Rex Heuermann, the suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer, appeared in a Long Island court on Tuesday for a pre-trial hearing. The 61-year-old remains expressionless, as he has throughout the case, maintaining his not guilty plea in the murders of seven women between 1993 and 2011.
During the hearing, the judge granted the defense two more weeks to review DNA evidence but emphasized his desire to move the case forward after nearly 18 months of delays.
Defense Seeks Separate Trials for Each Murder Case
One key issue in the trial proceedings is whether Heuermann will face one trial or five separate trials.
Defense Argument:
- His attorney, Michael Brown, argues that combining all cases into one trial would unfairly influence the jury.
- Brown stated, “The more I review what the prosecution has, the more I believe he’s not the guy.”
Prosecution Argument:
- Prosecutors insist that overlapping evidence—including cellphone records, crime scene locations, and personal mementos—suggests a single serial killer methodology.
- Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney declared:“Our case is that this defendant is a serial killer who meticulously and methodically hunted down and murdered seven women.”
Additionally, Heuermann once worked at Jones Beach, making him very familiar with Ocean Parkway at night, where many of the victims’ remains were found.
Debate Over DNA Evidence in the Case
A major legal battle is emerging over the DNA evidence linking Heuermann to the victims.
What’s the Issue?
- Prosecutors used nuclear DNA analysis, a method never before used in a New York court.
- Hair fibers found on the victims were reportedly matched to Heuermann using this advanced technology.
Defense Challenges DNA Reliability
- Brown questioned the validity of the forensic method, calling it “faulty and defective.”
- He also argued that the company conducting the DNA analysis is a for-profit business that could financially benefit if the court accepts the method as credible evidence.
Prosecution Defends Science
- Tierney pushed back against the skepticism, saying:“This science has been around for many, many years. It has identified war dead, 9/11 victims, and saved lives by detecting diseases.”
- The judge set a hearing for March 12 to determine if the DNA evidence will be admissible in court.
Charges Against Rex Heuermann
Heuermann was arrested on July 14, 2023 and initially charged with the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello.
Additional Charges Include:
- January 2024 – Charged with the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.
- June 2024 – Indicted for the 1993 murder of Sandra Costilla and the 2003 murder of Jessica Taylor.
- December 2024 – Charged in the murder of Valerie Mack (formerly known as Jane Doe #6).
Ongoing Investigation:
- A total of 11 bodies were found near Gilgo Beach.
- Authorities suspect Heuermann may be linked to more unsolved killings.
- Investigators believe Heuermann carefully planned his crimes, referring to a “blueprint” outlining his murder strategy.
