Law enforcement officials are conducting searches of two storage units in Amityville, near Massapequa Park, as part of their investigation into suspected serial killer Rex Heuermann.
Heuermann, a lifelong resident of the area, was arrested last week and has been charged with the murders of three victims from the Gilgo Beach case: Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. He is also considered the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes and is being investigated in connection with the deaths of six other women whose bodies were discovered in 2011.
The size of the storage units is currently unknown, but the facility offers units ranging from 4ft by 4ft to 20ft by 20ft, with some units being climate controlled. In addition to searching the storage units, investigators are also continuing their search of Heuermann's home, where he has lived since the 1980s. His wife, Asa Ellerup, and their adult children have not been seen since his arrest.
Heuermann's arrest came after law enforcement officials became concerned that he would strike again. They discovered that he had been patronizing sex workers and using burner phones to conceal his identity. The investigation into Heuermann gained traction last year when a New York state trooper found his name registered to a first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche, a vehicle that matched the description given by a witness to Amber Costello's disappearance. The vehicle was often seen parked outside Heuermann's home, as confirmed by satellite imagery.
According to court papers, Costello's pimp described her killer as a large, white male with dark, bushy hair and glasses. The witness also mentioned seeing a rare first-generation Chevy Avalanche parked at Costello's residence. Suffolk County Police Chief Rodney Harrison stated that the investigation gained momentum once they connected Heuermann to the vehicle. Investigators also noted that Heuermann matched the FBI's profile of the killer.
The Gilgo Beach case began in 2010 after the disappearance of sex worker Shannan Gilbert. During the search for Gilbert's body, the remains of several other women were discovered. Over the course of the investigation, the remains of eight women, a man, and a child were found in the Gilgo Beach area between December 2010 and April 2011. Some of the remains found matched partial remains discovered as far back as 1996.
However, the case faced setbacks in 2012 when medical examiners ruled that Shannan Gilbert had accidentally drowned during a drug-induced panic. Her family, convinced of foul play, filed a lawsuit against the police department, and an independent autopsy contradicted the initial findings. In 2016, Suffolk Police Chief of Department James Burke was imprisoned for assaulting a suspect who had stolen his duffle bag, which reportedly contained sex toys and porn tapes. District Attorney Thomas Spota was also imprisoned for obstructing justice in relation to the scandal.
The case took a turn in 2022 when Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney formed a task force to track burner phones and conduct DNA testing on hair found on the victims' bodies. In January 2023, DNA from a piece of burlap used to wrap one of the victims was matched to DNA found on a pizza box in Heuermann's trash. As a result, Heuermann was charged with the murders of Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Melissa Barthelemy.
The arrest of Heuermann has raised questions about why it took law enforcement 13 years to solve the case. Some have pointed out that Heuermann's connection to the Chevrolet Avalanche should have put him on the police's radar much sooner. Others have questioned why the Suffolk Police Department did not gather more information after Costello's body was discovered in 2010.
Heuermann, an architect who has worked with clients such as American Airlines and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, stands at 6'6" and wears glasses, fitting the description given by witnesses. Costello's pimp revealed that the killer had planned to rob her but decided against it due to Heuermann's size. Heuermann is also considered the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, whose body was found bound and hidden in thick underbrush along a remote beach highway.
Law enforcement officials have cited several red flags that led them to Heuermann as a suspect. The first piece of evidence was the Chevrolet Avalanche, which was linked to Heuermann through his cellphone records. These records placed him at locations related to the murders and eventually led to the collection of a DNA sample. Investigators also discovered that Heuermann used Melissa Barthelemy's phone to make taunting calls to her family, with some of the calls being made near his Manhattan office.
During the search of Heuermann's home, authorities found a cache of weapons, including long-barreled firearms, as well as a child-sized blonde doll kept in a glass case. Forensic investigators continue to comb through the residence in search of further evidence.
Neighbors and acquaintances of Heuermann have come forward with their experiences, describing him as cold, distant, and creepy. Some residents recall instructing their children to avoid his home, while others have expressed their lack of surprise at thedisturbing revelations. One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "There was always something off about him. He rarely interacted with anyone and seemed to have a dark aura around him. I'm just glad they finally caught him."
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information related to Heuermann or the Gilgo Beach case to come forward. They believe there may be more victims yet to be discovered and are determined to bring closure to the families affected by these heinous crimes.
The search of the storage units is expected to yield crucial evidence that could further solidify Heuermann's connection to the murders. Investigators are meticulously examining every item found, hoping to uncover additional clues that may shed light on the extent of his crimes.
Meanwhile, the community remains on edge, grappling with the shock of having a suspected serial killer living among them for decades. Local authorities have assured residents that they are doing everything in their power to ensure their safety and bring justice to the victims.
As the story continues to unfold, the focus now shifts to the legal proceedings against Heuermann. Legal experts anticipate a lengthy trial, given the complexity and magnitude of the case. Families of the victims are hopeful that this arrest will finally provide them with the closure they have been seeking for years.
The Gilgo Beach case has left an indelible mark on the community, forever changing the perception of safety in this once peaceful area. It serves as a stark reminder that evil can lurk in the most unexpected places and that justice, although delayed, will eventually prevail.
As the investigation progresses and more details emerge, the hope is that the truth will be revealed, and the families of the victims can find solace in knowing that the person responsible for their loved ones' deaths will be held accountable. The search for justice continues, and the community remains united in their determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of truth and closure.
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