Rex Heuermann's Surprising Plea: Gilgo Beach Murders Detailed
Rex Heuermann has confessed to being the Gilgo Beach serial killer after three years of denying involvement. He admitted to strangling eight women and disposing of their bodies along a Long Island highway over 17 years.
The Guilty Plea
Heuermann, a former architect, changed his plea during an April 8, 2026, court appearance. His victims were identified as Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor, Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Amber Lynn Costello, and Karen Vergata.
In court, Heuermann stated he strangled his victims in his Massapequa home's basement and dismembered some. As part of a plea deal, he will serve three life sentences plus 100 years and cooperate with the FBI.
Arrest and Evidence
Heuermann was arrested in July 2023 outside his Manhattan office. DNA from a pizza crust linked him to one victim's murder. Prosecutors also highlighted his use of burner phones and online aliases to contact sex workers.
A judge ruled that DNA evidence was admissible despite defense arguments against it. Prosecutors claimed this evidence showed Heuermann's long-term behavior pattern.
Courtroom Reactions
In the courtroom, Heuermann's ex-wife Asa Ellerup and daughter watched the proceedings. Ellerup had expressed disbelief about the charges against him but filed for divorce after his arrest.
An attorney representing some victims' families filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Benjamin Torres, Mack's child. Investigators continue collecting evidence from Heuermann's home and are probing links to other bodies found at Gilgo Beach.
What’s Next?
The wrongful death suit argues Mack’s death deprived her son of parental support. Investigators are trying to connect Heuermann to two additional victims found at Gilgo Beach.