GILGO BEACH CASE FILE
Gilgo Beach and Long Island serial killer investigation
The Gilgo Beach case involves the discovery of multiple homicide victims along Ocean Parkway on Long Island, beginning in 2010 during the search for missing woman Shannan Gilbert. Investigators uncovered several sets of remains, many concealed in brush near the roadway and some connected to earlier unsolved cases through DNA analysis. Over time, forensic evidence, digital records, cell data, and physical items recovered from the scenes helped shape a large-scale investigation that eventually led to the arrest and prosecution of a primary suspect, while several victims and questions still remain under active review.
Gilgo Beach Murders
Gilgo Beach Timeline
Timeline
July 9, 2007
Maureen Brainard-Barnes
- Born June 14, 1982, in New London, Connecticut
- Last heard from at 11:43 p.m. when she called a friend and said she was going to meet someone
- She was later found on December 13, 2010, near Ocean Parkway by Gilgo Beach
- Cause of death: Strangulation
- Born April 14, 1985, in Buffalo, New York
- Last seen at her residence at 1149 Underhill Avenue in the Bronx
- Told a friend she was going to see a man and would return in the morning
- After her disappearance, her sister received taunting phone calls from a male using Melissa’s phone
- Age 23 at the time of disappearance
- Went missing after leaving a client’s home in Oak Beach
- Called 911, stating someone was after her and trying to kill her
- Seen running through the neighborhood seeking help
- Remains found in December 2011 near Oak Beach
- Authorities have stated her death may have been accidental, separate from the Gilgo Four
- Age 22
- Last seen leaving the Holiday Inn Express in Hauppauge
- Reported missing two days later by the family
- Remains found December 13, 2010, on the north side of Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach
- Moved to NY from Clearwater, Florida
- Last seen leaving her residence to meet a client
- Did not take her phone and was never reported missing
- Remains found December 13, 2010, near Ocean Parkway
- Cause of death: Strangulation
- Partial skeletal remains were located along Ocean Parkway
- Matched to earlier remains originally found on July 26, 2003, in Manorville
- Partial remains found along the Southern State Parkway exit ramp in plastic bags
- Human hair visible through bags alerted workers
- Disappeared on October 10, 1991, while walking to school in Brooklyn
- Dismembered remains discovered in Park Slope
- Strangled, drained of blood, dismembered
- Torso never found
- Dismembered remains discovered in two garbage bags in Fort Greene
- Strangled and dismembered
- Known sex worker
- Last seen February 14, 1996
- Remains found in Davis Park, Fire Island
- Additional remains were found on April 11, 2011, along Ocean Parkway
- Identified in July 2023 through DNA
- Torso found in Hempstead Lake State Park
- Tattoo of a peach on the breast
- Believed killed shortly before discovery
- DNA confirmed Baby Doe was Peaches’ child
- Believed killed at the same time as mother
- Escort using the alias Melissa Taylor
- Remains discovered in Manorville
- Later linked through DNA to remains found near Gilgo
- Last seen August 7, 1999
- Torso found in 2000 near Rockaway Beach, wrapped in plastic and tape
- Body found July 26, 2003, in Manorville
- Partial remains later found near Gilgo, March 29, 2011
- Found by hunters
- Caucasian female, 35 to 50 years old
- Torso found in a suitcase in Mamaroneck
- Tattoo of cherries
- Dismemberment consistent with Peaches, Jessica Taylor, and Jane Doe 6
- Melissa Barthelemy
- Maureen Brainard-Barnes
- Megan Waterman
- Amber Lynn Costello
- Remains recovered along Ocean Parkway
Case File: Rex Heuermann, a New York architect, has been implicated in a series of murders spanning from the early 1990s to 2010, primarily involving young women whose remains were discovered in the Gilgo Beach area of Long Island. Below is a detailed timeline outlining key events related to the investigation and charges against Heuermann:
November 29, 1975
- Rex Heuermann’s father died at age 50. He was 12 years old.
- Rex Heuermann graduated from Berner High School in Massapequa, NY
- RH works as a seasonal employee at Jones Beach State Park
- Rex Heuermann begins working (presumably full-time) at Jones Beach State Park.
- Rex Heuermann leaves his position at Jones Beach State Park
- Rex Heuermann started working in Manhattan (pg. 47 of the
- RH marries his first wife at St. Peter’s Church in New Brunswick, NJ. At the time of their marriage, RH was working at Greer Construction Corp. in Freeport, NY, as an architect intern. He graduated from the New York Institute of Technology in Westbury, NY with a degree in architectural technology
- The body of 28-year-old Sandra Costilla was discovered in the North Sea, Long Island.
- RH and his first wife divorced after “almost three years” of marriage (pg. 8 of the
- Rex incorporates RH Consultants & Associates.
- RH purchases the house in Massapequa Park from his mother for $170,000, Nassau County Land Records Viewer
- Asa moved in with Rex
- RH obtained his architecture license in NY State NY State Office of the Professions
- RH marries his second wife (pg. 8 of the
- A hunter’s dog discovered some of Jane Doe #6 (Valerie Mack )’s remains in a wooded area of Manorville.
