“Rex Heuermann Charged with Killing Four Women Found on Long Island’s Gilgo Beach in 2010”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Rex Heuermann Charged with Killing Four Women in Long Island’s Gilgo Beach

CNN – Rex Heuermann, a married father and New York architect, is now facing charges for the killings of four women whose bodies were discovered along Long Island’s Gilgo Beach in 2010. The victims were found bound with belts or tape and wrapped in burlap. Heuermann has been accused of leading a double life and has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder in relation to the killings of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. He is also charged with the disappearance and killing of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, whose remains were found in the same area.

The 60-year-old suspect had been identified as a prime suspect since his arrest in July, and now faces additional charges in the death of Brainard-Barnes. Heuermann’s defense attorney claims that his client has maintained his innocence from the beginning and is looking forward to fighting the charges. The investigation into the Gilgo Beach killings began in 2022, when a task force was formed to examine cold cases involving multiple sets of human remains found along Long Island’s South Shore.

Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, was the first victim of the Gilgo Four. She was last seen on July 9, 2007, and was believed to be a sex worker. Her remains were found on December 13, 2010, near Gilgo Beach. Investigators identified Heuermann as a suspect using cell phone data, witness descriptions, and other information. They obtained a sample of his DNA from a pizza box he had thrown out, and found his wife’s DNA on a leather belt used to restrain Brainard-Barnes.

Melissa Barthelemy, 24, was last seen on July 12, 2009. She was a sex worker and had told a friend that she was meeting a man and would be back in the morning. Barthelemy’s phone records showed activity in various locations in New York. During the investigation, her family received taunting calls from a man claiming to have killed her. Barthelemy’s remains were the first to be found in the bushes along the waterfront property.

Megan Waterman, 22, was last seen on June 6, 2010. She was a resident of Maine and was last seen boarding a bus to New York. Waterman was reported missing on June 8, and her body was found on December 13 near Gilgo Beach. Waterman’s family hired private investigators to help search for her and discovered that she had boasted about having high-profile clients, including doctors, lawyers, and law enforcement officers.

Amber Lynn Costello, 27, was living on Long Island and struggling with a heroin addiction. She worked as an escort to support her habit. Costello was last seen leaving her home on September 2, 2010, to meet a client. Her remains were found on December 13 near Gilgo Beach. Witnesses described the client she met as a large, white male with glasses, a description that matched Heuermann. They also noted that the man drove a Chevrolet Avalanche, which further linked him to the crime.

The families of the victims have been left devastated by their losses and have been actively involved in trying to solve the mystery of the Gilgo Beach killings. They have supported each other and worked together to gather information and raise awareness of the case. Lynn Barthelemy, Melissa Barthelemy’s mother, has been particularly dedicated to finding justice for her daughter, keeping detailed notes and regularly communicating with the families of the other victims.

As the investigation into the Gilgo Beach killings continues, authorities are hopeful that justice will be served for the four women and their grieving families. Rex Heuermann, who maintains his innocence, will face trial for the charges brought against him. The tragic events that unfolded along Long Island’s Gilgo Beach in 2010 have left a lasting impact on the community and serve as a reminder of the importance of justice and the pursuit of truth..