Rex Heuermann, the man charged with the murder of three sex workers on Long Island's Gilgo Beach, is expected to face a fourth murder charge, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney is anticipated to announce the new charges against Heuermann on Tuesday in connection with the killing of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Heuermann, a 60-year-old architect, was arrested in July 2023 outside his Manhattan office and was charged with the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello. These three women were found in high weeds near Gilgo Beach in December 2010, along with the remains of Shannan Gilbert, who went missing around the same time.
Authorities had previously considered Heuermann the prime suspect in Brainard-Barnes' murder but lacked sufficient evidence to charge him at the time. However, a bail application obtained by NBC News stated that authorities had "substantial evidence" linking Heuermann to the case. The upcoming charges against Heuermann are expected to address this gap in the investigation. Heuermann's lawyer has not yet responded to requests for comment on the new charge.
The connection between Heuermann and the murders was established through DNA evidence. Investigators obtained DNA from a discarded slice of pizza found in the trash outside Heuermann's office, which matched the DNA found on the victims. Additionally, hair belonging to Heuermann's wife was found at the crime scenes, leading investigators to believe that items used in the slayings came from the couple's shared residence.
In total, 11 bodies were discovered in the Gilgo Beach case. Alongside the remains of the four sex workers, partial remains of Jessica Taylor were found along Ocean Parkway in March 2011. The following month, three additional bodies were discovered, including Valerie Mack, a female toddler, and a man. Mack's remains were not identified until 2020. Partial remains from both Taylor and Mack were also found years earlier in Manorville, located about 45 miles east of Gilgo Beach. Two more bodies were found in Nassau County, where Heuermann resides.
Although Heuermann has not been charged in the deaths of Gilbert, Taylor, or Mack, authorities are investigating potential links between him and the other victims. Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison emphasized that no bodies found on Ocean Parkway would be ruled out of the investigation.
Heuermann, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges of first-degree and second-degree murder in the deaths of Barthelemy, Waterman, and Costello, broke down emotionally during his court appearance and has been held without bail since his arrest. The upcoming charges will shed further light on the extent of his alleged involvement in the Gilgo Beach murders.
