Accused Long Island Serial Killer Rex Heuermann

The arrest of accused Long Island Serial Killer Rex Heuremann rocked the town of Massapequa Park, Long Island on the morning of July 13, 2023. Heuermann is a suspected serial killer who had been living what appeared to be a normal and successful life as a Manhattan architect. His arrest sent shockwaves through the small community as it was discovered he was living a secret double life. The Long Island Serial Killer or LISK for short had been on the minds of Long Islanders for over a decade and now finally had a face.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCMjFZZLegw

Who is Rex Heuermann?

Rex Heuermann is a licensed architect who was born in 1964. He owned a company called RH Consultants & Associates located in Midtown Manhattan. Heuermann was married with two kids and lived in Massapequa Park on Long Island. While Heuermann appeared to be your typical neighborhood dad, police suspect he killed several women.

Where is Gilgo Beach?

Gilgo Beach is a barrier beach located in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great South Bay of Long Island, New York in the town of Babylon. In December 2010,while conducting a search for a missing woman, Shannan Gilbert, Suffolk County police stumbled upon a set of human remains. Over the next few days, more bodies were discovered in close proximity. By the time they finished in April 2011, law enforcement had discovered eleven sets of human remains on the north side of Ocean Parkway.

Read More about the locations HERE

The LISK Victims

Rex Heuermann has been charged in the deaths of the following victims:

●      Sandra Costilla, 28

●      Melissa Barthelemy, 24

●      Megan Waterman, 22

●      Amber Lynn Costello, 27

●      Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25

●      Jessica Taylor, 20

●      Valerie Mack, 24

Some of Heuermann’s victims had advertised themselves on webpages such as Craigslist and Backpage. These women’s families have suffered for far too long. Please remember that these were human beings with dreams,aspirations, and families.

The Gilgo Beach Investigation

The Gilgo Beach murders occurred over a period of years before police focused their attention on Heuermann. After years of dysfunction and corruption, a new police commissioner, a new district attorney, and a new attitude were in place. One of the first steps was that they created a Cold Case Task Force which included members from many different law enforcement agencies.

Police found their first lead by putting a fresh set of eyes on the case. A New York State Police Investigator located the tip involving a description of the vehicle and the possible suspect based on vehicle records. The Gilgo Task Force was then able to match DNA found on pizza crust Heuermann threw away with evidence found on the Gilgo Beach crime scenes. Using cutting edge forensics and investigative techniques they were able to connect the dots and make an arrest.

The LISK Planning Document HK-2004

During one of the search warrants at Heuermann’s home, police uncovered evidence of his pre-planning the murders through paperwork he kept titled HK-2004. The document was recovered from a computer which laid out disturbing details of torture. Also included in the document were dumpster sites, surveillance cameras issues, and overall preparation for his ‘hunt.’

The planning document is considered to be one of the most important pieces of evidence against Heuermann.

Mindhunter By FBI Profiler John Douglas

One of the many items that investigators found in Heuermann’s home was a copy of Mindhunter. Mindhunter is a book written by John Douglas, a former FBI profiler, that follows the analysis of serial killers and crimes. Investigators are now wondering if Heuermann used the book to study up on FBI profiling tactics or if he used it as a blueprint for his murders.

There is some evidence to suggest that he did. One of the points in the book was that serial killers followed their cases in the media. Cops uncovered over thirty ‘mementos’ including magazines, news articles, and entire newspapers on the killings.

Heuermann Trial Start Date

Heuermann has maintained his innocence on all charges and is currently awaiting trial. His trial is expected to be one of the most publicized in New York State history. Judge Tim Mazzei has already told both the prosecution and the defense to be ready to commence sometime after Labor Day, September 7, 2026.

Unfortunately, New York does not allow cameras in the courtroom and it doesn’t appear as if the judge is going to make an exception.

What Have We Learned From the Rex Heuermann Case?

This case shows that monsters can lurk right next door. For decades victims' families waited for justice, but now that Rex Heuermann has been arrested and is going through the criminal justice process. There is still more to be discovered about his alleged crimes as the trial continues. For instance, did investigators find anything in his storage facilities? Is there a possibility of more victims?

We can all hope that this trial will shine a light on this dark period of Long Island history and pay tribute to those who suffered at killer’s hands.

FAQ’s

What about Tanya Jackson (Peaches) and Tatiana (Baby Doe) whose remains were also found on Gilgo Beach amongst the others?

In December of 2025, Nassau County Police charged Andrew Dykes, the father of Tatiana in the death of her mother, Tanya Jackson. No charges have been filed in Tatiana’s death.

What about Karen Vergata and Asian Male Doe?

At this point, no information has been updated on either case, except that Othram is working on the DNA to try and identify Asian Male Doe.

Are there more victims out there?

There is a strong possibility that other victims are out there, but at the moment, there have been no active leads nor reports of any other cases attributed to the suspect.