- The remains were in a black plastic bag wrapped with duct tape.
- The bag contained additional plastic bags that contained Mack’s decapitated body.
- The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office said they were able to determine from the remains that the victim had been dead for about two-to-eight weeks before being discovered.
- Asa at SMUGS
- Witness observed a pickup truck backing into the woods in Manorville, Long Island.
- Partial remains found in Manorville. The remains of Jane Doe Number Five were matched to Jessica Taylor, who had been identified. Taylor, like the other victims, had worked as an escort.
- Rex Heuermann purchased a timeshare at Club du Soleil in Las Vegas for $16,995
- Rex burner phone: Maureen Brainard-Barnes’ cellphone is contacted by a burner phone (pg. 5 of the bail application
- Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, was last seen alive in New York City.
- 11:56 p.m. – Maureen’s cellphone pings in Midtown Manhattan near the 59th Street Bridge.
- Two outbound calls were made from Maureen’s cellphone, checking her voicemail from a cell site location near the Long Island Expressway in Islandia
- Melissa Bathelemy’s cellphone is contacted by a burner phone
- Melissa’s cellphone is contacted by the same burner phone
- Rex Heuremann’s wife, Asa Elerup, leaves the United States for Iceland
- Melissa’s cellphone is again contacted by the same burner phone
- Melissa Barthelemy, 24, disappears in New York City.
- Her cellphone is contacted by the same burner phone and the burner phone travels from Massapequa Park to Midtown Manhattan
- 1:43 a.m. Melissa’s cellphone travels from Manhattan to Massapequa, last pinging in Massapequa at 1:43 a.m.
- Earlier that same day, her phone was used to check her voicemail in both Freeport and Babylon
- Melissa’s cellphone is used to make an outbound call to check her voicemail in Babylon
- 12:40 p.m. A male caller uses Melissa’s cellphone to contact her family, connecting with a cell tower at 4 Penn Plaza in Manhattan
- 1:45 p.m. Rex Heuermann’s cellphone places a call in New York City
- 6:58 p.m. Rex Heuermann’s cellphone shows a call location in New York City
- 7:15 p.m. The burner phone used to contact Melissa has activity in Manhattan
- 7:22 p.m. Rex Heuermann’s cellphone shows a call location in New York City
- Melissa’s phone is used in Midtown Manhattan to make taunting calls to her sister. The male caller admits to killing and sexually assaulting her.
- 5:12 p.m.: Rex Heuermann places a call from New York City
- 6:51 p.m.: The burner cellphone used to contact Melissa registered activity at a cell tower at 19 West 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan, near RH’s office
- 2:48 p.m. Rex Heuermann places a call from New York City
- 1:39 p.m. The burner phone used to contact Melissa had activity attached to a cell tower at 19 West 34th Street in Manhattan
- 6:42 p.m. Rex Heuermann uses Melissa’s phone to contact her family from a cell tower at 275 West 39th Street in Manhattan
- 8:29 – 8:30 p.m. The burner phone used to contact Melissa has activity in New York City
- 11:05 p.m. Rex Heuermann’s cellphone places a call from Jamaica, Queens
- 6:46 – 7:05 p.m. Rex Heuermann’s cellphone pings near his office
- 6:50 – 7:11 p.m. Melissa’s phone is used in Midtown Manhattan near RH’s office to make taunting calls to her family members
- RH traveled to Iceland to see his family.
- Rex Heuremann tells Asa he started a bathroom remodel
- Rex Heuermann’s wife returns to the United States from Iceland
- 7:16 p.m. Rex Heuermann’s cellphone makes a call from New York City
- 7:23 p.m. Rex Heuermann uses Melissa’s cellphone to make a taunting call to her family from Manhattan, pinging from a cell tower at 249 West 36th Street
- 7:28 p.m. Rex Heuermann’s cellphone makes a call from New York City
- 11:29 – 11:34 a.m. Melissa’s cellphone is used to make a taunting call to her family member from a cell tower at 4 Penn Plaza
- 11:38 a.m. Rex Heuermann’s cellphone lists a call location from New York City
- 23-year-old Shannan Gilbert disappeared after leaving the home of a client and reportedly running through the gated community of Oak Beach.
- Gilbert had been transported to Oak Beach by a driver, who later received a call from the client to return Gilbert home after she began to exhibit irrational and erratic behavior.
- Despite multiple searches in the area where Gilbert was last seen, her body was not found until 18 months later.
- Rex Heuermann acquires a hunting license in Alaska
- Rex Heuermann’s wife travels from New York to Maryland with the kids.
- Megan Waterman’s cellphone is contacted by a burner phone, which had been activated that same day
- 1:30 a.m.: Megan is last seen alive at the Holiday Inn in Hauppauge, NY. At 1:31 a.m., she is contacted by the burner phone.
