Relatives of the Gilgo Beach murder victims expressed relief after Rex Heuermann admitted to killing eight women — ending a serial killer mystery that plagued a New York community for decades.
“I am glad that this is over,” one woman said during a press conference on Wednesday. “It took a big chunk of stress off of me and my family.” The aunt of one of the murder victims added: “We definitely accept the plea.”
Heuermann, a former architectural consultant, pleaded guilty to the deaths of seven women and admitted to an eighth killing for which he had not been charged during his Suffolk County court appearance. He said all eight victims were strangled, showing little emotion as he spoke.
During the hearing, family members of victims wiped away tears, while Heuermann’s daughter appeared visibly upset.
The high-profile case dates back more than a decade. Between 2010 and 2011, authorities say that 11 sets of human remains were found in Gilgo Beach, located about 45 miles from Manhattan.
Investigators spent years probing the killings with little progress, until a breakthrough came in January 2023, when DNA from a discarded pizza box outside Heuermann’s Manhattan office matched a hair found near a victim’s remains. He was arrested and charged later that year.
He is set to be sentenced on June 17.
Key Points
- Family members of victims express a sense of relief after guilty plea
- District attorney says he wanted to lull killer into 'false sense of security'
- Heuermann pleads guilty to seven murders and admits to murder of eighth woman
- Heuermann showed little emotion as he admitted to each murder
- Everything we know about the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer
Some victims turned to sex work because they 'had no meaningful alternatives,' attorney says
22:30 , Brendan RasciusAttorney Gloria Allred, who represents victims’ relatives, said that some of the deceased women were simply trying to provide for their families.
"Some of these murder victims were young mothers, just trying to earn a little extra money to support their children,” Allred said during Wednesday’s press conference.
“Because many did not have funds to go to college or get a decent a job that would help them to provide adequate support for their children, they turned to sex work in order to support their families,” she continued. “It wasn't what they wanted to do, but it was what they felt forced to do, because they had no meaningful alternatives.”
DA says people who worked on Gilgo Beach case are 'the best investigators in the country'
21:45 , Brendan RasciusDuring Wednesday afternoon’s press conference, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney praised the team of people who spent years working on the Gilgo Beach case.
He described them as “the best investigators in the country, in the world.”
“Today was a special day for us in law enforcement,” he added.
Photos show Rex Heuermann inside the court room
20:50 , Brendan RasciusPhotos show Rex Heuermann inside the Suffolk County courtoom on Wednesday morning, when he admitted to killing eight women.
Sister of victim says she spent years living 'in a space between heartbreak and hope'
20:35 , Brendan RasciusMelissa Cann, the sister of Maureen Brainard-Barnes — a 25-year-old Connecticut resident who went missing in 2007 — said she spent years living “in a space between heartbreak and hope.”
She said Rex Heuermann’s guilty plea brought her a sense of closure, fulfilling a vow she made to her sister: “I will never stop searching for justice for you. Through every year, every setback, through every unanswered question.”
"Today is not about the person responsible,” she added. “Today is about the women’s lives who were stolen, about their voices, their future, their families. They are the reason we are here.”
Victims' relatives wipe away tears and embrace one another, photos show
20:25 , Brendan RasciusFamily members of the Gilgo Beach murder victims wiped away tears and embraced one another during Wednesday’s press conference, photos show.
Family members of victims express a sense of relief after guilty plea
20:18 , Brendan RasciusSeveral relatives of the victims spoke at a Wednesday afternoon press conference, expressing relief following Rex Heuermann’s guilty plea.
“On behalf of Megan, We definitely accept the plea,” the aunt of Megan Waterman, a 22-year-old Maine woman who disappeared in 2010, told reporters.
“I am glad that this is over, as far as him pleading guilty,” another family member said. “It took a big chunk of stress off of me and my family…I accept the plea wholeheartedly.”
District attorney vows to continue tracking down killers: 'There are still bodies on that beach'
19:48 , Brendan RasciusThe district attorney closed out his lengthy remarks by vowing to continue tracking down killers.
“This case closes and another opens,” Tierney said. “There are still bodies on that beach; there are still bodies in Suffolk County. There’s no rest for the weary.”
