The alleged Long Island Serial Killer, Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old New York City architect, was arrested in 2023 for a series of murders that left New York on edge for years. He has been charged with three counts of first and second-degree murder after three women were found dead around Gilgo Beach in Long Island, New York. Heuermann is the founder and principal of RH Consultants & Associates, LLC, and was arrested near his office in Midtown Manhattan as investigators swarmed his home in Massapequa Park, located just 17 miles north of Gilgo Beach.
The search for the killer of the Gilgo Beach victims began in 2010 when skeletal remains were discovered. The remains belonged to Melissa Barthelemy, leading to the discovery of the remains of three other women, including Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Heuermann has been charged with their murders, all of whom were sex workers in their 20s and were found wrapped in burlap.
Investigators recovered Heuermann’s DNA from a discarded pizza box, prompting his arrest. Police also obtained information from the suspect’s Tinder and American Express accounts, linking him to the crimes. Additionally, prosecutors allege Heuermann made incriminating internet searches, including those related to child pornography and explicit videos depicting rape.
The identity of a woman whose body was found at Gilgo Beach 27 years ago was confirmed in August as Karen Vergata, 34, who had vanished on February 14, 1996. Despite the discovery of new evidence, questions have swirled around Heuermann’s wife, Asa Ellerup, who filed for divorce after her husband’s arrest. She denies any involvement in the murders and has been battling skin and breast cancer for several years.
In total, 10 bodies have been found on Gilgo Beach, but Heuermann is currently only charged with three murders. His next hearing is set for February 6.