- 3:11 a.m.: Megan’s phone last pings near RH’s house in Massapequa Park
- Rex Heuermann’s wife returns to New York from Maryland
- Rex Heuermann’s wife travels from New York to New Jersey
- 11:33 – 11:34 p.m.: Amber Costello’s phone is contacted twice by a burner phone. During these calls, the burner phone pinged from cell towers in West Amityville and Massapequa Park
- Rex Heuermann contacted Amber from West Babylon using his burner phone. Around this time, the client — described as an ” ogre” driving a first-generation Chevy Avalanche — arrives at her residence at pays for her services, at which point a male pretends to be an outraged boyfriend and the client leaves.
- 1:18 a.m.: Amber receives a text from Rex Heuermann’s burner phone: “That was not nice, so do I get credit for next time?” He sent the text message from Massapequa Park.
- 9:32 p.m.: The same burner phone communicates with Amber’s phone, using a cell tower in Midtown Manhattan
- 10:39 p.m.: The burner phone again has contact with Amber’s phone, this time from a cell tower in Massapequa Park
- 11:05 p.m.: The burner phone has contact with Amber’s phone from a cell tower in Massapequa Park
- 11:17 p.m.: The burner phone travels to West Babylon near Amber Costello’s residence. Shortly after this, a dark-colored truck was seen driving past Amber Costello’s residence.
- Rex Heuermann’s wife returns to New York from New Jersey
- Eight months into the search for Gilbert, a Suffolk County Police Department Canine Unit continued their efforts near her last known location. Instead of finding Gilbert, they uncovered human remains identified later as 24-year-old Melissa Barthelemy (Jane Doe Number One).
- Three more sets of remains were found along Ocean Parkway, initially labeled
- Jane Doe Number Two,
- Jane Doe Three,
- Jane Doe Four
- These remains were later identified as
- Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25;
- Amber Lynn Costello, 27;
- Megan Waterman, 22;
- All four women had worked as Craigslist escorts and were last seen between July 2007 and September 2010.
- Rex Heuermann links an AOL email account Springfieldman9, to a Tinder account, and a burner phone is established with an Astoria, Queens zip code
- Partial skeletal remains, known as Jane Doe Number Five, were uncovered. This discovery led to the first link between the Gilgo Beach homicides and Manorville.
- The remains of Jane Doe Number Five were matched to Jessica Taylor, who had been identified through partial remains found in Manorville on July 26, 2003. Taylor, like the other victims, had worked as an escort.
- Following the connection between the Gilgo Beach and Manorville cases via Jessica Taylor, the investigation into Shannan Gilbert’s disappearance expanded further, revealing additional links and discoveries across Long Island.
- The rest of Valerie Mack’s remains were found along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach.
- Three additional sets of remains were discovered along Ocean Parkway in Suffolk County. Among them were those of a female toddler, an unidentified Asian male, and what was initially referred to as Jane Doe Number Six.
- A week later, two more sets of remains were found in Nassau County.
- One set was confirmed through DNA analysis to be the mother of the female toddler, known as “Peaches” due to a peach-shaped tattoo.
- The other set was linked to remains found in Davis Park on Fire Island in 1996, broadening the investigation’s timeline and geographical scope.
- Jane Doe Number Six, initially identified as Manorville Jane Doe, was confirmed by the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Unit to match remains discovered in Manorville on November 19, 2000. These remains, a white female with brown hair, were found by recreational hunters in a wooded area off Halsey Manor Road.
- Suffolk County Police found Shannan Gilbert’s purse and mobile phone in Oak Beach marshland. Two days later, Gilbert’s remains were discovered a quarter-mile east of her belongings.
- Rex Heuermann is allegedly (case later dismissed) struck by a car at the intersection of West 36th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan Link
- Rex Heuermann had hernia surgery (pg. 99 of the
- Rex Heuermann allegedly is involved in a car accident on the Capital Beltway in Prince George’s County, Maryland (pg. 3 of the
- 10:15 p.m. Car accident at the intersection of Front Street and Second Avenue in Massapequa Park p35
- Rex Heuermann flies to Las Vegas to attend a conference for “four or five days” p19
- Rex Heuermann returned from LV and saw Dr. Visram (4 months of Physical Therapy) hip, arm, neck & back
- Rex Heuermann drives down to Virginia by himself to visit his mom. p129
- Rex Heuermann visits Las Vegas alone, p133
- Rex Heuermann drives down to Cocoa Beach, Florida, with his wife, mother, and daughter
- Rex Heuermann underwent shoulder surgery.
- Rex Heuermann drives down to Virginia to visit his mom, most likely alone
- Rex Heuermann drives his army Jeep “for the first time since September” p117
- Jane Doe Number Six was identified as Valerie Mack with the help of advanced forensic DNA technology provided by the FBI.
- Mack, who disappeared at 24 while living in Philadelphia, worked as an escort under the alias ‘Melissa Taylor’ (unrelated to Jessica Taylor).
- Mack’s family provided DNA samples, confirming they last saw her in Port Republic, New Jersey, in the spring and summer of 2000.
- This matched the timeline that Mack’s remains were dumped in Manorville at the end of 2000.
- Rex Heuermann’s home IP address was used to access the official SCPD “Gilgonews.com” website
- Former Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart released previously undisclosed evidence, including photos of a belt believed to be used by the suspect but not belonging to any of the victims.
