| Full Name | Mari Gilbert |
|---|---|
| Born | June 22, 1964 |
| Died | July 23, 2016 |
| Known For | Advocacy for daughter Shannan Gilbert |
| Cause of Death | Murder (Stabbed by daughter Sarra Gilbert) |
| Children | Shannan, Sarra, Sherre Gilbert |
| Notable Work | Reopening of Shannan Gilbert’s case |
Mari Gilbert Obituary
Mari Gilbert’s life was marked by tragedy, courage, and relentless advocacy. She is best remembered as the mother of Shannan Gilbert, a 24-year-old woman who disappeared under mysterious circumstances in May 2010. But beyond her identity as a grieving mother, Mari emerged as a passionate justice crusader, turning personal sorrow into public advocacy—until her own life was tragically cut short by the very family she sought to protect.
The Disappearance of Shannan Gilbert
In May 2010, Shannan Gilbert disappeared after placing a frantic 911 call in Oak Beach, Long Island. The search for her led to one of the most chilling discoveries in recent American crime history—the remains of ten murder victims strewn along Ocean Parkway. While investigators linked these remains to the elusive Long Island Serial Killer, they concluded that Shannan’s death was accidental, possibly a result of drowning in a marsh.
Mari Gilbert didn’t accept that explanation.
She challenged the ruling, tirelessly advocating for a deeper investigation. Her fight led to the commissioning of an independent autopsy, which concluded that Shannan may have been strangled—a possibility law enforcement had not fully considered. Mari firmly believed her daughter had been murdered and worked relentlessly to ensure the case remained active in the public eye.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Mari Gilbert’s advocacy took her to national television. Alongside her daughters Sherre and Sarra, she appeared on shows like Dr. Phil, 20/20, and The Dr. Oz Show, bringing renewed attention to the Long Island Serial Killer case. Her unrelenting commitment turned her into a powerful voice for families of missing and murdered persons.
She became a symbol of persistence and courage—a mother who would not rest until justice was served.
A Horrific End: Mari’s Own Tragic Murder
On July 23, 2016, the advocate met a devastating fate. Mari was stabbed to death by her daughter Sarra Gilbert in Ellenville, New York. Sarra, then 27 years old, suffered from schizophrenia. According to reports, she heard voices commanding her to kill her mother. The brutal attack occurred in Sarra’s apartment, where she stabbed Mari more than 200 times and struck her with a fire extinguisher.
Sarra Gilbert was arrested, charged with second-degree murder and fourth-degree possession of a weapon. In August 2017, she was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. She is currently serving her sentence at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women.
The Legacy of Mari Gilbert
Despite her tragic end, Mari Gilbert’s legacy lives on. Her dedication helped shed light on law enforcement’s missteps and pushed the investigation of the Long Island Serial Killer into the national spotlight. Her story has even been portrayed in the 2020 Netflix film Lost Girls, with actress Amy Ryan playing her role.
Her determination inspired many other families to question, push back, and never give up on their pursuit of truth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Mari Gilbert?
Mari Gilbert was an American activist and mother of Shannan Gilbert, a woman who disappeared in 2010. She advocated for the case to be reopened as a murder investigation.
2. What happened to Mari Gilbert?
Mari Gilbert was murdered by her daughter Sarra Gilbert on July 23, 2016, in Ellenville, New York.
3. Who is Sarra Gilbert?
Sarra Gilbert is the daughter of Mari Gilbert. She suffers from schizophrenia and was convicted of murdering her mother in 2016.
4. What was Mari Gilbert fighting for?
She fought to have her daughter Shannan’s death recognized as a homicide and advocated for justice in the broader Long Island Serial Killer investigation.
5. Is Mari Gilbert portrayed in any film?
Yes, she was portrayed by Amy Ryan in the Netflix film Lost Girls (2020), which is based on her fight for justice.
Conclusion
Mari Gilbert’s life is a heartbreaking yet inspiring tale of a mother’s love, determination, and the harsh realities of mental illness and systemic oversight. From the mysterious death of her daughter to her own tragic murder, Mari’s story reminds us of the power of persistence, the pain of unanswered questions, and the importance of seeking justice—even when the odds are stacked against you. Her courage continues to echo, inspiring advocacy for the lost, the ignored, and the voiceless.
