More than 13 years after allegedly murdering at least four women, an American lived undisturbed – now Rex Heuermann was arrested in New York for the horrific bloody crimes. A slice of pizza thrown out by the suspect gave investigators the evidence they needed to solve the case after more than a decade.
The so-called Gilgo Beach murders in 2010 caused a national outcry. A total of eleven bodies discovered on Long Island in New York – now part of the series of murders could be solved. Most of the victims were prostitutes. “Today is a good day,” said Rodney Harrison, the police chief for Suffolk County, which encompasses much of Long Island. “Rex Heuermann is a demon.”
Cell phone records and DNA traces were evaluated
The Suffolk County law firm formed a new investigative group in early 2022 to investigate the murders. The detectives initially tracked down the alleged perpetrator through his car, which a witness had seen at the time. They then evaluated extensive cell phone data and, based on new DNA tests, were able to assign her on the corpses to Heuermann as well.
Woman was always traveling during bloody deeds
The suspect’s DNA was obtained by investigators from leftover pizzas Heuermann dumped in a Manhattan garbage can — his DNA matched anything found on the ankles of one of the victims. The investigators also found that Heuermann’s wife was always away when the murders happened. The man was eventually arrested Thursday night in Manhattan. He is accused of the murder of three young prostitutes in 2009 and 2010. He is now the prime suspect in the murder of another prostitute who disappeared in 2007.
The mysterious case began in late 2010 and kept the country on edge. While searching for a missing prostitute, investigators gradually discovered bodies and body parts along the remote stretch of Gilgo Beach on Long Island. The idea that a serial killer might be on the loose in the area caused fear and terror at the time. However, the authorities later did not assume that there was a single serial offender.
Prosecutor: ‘Case is not over yet, it is just beginning’
Thomas Spota, the then responsible prosecutor, said in spring 2011 that there was “no evidence that all the corpses are the work of a murderer”. Instead, there can be up to four different culprits. The area around Gilgo Beach was “used for some time as a repository for human remains”. Current prosecutor Tierney emphasized on Friday that the investigation has not yet been completed. “The case is not over yet, it has only just begun.” Police Chief Harrison also stressed that the investigation into the other murders is continuing.
In total, the remains of nine women, a man and a baby were discovered on Gilgo Beach. The murders form the basis of the 2020 Netflix movie Lost Girls.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