- RH’s home IP address was again used to access the official SCPD “Gilgonews.com” website
- Rex Heuermann created a Gmail account, “Hunter1903a3,”he used “Andy Roberts” as a name, and linked to the burner phone 347-885-1697. The IP address used to accept the Terms of Service for this account was RH’s residence in Massapequa Park. The “Hunter1903a3” account is used to send pictures of a prostitute in upstate New York between two of RH’s “burner” email accounts
- Rex Heuermann purchased four unimproved lots totaling about 5 acres on Rippling Brook Drive in the Mirror Lakes subdivision in Chester County, SC for $154,351
- The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office creates a task force to conduct a comprehensive review of evidence in the investigation.
- Rex Heuermann allegedly gets into a car accident near the intersection of Union Avenue and Devoe Street in Brooklyn
- Heuermann first comes up as a suspect in the investigation, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Heuermann was tracked through his car, a Chevrolet Avalanche, according to court documents. A witness to Costello’s disappearance reported seeing a Chevrolet Avalanche at Costello’s home, court records stated.
- 9:19 – 9:25 a.m. A fictitious Gmail account, “thawk080672,” is used to search “long island serial killer.”
- Heuermann is arrested in Manhattan at his midtown office.
- Investigators matched DNA from hair recovered from the burlap used to wrap Waterman’s body to leftover pizza crust Heuermann threw into a Manhattan garbage can in January 2023, according to court documents.
- Defense attorney Michael Brown enters a not guilty plea on Heuermann’s behalf at his arraignment for three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder. Heuermann was ordered held on no bail.
- Authorities announce they have identified Jane Doe No. 7, whose remains were first located on Fire Island in 1996, as 34-year-old Karen Vergata. More of her remains were found on April 11, 2011, on Long Island’s Tobay Beach. There are no charges at this time, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney says.
- Workers cleaning near the East Bathhouse at Jones Beach unearthed a cache of disturbing items buried about two feet in the sand. Police were immediately notified. Items Found:
- Several purses and women’s and girls’ clothing (estimated to be from the late 1980s–1990s), including rayon miniskirts, shorts, pants, and shirts. Some had popped buttons, suggesting possible force.
- A blood-covered workman’s glove.
- A leather strap hidden in an employee shack is still in use.
- Context: Jones Beach is about 3 miles from Gilgo Beach and connects directly via Ocean Parkway. Rex Heuermann had worked summers at Jones Beach between 1981 and 1984. The East Bathhouse has been closed since 2009, undergoing renovations, but the location is near areas familiar to Heuermann. Jones Beach traditionally uses burlap fencing to protect dunes; several Gilgo victims were found wrapped in burlap, raising investigative interest.
- Investigation: All items were collected by detectives for forensic testing. It remains unclear if results have been returned. Authorities cautioned the discovery could be coincidental but noted its proximity and timing were significant.
- Heuermann was indicted for additional victims, including:
- Valerie Mack (24).
- Sandra Costilla (28).
- Brought the total to seven murder charges.
- Prosecutors stated Heuermann remains the leading suspect in several of the still-unidentified remains along Ocean Parkway.
- Pretrial Motions on DNA Evidence:
- Defense Argument: Challenged the admissibility of advanced DNA testing methods used on hairs recovered from the victims’ burlap wrappings.
- Prosecution Argument: Urged the court to admit forensic genealogy and new hair DNA analysis, citing FBI testing.
- Result: Motions carried into 2024, setting the stage for a major ruling on DNA evidence in the case.
- Rex Heuermann has been indicted on a new charge of second-degree murder for the killing of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Summary of evidence against Heuermann in Brainard-Barnes’ case: A hair found on a belt buckle used to bind Brainard-Barnes was matched to Heuermann’s wife, Asa Ellerup. Credit card statements show that Heuermann’s family was in Atlantic City during the period when Brianard-Barnes went missing while Heuermann remained in New York. Additional charges: MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE, in violation of New York State Penal Law Section 125.25(1), a class A-I violent felony for the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes on or about July 9, 2007.
- The judge set deadlines for discovery exchanges between the Suffolk County DA’s Office and Heuermann’s defense team.
- The court addressed the volume of digital evidence seized from Heuermann’s home and office.
- Heuermann appeared briefly in Riverhead court for case conference.
- Defense renewed its challenge to the admissibility of DNA hair evidence retrieved from the victims’ burlap wrappings.
- Justice Richard Ambro signs a subpoena ordering the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office to turn over raw DNA data from the McNamee and Tangredi murder cases to Bittrolff’s appellate defense team.
- Prosecution disclosed testing of burlap fibers and hair samples using a new forensic method not previously admitted in New York courts.
- Defense signaled intent to file a Frye challenge (hearing on admissibility of novel scientific evidence).
- Assistant District Attorney Rosalind Gray opposes defense motions linking Heuermann, writing that the defense has “neither demonstrated a nexus between Rex Heuermann and Ms. McNamee, nor provided an adequate legal basis” for a comparison.
