The Florida man charged in a nearly 30-year-old murder in Nassau County faced a judge on Long Island for the first time.
The 66-year-old was arrested earlier this month in connection to the death of Tanya Denise Jackson.
Jackson was previously known as "Peaches" because of a distinct tattoo.
Jackson’s remains were found at Hempstead Lake State Park in 1997 and later along Ocean Parkway.
Prosecutors say Dykes’ relationship with his alleged victim started when they were both in the military and turned into an affair.
"Tanya was the victim of a vile and horrifying act of violence by a person - maybe the only person - she thought she could trust,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly.
Dykes faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
"We're going to take every avenue available to investigate and defend this case to the best of my ability and 30 years of experience,” said Dykes’ attorney, Joseph LoPiccolo.