "Brookhaven Butcher," Shulman's reign of terror came to an end with his arrest in 1996. He was initially sentenced to death for one of the murders and life imprisonment for the others. However, his death sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment.
Shulman's life behind bars was cut short when he died in prison on April 13, 2006. His death marked the end of a dark chapter in Long Island's history, but the impact of his crimes continues to resonate with the community and the families of his victims.
Profile of Robert Shulman
Robert Yale Shulman was born on March 28, 1954, in upstate New York. He grew up in a Jewish family with three brothers, spending his childhood in Long Beach and Westbury on Long Island.
As an adult, Shulman worked as a postal worker. He was employed in this role during the period of his crimes in the early to mid-1990s.
Shulman fit the typical profile of many serial killers:
White male
Middle-aged (late 30s to early 40s during his crimes)
Employed in a blue-collar job
His victims were primarily sex workers, a common target for serial killers due to their vulnerable status.
Shulman's killing spree lasted from 1991 to 1995. He murdered at least five young women in Hicksville, New York during this time.
Law enforcement arrested Shulman in 1996, ending his four-year period of criminal activity. His capture brought a sense of relief to the Long Island community, which had been on edge due to the string of unsolved murders.
After his arrest, Shulman was convicted of multiple murders. He received a death sentence for one killing and life imprisonment for others.
Timeline of Crimes
Robert Shulman's criminal activities spanned several years, leaving a trail of victims across Long Island. His actions shocked local communities and sparked an intensive investigation.
Early Life and Background
Robert Yale Shulman was born on March 28, 1954, in upstate New York. He later moved to Hicksville, Long Island, where he worked as a postal worker. Shulman led a seemingly ordinary life before his descent into violent crime.
Little is known about his early years or what may have triggered his murderous behavior. His transformation from postal worker to serial killer remains a subject of speculation.
1991 to 1995 Killing Spree
Shulman's known killing spree began in 1991 and continued until 1995. He targeted primarily sex workers in the Long Island area.
His first identified victim was found on June 27, 1992, in Yonkers. The woman, later identified as Meresa Hammonds, was discovered in a dumpster.
Between 1994 and 1995, Shulman murdered at least three more women in Suffolk County. He dismembered their bodies and disposed of them in various locations, including Yaphank.
Arrest and Investigation
Shulman's crimes came to an end in April 1996 when he was arrested in Hicksville. A crucial break in the case came through fingerprint identification.
During interrogation, Shulman confessed to killing five women. The investigation expanded to include potential victims in Westchester County and other areas of Long Island.
Law enforcement agencies from multiple jurisdictions collaborated to piece together Shulman's trail of violence. The extensive investigation uncovered evidence linking him to murders spanning several years.
Victims and Modus Operandi
Robert Shulman targeted young women, primarily prostitutes, in his deadly spree across Long Island. He employed brutal methods to murder and dispose of his victims' bodies.
Identified Victims
Shulman's confirmed victims included Lori Vasquez, Lisa Ann Warner, and Kelly Sue Bunting. These women were all involved in sex work and frequented the red-light districts of Long Island. Vasquez, 24, was discovered in Yonkers in April 1994. Warner, 18, was found in Brooklyn in December 1995. Bunting, 28, was located in Medford, Long Island in January 1996.
Jane Doe and Unidentified Victims
Two of Shulman's victims remain unidentified. A Jane Doe was found in Yaphank on December 7, 1994. Another unidentified woman was discovered in Hauppauge on April 6, 1995. These cases highlight the challenges in identifying victims who may have been estranged from family or living transient lifestyles.
Methods of Murder
Shulman's modus operandi was particularly brutal. He typically bludgeoned his victims to death using blunt objects like hammers or baseball bats. After killing them, he would dismember the bodies to facilitate disposal. This gruesome method shocked both the community and law enforcement. Shulman's choice of weapons and dismemberment technique became key factors in linking the murders and eventually leading to his capture.
Trial and Conviction
Robert Shulman faced multiple charges for his brutal killings on Long Island. His trial revealed shocking details about the murders and led to severe penalties.
Conviction Details
Shulman was tried in Suffolk County for the murders of three women. In 1999, a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder for one victim and second-degree murder for two others. The prosecution presented forensic evidence linking Shulman to the crime scenes.
Witnesses testified about Shulman's suspicious behavior and incriminating statements. DNA evidence also played a crucial role in securing the convictions. The trial lasted several weeks, with the jury deliberating for two days before reaching their verdict.
Sentencing and Appeals
After his conviction, Shulman received the death penalty for the first-degree murder charge. He was also sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for the second-degree murder convictions. The judge cited the brutality of the crimes as justification for the harsh sentences.
Shulman's attorneys filed appeals challenging the death sentence. In 2004, when New York's death penalty was overturned, Shulman's sentence was commuted to life in prison without parole. He remained incarcerated until his death in 2006, never facing execution for his crimes.
Incarceration and Death
Robert Shulman spent his final years behind bars after being convicted of multiple murders. His time in prison was marked by a shift from death row to life imprisonment, with his last days spent in a correctional facility in Yaphank, New York.
Life in Prison
Shulman's prison routine differed greatly from his previous life as a postal worker. He resided in a maximum-security unit at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Yaphank. Daily activities included meals, exercise periods, and mandatory counseling sessions.
Shulman underwent regular mental health evaluations during his incarceration. These assessments aimed to monitor his psychological state and determine any necessary treatment plans. Prison records indicate he participated in some rehabilitative programs offered by the facility.
Death in Prison: Circumstances
On April 13, 2006, Robert Shulman died while incarcerated at the age of 52. Officials reported his death was due to natural causes, though specific details were not made public. Shulman had been serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole at the time of his passing.