- Investigators executed a search warrant at the Massapequa Park residence of Rex Heuermann as part of the Gilgo Beach homicide investigation.
- During the search, detectives seized a July 29, 2003, edition of the New York Post from the defendant’s primary bedroom.
- The newspaper was nearly 21 years old when it was recovered and was described in the court filing as being in “pristine condition.”
- The issue contained an article titled “Serial Killer Eyed in L.I. Slay,” which reported on the murders and disappearances of:
- Valerie Mack
- Jessica Taylor
- Investigators also recovered a November 7, 2016, issue of People magazine titled “Bodies on the Beach: Hunt for the Long Island Serial Killer.”
- The magazine contained a feature article titled “Horror on the Beach,” describing the Long Island serial killings investigation and displaying photographs of multiple victims.
- During the same search, detectives located a November 22, 1993, edition of Newsday in the residence’s basement.
- The newspaper, approximately 31 years old, was also reportedly preserved in pristine condition.
- The issue contained an article titled “Body Discovered in Woods,” which referenced the homicide investigation into:
- Sandra Costilla
- According to the prosecution filing submitted by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the grand jury was presented with evidence showing the defendant possessed publications referencing each victim named in the indictment.
- Prosecutors argued that the preserved newspapers and magazines could reasonably be interpreted by the grand jury as souvenirs or reminders connected to the murders, while the defense argued that possession of publicly available newspapers is not inherently incriminating.
- The judge reviewed timelines for expert witness disclosure and trial readiness.
- Prosecution confirmed intent to call forensic genealogy experts and FBI lab specialists.
- Heuermann is charged with two more murders after investigators spent months combing through evidence taken from his family home and following searches of a wooded area in Manorville. He is charged with the 2003 murder of Taylor, whose remains were found on Long Island in Gilgo Beach in March 2011, and in Manorville in July 2003, and the 1993 murder of Sandra Costilla, whose remains were found in North Sea, Long Island, in 1993, according to court documents. DNA, including a hair found on a drape under Jessica Taylor‘s body, ties Heuermann to both murders, according to prosecutors. Costilla’s murder was initially suspected to have been the work of a different killer, John Bittrolff, but advanced DNA now points to Heuermann.
- Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney announced in press conference that forensic evidence pointed to seven confirmed victims linked to Heuermann.
- Four additional remains found along Ocean Parkway (including Jessica Taylor and unidentified remains) remained under active investigation.
- Survivors’ families held vigils along Ocean Parkway.
- DA’s office issued statement reaffirming commitment to “pursue every lead” regarding remaining unidentified victims.
- The Gilgo Homicide Task Force released updates on the Asian Doe victim, including facial reconstructions, descriptions of the victim’s clothing, pictures of clothing labels, and new genealogical data. The information has been translated into multiple Asian languages. The facial reconstructions were created by a Forensic Artist with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) and depict what the victim may have looked like prior to their disappearance and murder. Both male and female presentations are provided, as the victim was found wearing women’s clothing. A reward of up to $2,500 from Suffolk County Crime Stoppers is being offered for information leading to the identification of the victim.
- The defense engages Cybergenetics, a DNA analytics firm, whose probabilistic modeling indicates that Bittrolff did not contribute to the male DNA found on the jeans, stretch pants, and a separate body swab.
- FBI forensic analysts testified that the new DNA method was reliable.
- Defense cross-examined experts on the lack of widespread court acceptance.
- The court signaled it was leaning toward allowing DNA evidence, citing “scientific reliability” and FBI validation studies.
- Rex Heuermann has been indicted on a new charge of second-degree murder for the killing of Valerie Mack. Summary of evidence against Heuermann in Valerie Mack’s case: A hair found at the crime scene on Valerie Mack’s wrist matches Heuermann’s daughter’s DNA. The “HK Planning Document”, which was found on Heuermann’s computer, was created the year Valerie Mack was murdered. The document shares many similarities to aspects of Mack’s case, including references to Mill Road, the location her body was found. Additional charges: MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE, in violation of New York State Penal Law Section 125.25(1), a class A-I violent felony for the death of Valerie Mack on or about or between September 1, 2000 to November 19, 2000.
- Maureen Brainard-Barnes
- Melissa Barthelemy
- Megan Waterman
- Amber Costello
- Jessica Taylor
- Sandra Costilla
- Valerie Mack
- The court set trial readiness for mid-2025.
- Both sides are ordered to complete expert witness disclosures by early 2025.
- Heuermann’s attorneys filed motions to suppress evidence obtained through forensic genealogy, arguing Fourth Amendment violations.
- They also sought to exclude evidence gathered during the Massapequa Park home search, alleging overreach.
- Suffolk County DA’s Office filed opposition briefs, defending the constitutionality of forensic genealogy searches.
- Prosecutors emphasized that FBI validation supported the DNA hair analysis method.
- The judge heard oral arguments regarding the suppression of DNA and electronic data.
- Defense claimed the novel DNA technique had not yet been accepted under New York case law.
- Prosecution highlighted the technique’s successful use in other jurisdictions.
- Both sides submitted expert witness lists.
