Gilgo Beach: One year after the arrest of Rex Heurmann, investigations into further unsolved murders continue

MASSAPEQUA PARK, Long Island (WABC) – Rex Heuermann, the accused Gilgo Beach serial killer charged with six counts of murder, is now in investigators’ sights even longer, almost a year to the day after the arrest of the Manhattan architect, husband and father of two.

Heuermann was arrested on July 13 and arraigned the next day, July 14. His dilapidated Massapequa Park home became the focus of a major search for evidence by state and Suffolk County police, sheriffs and the FBI. Investigators believe many of the murders occurred in the house.

“Rex is just a strange guy,” said his neighbor Etienne.

That search this year led to another of thousands of acres of forest in Manorville, bringing the number of charges previously filed in connection with the deaths of four women to six last month.

“This year marks 21 years since she was taken from us – longer than she could have stayed alive,” said Jessica Taylor’s cousin Jasmine Robinson.

Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, Sandra Costilla and Jessica Taylor were all murdered. Most of them were prostitutes. Their bodies were found on Gilgo Beach on the south shore of Long Island.

“I cannot express what this day means after waiting and hoping for answers,” Robinson added

ALSO READ: Gilgo Beach murders: Complete timeline of events leading to Rex Heuermann’s arrest

Heuermann’s adult children and his now estranged wife Asa Ellerup showed support in court.

“It’s a total shock. The world has been turned upside down in the last year. Asa has gradually gotten her life back on track and taken care of herself and her children Victoria and Christopher. This has become the new normal,” said Ellerup’s lawyer Robert Macedonio.

The Gilgo investigation lasted 13 years and began in 2010 with the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert. While searching for her, police discovered the remains of ten other people, including a toddler, pointing to a possible serial killer.

Heuermann pleaded not guilty to all six murders and maintained his innocence.

“He is the same as he was from day one. That is, he has indicated that he is not guilty of the charges and wants to appear in court,” said Heuermann’s lawyer Michael Brown.

Heuermann is due back in court on July 30. The trial is expected to begin sometime next year.

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