Police commissioner calls Heuermann 'a sadistic, soulless, murderous monster'
19:45 , Brendan RasciusSuffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina told reporters that Rex Heuermann came across as calm, serene and “almost grandfatherly.”
“Today he was exposed for exactly what he is: a sadistic, soulless, murderous monster,” he added.
Serial killer wanted to seem like a 'harmless father next door,' DA says
19:33 , Brendan RasciusThe Suffolk County district attorney said that Rex Heuermann wanted to seem like a “harmless father next door.”
“He thought that by killing [the victims] he could silence them forever and get away with murder,” Tierney said. “But he was wrong.”
District attorney says he wanted to lull killer into 'false sense of security'
19:27 , Brendan RasciusTierney said that he approached the Gilgo Beach case with the specific goal of lulling the killer into “a false sense of security.”
“We were going to do things differently,” he told reporters.
He said he didn’t want the case to be featured heavily on the news or to become “a political football.”
“We were going to be quiet,” Tierney said. “We were going to pretend it was business as usual in Suffolk County. We were playing to an audience of one…We wanted to lull that person into a false sense of security.”
Suffolk County district attorney is speaking at a press conference after guilty plea
19:23 , Brendan RasciusSuffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney is speaking at a press conference after Rex Heuermann’s guilty plea.
“Ultimately this case is really about these victims and their stories, it is not about this defendant,” Tierney told reporters.
He then took time to apologize and thank the family members of each of the victims.
Heuermann will cooperate with the FBI, attorney says
18:30 , Brendan RasciusRex Heuermann will cooperate with the FBI, his attorney Michael Brown told reporters.
“When Rex decided that he wanted to accept responsibility and he didn't want to proceed to trial…we then pivoted and did our best to protect his interest. That included the fact that he's going to cooperate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Behavioral Analysis Unit," Brown said on Wednesday.
He added that he believes Heuermann will likely have “something to say” at his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for June 17.
Rex Heuermann’s stepson seen walking a dog shortly after serial killer admitted to killing eight women
17:52 , Brendan RasciusRex Heuermann’s stepson was seen walking a dog shortly after the Gilgo Beach serial killer admitted to strangling eight women.
CBS News reporter Ali Bauman posted footage of the stepson walking a small dog on a residential road while lifting an arm in front of his face.
He then walked to the side yard of Heuermann’s Massapequa Park home.
People who knew Heuermann described him as meticulous at work and menacing at home
17:42 , Brendan RasciusPeople who knew Rex Heuermann described him as meticulous in his work as an architectural consultant in Manhattan and a menacing presence in his hometown of Massapequa Park.
Shortly after his arrest in 2023, one of Heuermann’s business associates called him “a gem to deal with, highly knowledgeable,” according to The New York Times.
One of his neighbors said he wasn’t at all surprised by his arrest “because of all the creepiness.”
“We would cross the street,” he said. “He was somebody you don’t want to approach.”
Another area resident cautioned their children to avoid Heuermann’s unkempt house on Halloween, according to the outlet, while a local Whole Foods worker said he once caught the architectural consultant stealing clementines.
Video shows Heuermann’s family entering the courthouse before his guilty plea
17:31 , Brendan RasciusVideo footage shows Heuermann’s ex-wife and daughter entering the Suffolk County court on Wednesday while being followed by a group of reporters.
Killer's ex-wife says 'prayers are with the victims' and asks for privacy
17:25 , Brendan RasciusAsa Ellerup briefly addressed reporters outside the courthouse on Wednesday after her ex-husband’s guilty plea.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” she said. “Their loss is immeasurable and the focus should be on them in this time, and moment. I ask that you give some privacy to my family as they navigate through this very difficult time.”
Heuermann’s attorney: 'Today gave peace and hope to the families'
17:17 , Brendan RasciusMichael Brown, Heuermann’s attorney, said that the defendant “had a right to change his plea, and accept responsibility.”
“Today gave peace and hope to the families,” he told reporters following the court proceedings.
ICYMI: Photos show crowd of people outside Long Island courthouse
17:12 , Brendan RasciusBefore Heuermann’s guilty plea on Wednesday, crowds of people were seen outside the Long Island courthouse as his estranged wife and daughter made their way inside.
