Gilgo Beach Suspect Rex Heuermann Charged in 7th Murder, Details of "Kill Plan" Emerge

Long Island Serial Killer | The Trial Of Rex Heuermann

Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann has been charged with a seventh murder, as prosecutors revealed shocking new details tying him to the death of Valerie Mack, whose remains were discovered in 2000 and 2011. Heuermann, a 61-year-old New York architect, pleaded not guilty in court as investigators described evidence linking him to Mack's killing.
Valerie Mack, who was 24 years old and working as an escort in Philadelphia, was last seen in New Jersey in 2000. Later that year, a hunter's dog found her decapitated body in a wooded area of Manorville, Long Island. Mack’s remains were bound with rope, wrapped in a plastic bag sealed with duct tape, according to prosecutors. Her hands and part of one leg had been severed from her body.
More than a decade later, in 2011, authorities found additional remains belonging to Mack along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach. These discoveries were part of a larger investigation into the notorious Gilgo Beach serial killings.
Suffolk County prosecutors stated that mitochondrial DNA analysis played a critical role in identifying a link between Heuermann and Mack. A strand of hair found with Mack's remains matched the genetic profile of Heuermann's daughter, who would have been only 3 or 4 years old at the time of Mack's death. Prosecutors emphasized that his daughter is not suspected of any wrongdoing.
Investigators also pointed to disturbing evidence seized during their investigation. Among Heuermann’s possessions were 350 electronic devices containing violent pornography featuring bondage, torture, and mutilation. Prosecutors described these materials as eerily consistent with the condition in which Mack’s body was found.
A chilling discovery came in the form of a document, allegedly created in 2000, that prosecutors believe served as a "kill plan." Under a section labeled “supplies,” Heuermann had listed items such as “rope/cord,” “saw/cutting tools,” and “foam drain cleaner.” The document also contained a “body prep” section with a note to “remove head and hands.” Investigators said it included the name of one of the locations where Mack's remains were found.
In addition, prosecutors said Heuermann kept newspaper clippings about the Gilgo Beach killings at his Massapequa Park home. Among the items were a 2003 New York Post article titled “Serial Killer Eyed in LI Slay” and a 1993 Newsday article headlined “Body Discovered in Woods.” Prosecutors argued these items were kept as “souvenirs or mementos” of his crimes.
During the court appearance, Heuermann, shackled and wearing a suit, declared, “Your honor, I am not guilty of any of these charges.” Judge Timothy Mazzei ordered that Heuermann remain held without bail.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney underscored the importance of seeking justice for the victims. “The lives of these women matter. We, as investigators, understand that. No one understands that more than the families,” Tierney said during a news conference.
Mack’s parents, who attended the court proceedings, did not speak publicly. However, other victims’ family members showed their support by presenting roses to Mack’s parents and expressing solidarity. “They were, and they are, loved. And they are missed every day by those who knew them and who had a strong bond with them,” said Gloria Allred, who represents the families of Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Jessica Taylor, and Megan Waterman.
Outside court, Heuermann’s attorney, Michael Brown, challenged the prosecution’s evidence, specifically questioning the reliability of the DNA analysis. Brown stated that hair samples were recovered more than a year ago and argued that the DNA methods used have not been validated in any New York case.
Heuermann, who was initially arrested in July 2023, has also pleaded not guilty to the murders of six other women: Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Costello, Jessica Taylor, and Sandra Costilla.
The Gilgo Beach killings span decades, with the earliest victim discovered in 1993 and additional remains uncovered as recently as 2011. The case remains one of the most infamous serial murder investigations in New York history.
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