In a highly emotional court hearing, Manhattan architect Rex Heuermann entered a plea of not guilty to six counts of murder in connection with the infamous Gilgo Beach serial killings. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office released charging documents on Friday, officially identifying Mr. Heuermann, a resident of Massapequa, as the suspected serial killer who targeted sex workers and callously disposed of their bodies along remote Long Island beaches.
Appearing in court in handcuffs, Mr. Heuermann, clad in a polo shirt and khaki pants, was denied bail, as previously requested by prosecutors. Their decision was based on his recent online activities, which included searches for “sadistic materials, child pornography, images of the victims and their relatives.”
The 59-year-old pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder in relation to the deaths of Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, and Amber Costello. These women are part of the infamous “Gilgo Four,” whose bodies were discovered along a stretch of Ocean Parkway in Long Island back in 2010.
While not facing charges related to her death, court documents indicate that Mr. Heuermann is considered the “prime suspect” in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, the fourth woman from the same group.
The released documents provide chilling insights into Mr. Heuermann’s internet search history, which includes highly disturbing content. Additionally, he is accused of using burner phones to “taunt” his victims. It is worth noting that the Gilgo Beach serial killer had previously been linked to up to 11 victims, whose bodies were discovered over a decade ago in Suffolk County.