- Prosecution named FBI forensic scientists, forensic genealogists, and cell tower specialists.
- Defense listed DNA reliability experts and digital forensics specialists.
- Judge confirmed case remained on track for September trial date.
- The court ordered any remaining discovery disputes to be resolved by June.
- The judge formally ruled that prosecutors could present DNA evidence at trial, including results from advanced hair analysis.
- This marked the first time in New York State that this specific DNA technique would be admitted.
- Families of Gilgo victims issued a joint statement outside Suffolk County Court expressing relief that the trial was moving forward.
- Advocated for the inclusion of unidentified and partial remains in the ongoing investigation.
- The court finalized jury selection procedures and trial logistics.
- Both prosecution and defense confirmed readiness for trial.
- Rex Heuermann’s trial for the murders of seven women (Valerie Mack, Melissa Taylor, Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, and Amber Lynn Costello) is set to begin in Suffolk County Supreme Court.
- Jury selection expected to take several weeks.
- The case will mark the largest serial murder trial in Long Island history
- January 2025: The Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County (Appeals Bureau) files a motion to vacate Bittrolff’s convictions, citing new DNA evidence and requesting Heuermann’s DNA be compared to the “Unknown Male A” profile.
- October 7, 2025: Justice Ambro issues an order authorizing limited testing — a direct DNA comparison between “Unknown Male A” and Heuermann’s profile — but denies broader defense requests, including mitochondrial DNA and CODIS database comparison.
- October 10, 2025: The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office obtains a DNA sample from Heuermann’s 2023 buccal swab for comparison.
- October 14, 2025: Legal Aid issues a statement saying they are “grateful the DNA analysis will be conducted,” but “greatly disappointed” that Ambro declined to vacate the conviction.
- October 21, 2025: The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office releases its lab report:
- “Rex Heuermann is excluded as ‘Unknown Male A.’”
- The unknown DNA found on McNamee’s jeans, stretch pants, and body does not match Heuermann.
- October 23–25, 2025: Prosecutors file the lab report with the court. Justice Ambro declines to vacate Bittrolff’s conviction. The identity of “Unknown Male A” remains unresolved.
- November 2025: Prosecutors reaffirm that Heuermann remains charged in seven homicides, including the Gilgo Four and Sandra Costilla. Defense motions to dismiss remain pending.
- December 3, 2025, Andrew Dykes was arrested on a second-degree murder warrant in connection with the Peaches case.
- Attorneys for Rex Heuermann filed multiple pretrial motions ahead of a scheduled court appearance on January 13, 2026. Heuermann is charged in connection with multiple murders linked to the Gilgo Beach investigation. The filings seek broad evidentiary and procedural relief.
- Dismissal of Second Degree Murder Charge
- The defense is seeking dismissal of the second-degree murder charge related to the 1993 killing of Sandra Costilla.
- Attorneys argue that prosecutors lack sufficient evidence to sustain the charge.
- The motion asserts the prosecution’s case relies primarily on hair evidence recovered from a shirt at the crime scene, which the defense characterizes as insufficient.
- Suppression of Statements Made in Custody
- The defense is requesting suppression of statements Heuermann allegedly made during his first 24 hours in custody.
- This includes an alleged remark to court officers during arraignment after learning his $6,000 watch was not among his inventoried property.
- According to filings, Heuermann reportedly stated, “I guess I won’t be needing that.”
- Defense attorneys argue the statement should be excluded from evidence.
- Challenge to Search Warrants and DNA Evidence: A 178-page motion challenges the validity of search warrants executed at Heuermann’s residence, office, and vehicles.
- The defense is also seeking suppression of DNA evidence, including genetic material allegedly obtained from discarded items such as pizza crusts and water bottles.
- Attorneys argue these items were collected from garbage cans in violation of constitutional protections and privacy rights.
- The filing characterizes the request as a final effort to exclude DNA evidence central to the prosecution’s case.
- Request for Information on Alternate Suspects: The defense has requested that prosecutors turn over records related to two men they intend to present as potential alternate suspects.
- The motion seeks disclosure of investigative materials that could support alternative theories of culpability.
- Scheduled Motion Hearing: A court hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026, to address the defense motions filed on January 12. The court is expected to hear arguments regarding dismissal, suppression of statements, suppression of search warrants and DNA evidence, and disclosure related to alternate suspects
- The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office filed a 122-page prosecution memorandum responding to defense motions in the criminal case against Rex Heuermann.
- The filing was submitted in the ongoing prosecution connected to the murders discovered near Gilgo Beach.
- Prosecutors asked the court to deny defense motions to suppress evidence, including digital, search-warrant, and grand-jury evidence.
- The memorandum included additional investigative findings presented to the grand jury, including analysis of:
- cell phone and burner phone activity
- internet search history financial records
- Items seized during search warrants
- Prosecutors stated that investigators identified more than 500 contacts with at least 60 sex workers linked to phone numbers associated with the defendant in the years leading up to his July 13, 2023, arrest.