Killer's estranged wife and daughter exit the courtoom
17:03 , Brendan RasciusRex Heuermann's estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, and his daughter Victoria were seen leaving the Long Island courthouse on Wednesday.
Ellerup started to answer questions outside, but she was whisked away by her attorney when a reporter asked how she could not have known that Heuermann was a killer.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 17
16:57 , Brendan RasciusHeuermann, 62, is set to be sentenced on June 17.
The district attorney recommended he be given three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, in addition to four consecutive 25-life sentences.
Heuermann showed little emotion as he admitted to each murder
16:41 , Brendan RasciusHeuermann showed little emotion, nodding and shrugging as he admitted to each murder.
He said that all the victims were strangled, but did not provide additional details.
Family members of victims wipe away tears, alleged killer's daughter is visibly upset
16:21 , Andrea CavallierThe courtroom reacted to Heuermann’s guilty plea with a mix of emotions.
Family members of victims wiped away tears as Heuermann was asked about each of the murdered women.
Heuermann’s daughter Victoria was visibly upset. Someone next to her rubbed her shoulder.
Heuermann pleads guilty to seven murders and admits to murder of eighth woman
16:18 , Brendan RasciusSpeaking before the judge, Heuermann pleaded guilty to the murders of seven women and admitted to the murder of Karen Vergata.
“Do you understand that by pleading guilty, you waive your rights to a fair trial?” the judge asked.
“Yes, your honor,” Heuermann responded.
District attorney says alleged serial killer will plead guilty
16:14 , Andrea CavallierThe district attorney said that Rex Huermann will plead guilty to seven counts, and plans to admit as part of his plea that he “caused the death” of Karen Vergata and transported her body. Vergata, a Manhattan woman, disappeared in 1996.
Huermann is speaking now and answering questions from the judge. He also waived his right to appeal.
Rex Heuermann has entered the courtroom
16:08 , Andrea CavallierRex Heuermann has entered the packed Long Island courtroom.
When he arrived, Asa Ellerup, his estranged wife, leaned forward in her seat. Prior to this, she had been sitting still, with her hands clasped in front of her.
Victoria Heuermann, their daughter, and their attorney Robert Macedonio are seated nearby.
Attorneys are in conference with the judge
15:45 , Andrea CavallierMichael Brown, Rex Heuermann’s attorney, and Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney entered the courtroom and are now in conference with the judge.
The families of the victims and attorney Gloria Allred — who represents many of them — are now in the courtroom.
The courtroom is extremely crowded, and two overflow rooms have been opened
15:31 , Andrea CavallierThe Long Island courtroom is packed with reporters, family members of victims, members of the Gilgo Beach Task Force and investigators who worked on the case for years.
In addition to the main courtroom, officials have opened two overflow rooms.
Why might Heuermann change his plea? Legal expert weighs in
15:27 , Brendan RasciusSince his arrest in 2023, Rex Heuermann has maintained his innocence. But now, three years later, he is expected to change his plea from not guilty to guilty.
What might be the reason for this shift?
"First and foremost, it can be an acceptance of responsibility,” New York Law School professor Anna Cominsky told CBS News.
“But also it can be things like not wanting to go through the trial,” she added. “There can be things that he may not want to put his own family through. It's hard to know exactly why, but there's many reasons why defendants decide to plead guilty.”
PHOTOS: See the scene outside the courthouse
15:23 , Brendan RasciusDozens of people were gathered outside the Long Island courthouse on Wednesday morning as the family members of the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer made their way into the courtroom, photos show.
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Heuermann's defense attorney makes her way to the courthouse
15:12 , Brendan RasciusDanielle Coysh, a defense attorney for Rex Heuermann, has entered the Suffolk County Supreme Court.
In a court filing in January, she argued that prosecutors had improperly seized Heuermann’s pizza crusts — which are a key piece of evidence. Prosecutors have said that DNA on the discarded crust matched that of hair found near one of the victim’s remains.
“Rex Heuermann abandoned his pizza crust,” Coysh and other defense attorneys wrote in a 180-page court filing. “But he didn’t abandon all that information in his DNA.”
Who are the women Heuermann is accused of killing?
14:49 , Brendan RasciusNew York prosecutors have accused Rex Heuermann of killing seven women over a 17-year period.
