“Architect Rex Heuermann Charged with Murder in Gilgo Beach Killings: A Timeline of the Case and Investigation”

Accident – death – Obituary News : CNN – New York Architect Charged with Murder in Connection to Gilgo Beach Killings

Authorities have made a significant breakthrough in the infamous Gilgo Beach killings case, with the recent arrest of New York architect Rex Heuermann. He has been charged with murder in connection to the deaths of three of the four women known as the “Gilgo Four.” Heuermann, 59, was taken into custody in July and has been indicted on one count of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder for each of the three killings.

The Suffolk County District Attorney revealed that Heuermann is suspected of murdering Melissa Barthelemy in 2009, as well as Megan Waterman and Amber Costello in 2010. Heuermann’s attorney maintains his client’s innocence, stating that he is not the killer. Additionally, it is expected that Heuermann will face a fourth murder charge related to the disappearance and death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes in 2007.

CNN reached out to Heuermann’s attorney, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and the Suffolk County Police Department for comment on the case. Heuermann has been remanded without bail since his arrest and entered a not guilty plea through his attorney. He is expected to appear in court on Tuesday, according to law enforcement sources.

The investigation into the Gilgo Beach killings began in 2010 when authorities discovered the first set of female remains in bushes along an isolated strip of waterfront property. The remains belonged to Melissa Barthelemy, and subsequent searches led to the discovery of three more victims – Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Costello, and Megan Waterman. All four women worked as escorts who advertised on Craigslist and were last seen between 2007 and 2010.

The case took a chilling turn when the suspect began making taunting calls to the family of Melissa Barthelemy after her disappearance. In one call, the suspect admitted to killing and sexually assaulting Barthelemy, providing crucial evidence for investigators.

In 2011, additional remains were found, including those of a female toddler, an unidentified Asian male, and a woman known as Jane Doe #5, who was later identified as Jessica Taylor. The following year, the body of Shannan Gilbert, who was initially believed to be a victim of the Gilgo Beach slayings, was found in the marshes of Oak Beach. Authorities later determined that Gilbert’s death may have been accidental and unrelated to the other killings.

The case remained unsolved until 2020 when Suffolk County police released photos of a black leather belt that could potentially be a significant piece of evidence. The department also launched a website to collect new tips in the investigation. In May 2020, one of the unidentified victims, known as Jane Doe #6, was identified as Valerie Mack, a 24-year-old mother from Philadelphia who had gone missing two decades earlier. The use of advanced forensic DNA technology and genetic genealogy led to the identification of Mack’s remains.

In February 2022, a multiagency task force was formed to investigate the Gilgo Beach killings, which ultimately led to the identification of Rex Heuermann as a possible suspect. Investigators surveilled Heuermann and his family, collecting DNA samples from discarded items in their trash. They also analyzed cell tower records and focused on individuals matching a witness’s physical description and those connected to a green pickup truck, which matched the vehicle seen driven by the suspect.

Further evidence against Heuermann includes his use of burner phones at the time of the killings, his involvement in making taunting calls from the victims’ cellphones, and his incessant searches for information about the investigation. Detectives also recovered a cup believed to have been discarded by Heuermann, providing additional evidence for the case.

As Rex Heuermann prepares to face trial, the arrest and indictment offer hope for justice for the families of the Gilgo Four and bring closure to a case that has haunted the Long Island community for over a decade.

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