In brief
Rex Heuermann, facing serious charges in the Gilgo Beach serial killings, is expected to change his plea from not guilty to guilty during the court hearing on April 8. Investigators have linked him to seven murders through DNA evidence and communication data with the victims. Heuermann has been in custody since his arrest in July 2023 and was initially scheduled for trial in September. If he proceeds with the plea change, it will require the judge's acceptance, and both the victims' and his family have been informed of this potential decision.
NEW YORK (AP) — Rex Heuermann, the man accused of the notorious Gilgo Beach serial killings on Long Island, is set to plead guilty next month, according to sources close to the case. Heuermann, a former architect, has been charged with the murders of seven women that occurred over a span of 17 years. His plea change will be formally addressed in court on April 8, although it is dependent on the judge's acceptance.Sources, who requested anonymity, disclosed that both the families of the victims and Heuermann's family have been notified of his intention to change his plea. There remains the possibility that Heuermann could reconsider his decision before the hearing date. Despite his current plans, he had previously maintained his innocence since being arrested in July 2023. The investigation into Heuermann has revealed significant evidence tying him to the victims, all of whom were involved in sex work. Key pieces of evidence include DNA samples, cellphone records, and materials discovered during a search of Heuermann's residence in Massapequa, New York.The remains of several victims have been found along secluded areas near Ocean Parkway, close to Gilgo Beach. The case garnered public attention in 2010 when police uncovered multiple sets of human remains while searching for a missing woman.Heuermann’s list of alleged victims includes Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, and Megan Waterman. District Attorney Ray Tierney and prominent attorney Gloria Allred, who represents some victims' families, declined to comment regarding the latest developments. The investigation had initially identified Heuermann as a suspect in 2022 after linking him to a pickup truck witnessed near the area the victims went missing.Further analysis revealed he was in contact with some victims shortly before their disappearances. Additionally, police recovered a pizza crust discarded by Heuermann which matched DNA evidence found on one of the victim's bodies. Prosecutors have also reported finding disturbing files on his computer that outline methods for committing the crimes.Over the last few months, the judge has dismissed requests from Heuermann's defense team to exclude vital DNA evidence from the trial or to separate the case into multiple trials.
