Rex Heuermann Arrest Spurs Reevaluation of Unsolved Murders Across the US, Including the Gilgo Beach Murders

Unsolved murders and missing persons cases across the nation are receiving renewed attention following the recent arrest of Rex Heuermann for the murders of three young women whose bodies were found along Gilgo Beach in Long Island, New York. Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison stated that law enforcement agencies are working together, including the FBI, to determine if there are any connections to other unsolved cases. One such case being examined is the 2006 killings of four women working as prostitutes in Atlantic City, whose bodies were discovered in New Jersey. Las Vegas police are also looking into potential connections to unsolved cases in their jurisdiction, as Heuermann owned a timeshare in the area.

The investigation into Heuermann’s alleged crimes is ongoing, with evidence technicians continuing to search his residence in Massapequa Park, Long Island. The search is expected to last several more days. Prior to his arrest, Heuermann had been leading a double life, using burner phones and anonymous email accounts to engage in illegal activities while maintaining a seemingly normal family life. His wife has since filed for divorce, and the proceedings are expected to be uncontested.

Heuermann has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello, as well as being the prime suspect in the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Investigators made a breakthrough in the case by revisiting an old clue: pizza crust. They obtained Heuermann’s DNA from pizza crust he had disposed of, which was linked to genetic material found on one of the Gilgo Beach victims’ remains. Authorities are now exploring whether this DNA evidence connects Heuermann to other unsolved cases in New York.

As part of their investigation, officials have been interviewing incarcerated sex workers who had prior contact with Heuermann. Two sex workers currently serving time in Suffolk County Jail have audio recordings of their interactions with him, which provide valuable insight into his movements and methods. Authorities are also reaching out to other sex workers in the jail as well as those who may have interacted with Heuermann in the past, with the possibility of expanding their search to neighboring counties and beyond.

In addition to the ongoing interviews and evidence collection, investigators are examining two of Heuermann’s vehicles, a black Avalanche and a green Avalanche, for any evidence that may link the victims to these vehicles. They are searching for hair, trophies, souvenirs, or jewelry that could provide further connections to the crimes. Heuermann has denied any involvement in the women’s deaths, according to his attorney.

Since his arrest, Heuermann has been placed on suicide watch at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility. Sheriff’s spokesperson Vicki DiStefano confirmed that he is under close observation and high-security measures. Sheriff Errol Toulon has spoken with Heuermann, describing him as calm and emotionless during their conversations.

The charges against Heuermann mark a significant development in the infamous Gilgo Beach murder case, which began with the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert in 2010. The subsequent search for Gilbert led to the discovery of multiple bodies, exposing a larger mystery surrounding the unsolved murders. Commissioner Harrison has pledged to continue working tirelessly to bring justice to all the families involved.

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Original Article: https://abc7ny.com/4-li-prostitute-killings-being-eyed-amid-gilgo-beach-murder-probe/11220119/

Original Story at abc7ny.com – 2023-07-21 04:51:48