Rex Heuermann, the man accused of murdering three sex workers on Gilgo Beach, Long Island, is now set to face a fourth murder charge. This new development comes from a reliable source with direct knowledge of the situation.
A Long-Awaited Announcement
Officials have previously hinted at Heuermann’s involvement in Maureen Brainard-Barnes’ death, but lacked sufficient evidence to formally charge him. However, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney is expected to make the long-awaited announcement and bring new charges against Heuermann on Tuesday.
Despite the weight of evidence against him, Heuermann’s lawyer has yet to comment on the latest accusation.
The Infamous Gilgo Four
Heuermann’s arrest in July 2023 saw him charged with the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello. The three victims’ bodies were discovered in thick vegetation near Gilgo Beach, a spot that has become synonymous with tragedy. It was after Heuermann’s arrest that authorities started considering him as the primary suspect in Brainard-Barnes’ murder. According to a bail application obtained by NBC News, authorities had gathered substantial evidence linking Heuermann to the case.
All four victims, known as the “Gilgo Four,” were found in December 2010 while investigators were searching for Shannan Gilbert, another missing sex worker. The remains of these women were discovered along Ocean Parkway.
Connecting the Dots
DNA obtained from a discarded slice of pizza found outside Heuermann’s office connected him to the murders. Additionally, his wife’s hair was found at the crime scenes, leading investigators to believe that items involved in the killings, such as burlap sacks and tape, came from their shared residence.
Heuermann pleaded not guilty in July to three charges of first-degree murder and three charges of second-degree murder in relation to Barthelemy, Waterman, and Costello. Emotion overcame him as the charges were read in court, and he was ordered to be held without bail.
Other Victims Discovered
While the search for Shannan Gilbert only ended in December 2011, authorities discovered the remains of eleven other individuals along the way. The remains of Jessica Taylor were partially found along Ocean Parkway in March 2011. In the following month, three more bodies were discovered: Valerie Mack, a female toddler, and a man. Mack’s identity was not confirmed until 2020. Partial remains of both Taylor and Mack were also found years earlier in Manorville, located approximately 45 miles east of Gilgo Beach.
Two more bodies were found in Nassau County, where Heuermann resides. However, Heuermann has not been charged in connection with the deaths of Gilbert, Taylor, or Mack. Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison revealed in an interview that authorities are investigating possible connections between Heuermann and the other victims. They are determined not to rule out any of the bodies discovered along Ocean Parkway.
For more information, check out the source link.
Remember, for the latest news and updates, visit F5 Magazine at F5mag.com.