Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney shared new details about the Gilgo Beach serial slayings during a press conference on Monday. This comes as a multi-agency task force continues to investigate unsolved cold case murders following the recent indictment of local architect Rex Heuermann in connection with a series of slayings in the same area.
In May 2010, 23-year-old Shannan Gilbert made a frantic 911 call before disappearing. Subsequently, police discovered the remains of 10 other individuals along Ocean Parkway, approximately 45 miles east of New York City near Gilgo Beach.
Among the unidentified victims is 'Asian Doe,' whose remains were found on April 4, 2011. Authorities released a new composite sketch of the victim, created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, seeking the public's assistance in identifying him. The estimated time of death was at least five years prior to the discovery of the remains.
The unidentified victim was determined to be a biological male of southern Chinese heritage, aged between 17 and 23 years and standing between 5 feet, 3 inches and 5 feet, 9 inches tall. Notably, he was found wearing women's clothing, including items from brands like Bill Blass, Rafaella, and Chrysantheme.
Rex Heuermann, aged 61, has been in custody since his arrest in July 2023. Reports suggest that he had a disturbing search history related to themes of torture. However, he has not been formally charged in connection with 'Asian Doe's' case, which has been classified as a homicide resulting from blunt force trauma.
Heuermann is accused of torturing his victims before their deaths, with some being dismembered and their remains scattered across various locations. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges related to six murder cases.
The District Attorney's office has charged Heuermann with the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes, collectively known as the 'Gilgo Four.' Additionally, he faces charges in connection with the deaths of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla, whose dismembered bodies were found in both the Gilgo Beach area and eastern Long Island.