The circumstances surrounding his final moments remain largely private. Prison protocols for handling inmate deaths were followed, including notification of next of kin and a standard investigation to confirm no foul play was involved.
Cultural and Media Impact
Robert Shulman's crimes captured significant media attention on Long Island and beyond. His case was featured in various true crime documentaries and books, exposing the public to the dark underbelly of suburban life.
The Shulman case also drew comparisons to other Long Island serial killers, including Joel Rifkin and the still-unidentified Long Island Serial Killer (LISK). This led to increased scrutiny of law enforcement's handling of such cases.
Media coverage of Shulman's crimes sparked debates about sex work, addiction, and mental health issues. It highlighted the vulnerability of marginalized communities and raised questions about societal responsibility.
The case influenced popular culture, inspiring fictional portrayals in television shows and novels. These depictions often explored themes of hidden evil in seemingly ordinary individuals.
Public perception of Long Island was affected by the Shulman case and other serial killings in the area. It challenged the image of suburban safety and prompted discussions about community vigilance.
The media's focus on Shulman's background and motivations contributed to a broader cultural fascination with the psychology of serial killers. This interest has persisted in true crime content across various platforms.
Investigative Techniques and Breakthroughs
Robert Shulman's case challenged investigators to employ innovative methods for victim identification and evidence collection. Forensic advancements played a crucial role in connecting the dots and building a strong case against the Long Island serial killer.
Tattoo Identification
Tattoos proved instrumental in identifying some of Shulman's victims. Investigators meticulously cataloged and cross-referenced distinctive tattoos found on the bodies with missing persons reports.
This technique led to breakthroughs in several cases. One victim was identified through a unique butterfly tattoo on her ankle, while another was recognized by a heart-shaped tattoo on her shoulder.
Law enforcement agencies shared tattoo information across jurisdictions, expanding the reach of their investigation. This collaborative approach helped connect previously unlinked cases to Shulman's crimes.
Forensic Advances
DNA analysis played a pivotal role in linking Shulman to multiple crime scenes. Advances in DNA technology allowed investigators to extract usable samples from degraded evidence.
Trace evidence, including fibers and hair, was carefully collected and analyzed. This meticulous approach helped establish connections between victims and Shulman's vehicle and residence.
Fingerprint identification techniques were refined during the investigation. Enhanced digital imaging allowed for better comparison of partial prints found at crime scenes.
Dental records proved crucial in identifying some victims whose remains were severely decomposed. Forensic odontologists worked closely with investigators to match dental patterns.
Comparative Cases
Robert Shulman was not the only serial killer active on Long Island during the 1980s and 1990s. Other murderers left their mark on the region, creating a complex web of criminal activity that challenged law enforcement.
The Joel Rifkin Connection
Joel Rifkin, arrested in 1993, confessed to killing 17 women, predominantly sex workers. His crimes overlapped with Shulman's, spanning from 1989 to 1993. Both Rifkin and Shulman targeted vulnerable individuals in similar areas of Long Island.
Rifkin's case gained significant media attention, often overshadowing Shulman's crimes. The two killers operated in close proximity, raising questions about potential connections or copycat behavior.
Other Serial Killers on Long Island
Long Island's history of serial killers extends beyond Shulman and Rifkin. The Long Island Serial Killer (LISK), active from 1996 to 2010, remains unidentified. LISK is believed to have murdered at least 10 victims, many of whom were sex workers.
This series of unsolved crimes has led to increased scrutiny of Long Island's law enforcement practices. The presence of multiple serial killers in the region over several decades has prompted discussions about societal factors and policing strategies in New York.
Aftermath and Legacy
Robert Shulman's crimes left a lasting impact on Long Island communities. His case prompted increased vigilance and safety measures among residents and law enforcement.
The Suffolk County Police Department intensified patrols along the South Shore of Long Island following Shulman's arrest. This heightened police presence aimed to prevent similar crimes and reassure the public.
Shulman's use of burlap sacks to dispose of victims' bodies became a grim reminder of his brutal methods. This detail resonated with the public and media, underscoring the heinous nature of his acts.
The case highlighted vulnerabilities in sex worker communities. It sparked discussions about personal safety and the risks associated with certain online platforms like Craigslist.
Investigations into Shulman's crimes led to improved forensic techniques and evidence collection methods. These advancements benefited future criminal investigations in the region.
The discovery of victims along Ocean Parkway years later echoed Shulman's case. While unrelated, it reignited public interest in unsolved murders and missing persons cases on Long Island.
Shulman's death in prison marked the end of his physical presence but not the memory of his crimes. His case remains a somber chapter in Long Island's criminal history, serving as a cautionary tale and a reminder of past tragedies.
Legal and Penal System Implications
Robert Shulman's case highlighted several key aspects of New York's criminal justice system. His conviction in 1999 marked Long Island's first capital murder case under the state's new death penalty law.
Shulman initially received a death sentence for one of his murders. However, this was later commuted to life imprisonment without parole.
The commutation reflected broader shifts in New York's approach to capital punishment. In 2004, the state's highest court ruled the death penalty statute unconstitutional.
Shulman's case also drew attention to the treatment of serial killers within the penal system. He was held in maximum security facilities due to the nature of his crimes.
The prosecution of Shulman involved extensive forensic evidence and witness testimony. This demonstrated the evolving capabilities of law enforcement in solving complex serial murder cases.
His crimes and subsequent trial prompted discussions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for violent offenders. It also raised questions about the detection and prevention of serial killings.
Shulman's death in prison in 2006 underscored the reality of life sentences without parole. It highlighted the challenges of managing aging and ill inmates within the correctional system.
