Accused serial killer Rex Heuermann, who is believed to be responsible for the Gilgo Beach murders, has been found to possess a large stockpile of illegal weapons, according to a recent court filing.
The filing reveals that Heuermann's collection includes over 50 handguns and assault weapons that appear to be in violation of state firearms laws. Assistant Suffolk County District Attorney Lawrence Opisso stated in the filing that at least 26 unregistered handguns, 15 unregistered assault weapons, and 10 high-capacity magazines were found in Heuermann's home. These findings have prompted a legal battle over whether the weapons should be turned over to investigators in Nassau County, where Heuermann's home is located.
The weapons were discovered during the investigation of Heuermann's home in Massapequa Park, following his arrest near his Midtown office. Suffolk investigators had always intended to transfer the weapons to authorities in Nassau County. However, this court filing marks the first public confirmation of an investigation in Nassau County related to Heuermann's case.
Heuermann's defense attorney, Sabato Caponi, acknowledged the existence of the confiscated cache, which includes magazines, cases, attachments, ammunition, bullet fragments, and shell casings. However, Caponi argued that the court should only transfer the weapons if Nassau County requests it or has a pending case involving the weapons.
Heuermann, an architect and married father of two, is currently facing murder charges in connection with the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. The bodies of the Gilgo Beach victims were found in burlap sacks along the beach in 2010. While no guns are believed to have been used in these murders, an inventory taken during a search of Heuermann's home revealed a collection of firearms dating back to the 1860s, as well as firearms from various European countries. The collection also includes assault rifles and a rifle with a defaced serial number.
Heuermann's estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, has argued that she has a right to retain ownership of any legally purchased guns as they are considered marital property. Her attorney, Robert Macedonio, estimated that the entire collection could be worth around $300,000. Macedonio emphasized that Heuermann collected these guns legally and attended NRA conferences.
Prosecutors have stated that Heuermann only had permits for 92 guns and that he possessed many long guns that did not require permits. Additionally, his pistol license was suspended following his arrest.
Heuermann is scheduled to appear in court on November 15. The legal battle over the fate of his weapons continues, with the court yet to decide whether they will be turned over to investigators in Nassau County.
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