Rex Heuermann, the suspected Long Island serial killer, is facing a fourth murder charge after “cutting edge” advances in DNA testing provided overwhelming statistical matches between the victims and Heuermann’s family. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced the latest developments, stating that the test results have not only strengthened the case against Heuermann in the other three murders but also brought charges for the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. The victims, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes, were all found near Gilgo Beach, east of New York City.
Heuermann had been under surveillance for over a year before his arrest outside his Manhattan architecture firm. During the investigation, detectives collected DNA samples from Heuermann and his wife and followed his daughter, Victoria Heuermann, on a train ride. They retrieved a discarded “Monster Java” can from the trash, which allegedly matched a DNA sample collected from victim Amber Costello.
While investigators believe Victoria Heuermann was out of town during the murders and was only 13 at the time, her hair was allegedly transferred to Brainard-Barnes’ remains by her father using a piece of tape. The connection between Victoria Heuermann’s hair and Costello’s case confirms earlier suspicions. Additionally, the lone eyewitness, who described an altercation with an “ogre” matching Heuermann’s physical description, helped lead police to the suspect vehicle.
Further evidence includes cellphone billing records showing Heuermann’s wife and children were in Atlantic City when Brainard-Barnes went missing. The superseding indictment also reveals that the victims were bound with belts, duct tape, and burlap material, with transferred hair linking Heuermann and his family to the crime scenes.
Heuermann now faces three counts of first-degree murder and four counts of second-degree murder. He is being held without bail and is due back in court on February 6. The investigation into the other bodies found near Gilgo Beach remains ongoing.
The case against Heuermann has been significantly strengthened by the DNA evidence, with prosecutors confident in their overwhelming statistical matches. The continued investigation aims to bring justice to all the victims and shed light on the extent of Heuermann’s alleged crimes.
