Shivangi Sinha
Melissa Barthelemy last spoke with her mother, Lynn Barthelemy, in July 2009. At the time, Lynn was living with her fiancé, Jeff Martina, and her younger daughter, Amanda. The family only realized something was wrong when Amanda began receiving strange phone calls from Melissa’s number. On December 13, 2010, they watched news reports showing human remains being discovered in the Ocean Parkway area of Long Island, New York. Lynn immediately had a gut feeling that one of the victims was her daughter. In Netflix’s ‘Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer,’ Amanda shared her family’s painful journey and reflected on Melissa’s life—a life that was tragically cut short.
Melissa Barthelemy’s Family Got Calls From Melissa’s Phone After She Disappeared
Lynn Barthelemy welcomed her daughter, Melissa Barthelemy, on April 14, 1985. At the time, she was with Mark Szpila, but the two eventually parted ways. She later settled in Buffalo, New York, where she found a new partner, Jeffrey “Jeff” Martina. Together, they built a home, and Lynn had another daughter, Amanda. She raised both of her daughters with love and care and always supported them in their choices. Lynn was proud of Melissa’s independence and fully encouraged her decision to move to the Bronx in 2007 to explore new opportunities. However, when Melissa later revealed that she was working as an exotic dancer at a club, her mother felt some apprehension about her daughter’s path.
However, having grown up with Amanda and considering her to be her closest friend, Melissa confided in her that she was actually working as a sex worker due to financial struggles. The two kept this secret between them. During one of Lynn’s visits, she noticed that Melissa was having financial difficulties. However, the elder daughter reassured her mother that she had a plan—she intended to move to New York and work toward a better future. When Melissa suddenly stopped calling home, Lynn became increasingly worried. She reached out to people who knew her daughter and discovered that the last time she had been seen was on July 12, 2009. Concerned, Lynn reported her missing to the police. Just a week later, however, 15-year-old Amanda received a phone call from Melissa’s number.
When Amanda answered the call, she was met with an aggressive and threatening voice from a man on the other end. He hurled slurs at her, called her derogatory names, and even implied that he had killed Melissa. The family reported the calls to the police, but it did not lead to much. Authorities attempted to trace them, but since they were made from densely populated areas, identifying the exact caller proved to be a challenge. They anxiously waited for answers. Then, on December 13, 2010, news broke that human remains had been discovered in the Ocean Parkway area of Long Island, New York. Upon hearing this, Lynn immediately turned to Jeff and Amanda and said she had a gut feeling that it was Melissa. Sadly, her worst fears were confirmed soon after.
Lynn Barthelemy and Jeff Martina Run a Diner in New York
Lynn Barthelemy joined forces with other families who had lost their loved ones under similar circumstances and stood together with them in the pursuit of justice. For over a decade, they relentlessly demanded answers, though leads remained scarce. In July 2023, when police arrested Rex Heuermann, it was alleged that the phone calls Amanda had received played a role in building the case against him. Following the arrest, Lynn publicly expressed her anger and stated that she wanted to see him “suffer at the hands of other inmates.” She firmly declared that death would be too merciful for the alleged killer and that he deserved to endure the pain he had inflicted on others.
Lynn and Jeff Martina continue to reside in Buffalo, New York, where they reportedly run a diner together. They remain active members of a support group for the families and meet regularly to share their experiences and offer one another strength. Despite the lasting pain of losing Melissa, they find moments of joy in their role as grandparents. Lynn is also committed to giving back to her community, frequently participating in fundraisers, including one she organized for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As they await the trial, they hope that justice, which has long been overdue, will finally be served.
Amanda Funderburg is Finding Fulfilment in Her Role as a Mother Today
Amanda Funderburg resides in Buffalo, New York, with her partner and their son, Giovanni. He is the light of her life, and she is grateful to see him grow into an amazing human being each day. She has frequently expressed her thoughts on the profound impact of losing her sister, emphasizing that not a single day passes without her feeling the loss. She cherishes her sister’s memory and likely shares stories about her with her son, ensuring she remains a part of their lives. In March 2020, she attended the Athena Film Festival, where she met the cast and crew of Netflix’s ‘Lost Girls,’ a film based on the Gilgo Beach killings. She expressed gratitude for their efforts in keeping the story alive and encouraged others to watch the film. Amanda has made significant progress in her journey since losing her sister. Although each day presents its own challenges, she remains at the forefront of sharing her family’s story. Her resilience is truly inspiring.
