Family tries to raise reward for serial killer

NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Maureen Brainard-Barnes was one of the victims of the Long Island serial killer. Her remains were among the first to be discovered. They are now back home, her family though has never stopped fighting for justice.

25-year-old Barnes was a daughter, a sister, and a mother of two.

"She always read to them," said Missy Cann, sister.

Cann says her sister was last seen July 6, 2007. She had gone to New York City and never returned. Her brother, who is now deceased, and her husband jumped on a motorcycle and went looking for her.

"When my brother came back he was like, it's too busy there nobody knows no one. It's like everyone's a tourist," said Cann.

Heartache compounded in December 2010. Barnes' skeletal remains were among four discovered along Ocean Parkway on Long Island. In all, the remains of 10 women were found in the Gilgo Beach area.

"I was angry initially because someone took my sister's life and she was discarded for 3 1/2 years," said Cann.

The victims are believed to have worked as escorts who advertised on Craigslist. The families of those who have been identified are now joining forces.

Cann recently put on a Stunts 4 Justice fundraiser with the hopes of raising the reward for the Long Island serial killer to $30,000. An incentive for other escorts who may be too afraid to come forward and help for those who no longer can.

"They are important to the families that he destroys," Cann said.

Barnes is now laid to rest beside her brother. Her grave-site does not have a headstone because her family has been concentrating their resources and energy on finding her killer.