In a shocking revelation, Keith Jesperson, also known as the “Happy Face Killer,” has disclosed that suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann has a new pen pal behind bars. Jesperson forwarded a handwritten letter from Heuermann to the host and author of the “Lighter Side of Serial Killers Podcast,” Keith Rovere. The letter, dated August 31, reveals Heuermann’s complaints about jail food and exercise conditions, as well as his concerns about guards potentially reading his mail.
The letter also mentions that Heuermann has received numerous letters from people requesting interviews, friendship, and pen pal connections. However, he states that Rovere is the only person he has responded to and intends to continue corresponding with. Heuermann’s lawyer, Michael Brown, has not yet commented on the letter.
Rovere, who has interviewed several murderers over the years, including “Son of Sam” David Berkowitz, made the letter public after discussing it with Jesperson on his true crime podcast. Both Jesperson and Rovere noted a sense of peace and resignation in Heuermann’s letter, suggesting that he may already believe he is caught. They also discussed the comfort and safety of prison compared to jail, mentioning the deaths of notorious criminals Jeffrey Dahmer and Jeffrey Epstein.
Jesperson, who himself was convicted of three murders in 90 days, advised Heuermann to admit his guilt if he is indeed guilty. He cautioned against exchanging letters with anyone else and emphasized that being arrested indicates the presence of enough evidence for a prosecutor to take the case to court.
Heuermann is currently held at the Suffolk County jail in New York, facing six murder charges in connection to the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. He is also considered the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. The remains of these women were found in 2010 during the search for another missing woman, Shannan Gilbert, whose death authorities have deemed accidental.
Jesperson’s daughter is currently fundraising for Heuermann’s estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, who filed for divorce shortly after his arrest. Rovere, a Christian who has worked with prison ministry, believes in positive interactions with prisoners and aims to make a positive change in their lives.
The investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders continues, with Heuermann’s letter shedding new light on his state of mind while in custody. As more details emerge, the case is expected to attract significant attention in the true crime community and among those following the serial killer phenomenon.
