Disturbing New Details Emerge in Gilgo Beach Serial Killings: Rex Heuermann Charged with Two Additional Murders

Long Island Serial Killer | The Trial Of Rex Heuermann

In a significant development in the Gilgo Beach serial killings case, suspect Rex Heuermann was charged Thursday with the murders of two additional women, Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla. This brings the total number of his alleged killings to six. The charges, announced by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney, extend the timeline of Heuermann’s alleged criminal activities, with the first murder now dated back to 1993.
According to court documents, Heuermann was charged with the 2003 murder of Jessica Taylor, whose remains were discovered in Gilgo Beach and Manorville, and accused of the 1993 murder of Sandra Costilla, whose remains were found in North Sea, Long Island. "The architect and father meticulously planned and executed six separate murders," said Tierney during a news conference on Thursday.
A significant breakthrough in the case came from a digital "planning document" found on one of 350 electronic devices seized from Heuermann's home in Massapequa Park, New York. This document contained a checklist detailing how to package a body for transport, avoid leaving DNA traces, and other steps to ensure the success of his gruesome acts. There were notes indicating steps to take "next time," such as considering a hit to the face or neck and using heavier rope for the neck.
"Heuermann wrote about the importance of sleep to avoid 'PROBLEMS' and to increase what he referred to as 'PLAY TIME,' believed to reference sexual and mutilation acts on victims," court documents reveal. The planning document also included a "post-event" checklist with tasks to avoid apprehension, such as "BURN GLOVES," "DISPOSE OF PICS," and "HAVE STORY SET."
Jessica Taylor, a sex worker in midtown Manhattan, was last seen in the same area where Heuermann worked. Taylor was decapitated and dismembered, with her remains discovered in stages over several years. DNA from hair found on a surgical drape underneath her body helped link Heuermann to her death.
Sandra Costilla, 28, was found in a wooded area in North Sea, Long Island, in 1993. DNA evidence also connected Heuermann to her murder. "Pornographic images accessed by Heuermann notably and largely coincide with how the remains of Taylor and Costilla were found," prosecutors noted.
Heuermann was initially arrested in July and charged with the murders of Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Melissa Barthelemy, all escorts whose remains were found in desolate spots near Gilgo Beach in 2010. He was later charged with the murder of a fourth escort, Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Six additional sets of remains were also found in the area.
In court on Thursday, Heuermann pleaded not guilty to the new charges. His defense attorney reiterated his innocence. Heuermann remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to return to court on July 30.
District Attorney Tierney stated that Heuermann is now the leading suspect in the death of Valerie Mack, whose remains were found in Manorville near Jessica Taylor’s. Investigators will continue to review over 30 years of crimes in Suffolk County and beyond to see what else might be connected to Heuermann.
This case continues to unfold as authorities piece together the extent of Heuermann's alleged crimes, bringing some measure of closure to the families of the victims. The investigation remains ongoing, with the hope that further evidence will emerge to solidify the case against Heuermann.
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