Upon his arrest in 2023, Heuermann was charged in the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Megan Waterman, 22, and Amber Costello, 27 — all three of whom disappeared between 2009 and 2010.
A year later, he was charged with killing 25-year-old Maureen Brainard-Barnes. She and the other three women were known as the “Gilgo Four,” a group of sex workers whose remains were found in Gilgo Beach.
The former architect was later charged with killing three more women whose bodies were found near the beach: 20-year-old Jessica Taylor, who vanished in 2003; 28-year-old Sandra Costilla, whose remains were discovered in Southampton in 1993; and 24-year-old Valerie Mack, who went missing in 2000.
Since his arrest, Heuermann has maintained his innocence.
Alleged killer's ex-wife and daughter have entered the courtroom
14:42 , Andrea CavallierAsa Ellerup, the ex-wife of Rex Huermann, and her daughter have entered the Long Island courtroom.
The pair are sitting in the very last row.
Heuermann kept contact with dozens of sex workers, searched for violent pornography, prosecutors have said
14:25 , Brendan RasciusRex Heuermann kept contact with dozens of sex workers in the years before his 2023 arrest, prosecutors said in a court filing last month.
The alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer used burner phones as well as a Tinder account to communicate with at least 60 sex workers, ABC News reported, citing Long Island prosecutors.
A Gmail account linked to the former architect was used to conduct over 100 searches about murders, including those connected to Gilgo Beach. One search read: "Why hasn't the long island serial killer been caught.”
Heuermann also allegedly searched repeatedly for “hardcore violent pornography” and “images of bruised and impaled women," which prosecutors have pointed to as evidence that he’s a sadist, according to CBS News.
Rex Heuermann set to appear before judge at 11
14:14 , Brendan RasciusDoors to the courtroom will open around 9:15 a.m., and Rex Heuermann is set to appear before the judge at 11 a.m.
The proceedings will not be streamed live, but updates are expected from reporters in the room.
Officials set to host a press conference on the case this afternoon
14:00 , Brendan RasciusSuffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said he will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. Family members of victims are expected to participate.
Ex-wife of accused serial killer makes her way into the courthouse
13:58 , Brendan RasciusAsa Ellerup, the ex-wife of Rex Huermann, has made her way into the Long Island courthouse.
Upon her arrival, she was swarmed by a crowd of reporters, who peppered her with questions.
Ellerup, who filed for divorce in 2023, has repeatedly claimed that her ex-husband is innocent.
Area residents seen in line outside the Long Island courthouse
13:47 , Brendan RasciusSome area residents said they woke up early in order to travel to the Suffolk County Supreme Court.
Multiple people were seen waiting in line outside the courthouse ahead of Rex Heuermann’s appearance on Wednesday, according to News12.
“This is a case that has been haunting Long Island for so long,” Nick Graystone, a Bellmore resident, told the outlet.
“We’ve lived here our whole lives, we grew up here, and this horrible story happened here. We just want to see the end,” a Farmingville resident added.
Who is Rex Heuermann? Everything we know about the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer
13:13 , Brendan RasciusFor more than a decade, the Gilgo Beach serial killings baffled investigators. The break came from an unlikely source - a discarded pizza crust.
In January 2023, architect and “family man” Rex Heuermann threw away a pizza box on Fifth Avenue outside his Manhattan office. Months later, DNA from the leftover crust linked him to a 2010 murder and, later, a string of unsolved killings in a chilling case that has haunted New York’s Long Island for years.
Prosecutors allege Heuermann is responsible for the deaths of seven women: Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, Amber Lynn Costello, 27, Megan Waterman, 22, Sandra Costilla, 28, Jessica Taylor, 20, and Valerie Mack, 24. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Andrea Cavallier reports...
Who is Rex Heuermann? Everything we know about the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer
Rex Heuermann is set to appear in court, where a major development is expected
13:08 , Brendan RasciusRex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer, is due back in court today in Long Island, New York, today.
The 62-year-old former architect, who prosecutors allege killed seven women, is expected to change his plea from not guilty to guilty. Heuermann may also plead guilty to an eighth homicide, Newsday reported.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said he will hold a press conference after the hearing, where he’ll reveal a “major development” in the case.