- The filing described internet searches allegedly tied to devices linked to the defendant, including searches related to:
- the victims and the investigation
- family members of the victims
- violent sexual content involving murdered women
- Investigators also documented recurring payments to the dating application Tinder.
- The prosecution further detailed items recovered during search warrants, including newspapers and magazines referencing the murders, which prosecutors argued could be interpreted by the grand jury as potential “trophies” or souvenirs connected to the crimes.
- The defense argued that possession of publicly available media reports does not constitute incriminating evidence, while prosecutors asserted the materials formed part of a pattern linking the defendant to the victims named in the indictment.
- The filing forms part of the pre-trial litigation phase as both sides challenge the admissibility of evidence before trial.
- The July 29, 2003, edition of the New York Post was seized from the primary bedroom.
- At the time of the search, the newspaper was nearly 21 years old.
- It was reportedly kept in pristine condition.
- The issue contained the article: “Serial Killer Eyed in L.I. Slay.”
- According to prosecutors, the article discusses the murders and disappearances of:
- Valerie Mack
- Jessica Taylor
- The prosecution argues this demonstrates long-term tracking of the killings.
- Investigators also recovered a 2016 issue of People Magazine.
- Cover headline: “Bodies on the Beach – Hunt for the Long Island Serial Killer.”
- The issue includes a multi-page feature titled: “Horror on the Beach.”
- The spread contains photos of multiple victims linked to the Long Island serial killings investigation.
- Prosecutors suggest this magazine was also preserved intentionally as a record of the crimes.
- The filing states investigators recovered a November 22, 1993, edition of Newsday from the basement.
- Details cited by prosecutors:
- The newspaper was about 31 years old.
- It was also in pristine condition.
- The paper contained an article titled: “Body Discovered in Woods.”
- The article reported the homicide investigation of:
- Sandra Costilla
- Costilla’s body had been discovered in a wooded area of North Sea, Southampton, on November 20, 1993.
- Benjamin Torres, the son of Valerie Mack, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the New York State Supreme Court, Suffolk County, against Rex A. Heuermann, Asa Ellerup, and Victoria Heuermann.
- The complaint asserts causes of action including wrongful death, assault, battery, false imprisonment, aiding and abetting, civil conspiracy, intentional infliction of extreme emotional distress, fraud, and unjust enrichment.
- The lawsuit alleges that Rex Heuermann was responsible for the assault, murder, dismemberment, concealment, and disposal of Valerie Mack.
- The complaint further alleges that Asa Ellerup and Victoria Heuermann, at some point, knew of, concealed, deliberately ignored, or consciously avoided learning material facts concerning the alleged assault, murder, dismemberment, concealment, and disposal of Valerie Mack.
- Torres seeks damages for the alleged wrongful death of his mother and for the harm he says he suffered as a result.
- The filing also seeks recovery of money allegedly earned by Ellerup and Victoria Heuermann through their participation in a documentary concerning the Gilgo Beach murders.
- The complaint argues that any statute of limitations issue should be excused or tolled based on Torres’ age at the time of Valerie Mack’s disappearance and the delayed identification of her remains.
- Rex Heuermann is expected to enter a guilty plea in connection with multiple murder charges tied to the Gilgo Beach murders, according to emerging reports. Source
- This development follows his recent indictment for a seventh murder, involving Valerie Mack.
- Valerie Mack:
- Partial skeletal remains were discovered in 2000 in a wooded area in Manorville
- Additional remains were later linked to Gilgo Beach
- Heuermann remains charged in the deaths of six other women, whose remains were recovered along Ocean Parkway on Long Island.
- Procedural status:
- He has previously pleaded not guilty to all charges
- No formal guilty plea has been entered on the court record as of this update
- Any plea would likely involve a negotiated resolution across multiple indictments
- Rex Heuermann formally admitted in court to causing the death of multiple victims linked to the Gilgo Beach investigation during a plea allocution.
- Heuermann stated under oath that:
- He caused the death of Melissa Barthelemy in July 2009. Method: Strangulation
- He caused the death of Megan Waterman. The method was strangulation
- He caused the death of Amber Costello. Method: Strangulation
- He caused the death of Sandra Castillo. Method: Strangulation
- He caused the death of Karen Vergata. Method: Strangulation
- Under the terms of the plea agreement:
- Heuermann pleaded guilty to transporting Karen Vergata, rather than a homicide count specific to her death
- Court Allocution Details
- During questioning by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney:
- Heuermann was asked whether he dismembered Jessica Taylor. Response: Yes
- Heuermann further allocuted that:
- He strangled all of his victims
- Not all victims were dismembered
- Plea Agreement Terms
- As part of a global plea agreement:
- Rex Heuermann entered guilty pleas to multiple homicide counts connected to the Gilgo Beach investigation
- In exchange for the plea:
- Heuermann agreed to waive his right to appeal
- He agreed to cooperate with federal law enforcement. Specifically, he will:
- Participate in interviews with the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit
- Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney publicly stated that a Ram Charger vehicle recovered in Pennsylvania was connected to the 1993 homicide of Sandra Costilla.
- Ray Tierney Interview Transcript: Context: Post-plea interview following Rex Heuermann guilty pleas
- Opening:
- Host: “A decades-long search for answers in the Gilgo Beach serial killer case is now over. Rex Heuermann pleaded guilty to murdering seven women and admitted to killing an eighth on Long Island. Joining us now exclusively to talk about what happened in court and what’s next, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.”
- Plea Agreement
- Q: How did this plea deal come about?
- Tierney: “As a prosecutor, you just kind of forge ahead, and then at a certain point, quite recently, the defense informed us that the defendant wished to change his plea, and so that’s what we did.”
- Modus Operandi
- Q: What did you learn about these killings? Was it the same in every case?
- Tierney: “I think his modus operandi changed a little bit, evolved over time. Initially, he was dismembering the women and then dumping their bodies in different places, and then he went from just leaving them at Gilgo wrapped in a shroud.”
- Sexual Element
- Q: Did he have sex with them?
- Tierney: “We’re not sure. I tend to not think so, but the claim was that he did.”
- Victims and Families
- Q: How important was it to stand with the victims’ families?
- Tierney: “I think it was the most important thing. When you look at this, the notoriety, everyone is interested and intrigued, and they forget these are real women with real lives whose lives were tragically cut short. It was nice to give them some closure.”
- Investigation and Task Force
- Q: How was the case solved after so many years?
- Tierney: “We were fortunate to bring together a lot of really talented investigators from a lot of great organizations, FBI, State Police, Suffolk County Sheriff, and Suffolk County Police Department, and got help from a lot of other folks.”
- Evidence
- Q: What evidence cracked the case?
- Tierney: “There was the phone evidence, there was the DNA, there was the internet searches, there was the planning document that we found at his house. There were mementos, keepsakes commemorating these murders. So, a whole bunch of stuff.”
- Family Awareness
- Q: Did he speak to his family before the plea?
- Tierney: “I believe he did. I think they were informed.”
- Double Life
- Tierney: “He really lived a double life. He was the suburban dad next door who was also a serial killer, and he really was very disciplined in keeping those two lives extremely separate.”
- Phone Usage
- Tierney: “At most times, he had three phones on him. He had his phone for work, he had a phone that he contacted escorts on, and then he had another phone where he was looking to lure women in. We spoke to friends and family, and no one ever saw him with more than one phone. He was really disciplined in the way he hid this double life.”
- Motive
- Q: Did he say why he did it?
- Tierney: “No.
- Tierney (continued): “As part of his plea, the FBI Behavioral Sciences Unit are going to sit down and clinically speak with him and try to determine motivations, why he was compelled to do what he did.”
- FBI Behavioral Role
- Q: What will they try to get from him?
- Tierney: “It’s not going to be investigative, it’s going to be clinical. They’re going to try to gain insight into what drives someone to do these things, how we can learn from it, how we can mitigate it, and how we can catch the next individual.”
- Custody
- Q: What happens to him now?
- Tierney: “He’s in protective custody. Given the notoriety of the case and the nature of the crimes, those individuals typically don’t do well in a prison setting.”
- Wife
- Q: Why was his wife cleared?
- Tierney: “He was extremely disciplined. He maintained separate lives and concealed his activities effectively.”
- Other Victims
- Q: Do you think there are more victims?
- Tierney: “It doesn’t matter what I think. It matters what we can prove. We’re going to keep working, and we’ll go where the evidence leads us.”
- Tierney (continued): “After Amber Costello, he had been identified by witnesses, and that may have caused him to stop.”
- Evidence and Forensics
- “There was a Ramcharger from Pennsylvania that was associated with the Sandra Costilla case. State troopers took that from Pennsylvania, brought it to our lab.”
- “We recovered a Bounty paper towel off of the crime scene of Megan Waterman. They compared that to the same Bounty towel that we recovered in the home of the defendant. They matched.”
- “This was a memento that we argued the defendant kept.”
- “The phone evidence, the financial evidence, the mementos, the planning document, and the DNA evidence… all of it is layered.”
- Sentencing and Next Steps
- Tierney: “We have sentencing on June 17, and the resources that we’ve been using on this case will now be turned to other unsolved cases, with the hope of providing more closure for more families.
Investigation
Crime Scene
Victims
Corruption
Timeline
Records
Gilgo Beach Murders Investigation
The Gilgo Beach murder investigation began on December 11, 2010, when Suffolk County Police were searching for missing Shannan Gilbert near Ocean Parkway on Long Island. While using a cadaver dog, officers instead discovered the remains
of another woman wrapped in burlap later identified as Melissa Barthelemy. Over the next few days, police uncovered three more sets of remains Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello in close proximity. This
shocking discovery launched a major investigation into what authorities soon believed was the work of a serial killer. The case expanded over the years as more remains were found in the area, sparking national attention and a decade-long
hunt for the perpetrator
Melissa Barthelemy
Jessica Ruth Taylor
Maureen Barnes Maureen
Megan Waterman
Amber Lynn Costello
Sandra Costilla
Gilgo Beach Image Gallery
Images preserved as a visual-edit gallery.
Case Records
Case Records
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