LIVE COVERAGE: Rex Heuermann pleads guilty to Gilgo Beach serial killings, admits responsibility to eighth slaying
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April 8, 2:05 p.m.
Suffolk DA press conference addresses Rex Heuermann’s guilty pleas.
April 8, 12:20 p.m.
Defense attorney Michael Brown addresses the outcome of the hearing in front of the courthouse.
“I think this today hopefully gave people some peace, some closure to the family members,” he said.
“This case is over from our standpoint,” he added. “You heard the prosecutor indicate there will be no further prosecutions, in exchange for his guilty plea as well as his cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
April 8, 11:50 a.m.
Lawyer Bob Macedonio reacts to Rex Heuermann’s guilty pleas.
He discusses the reaction of Asa Ellerup, Heuermann’s former wife.
“She never wanted to believe that the man she was married for 27 years would be capable of committing such heinous acts,” he said.
April 8, 11:45 a.m.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Rex Heuermann is expected to be sentenced to three consecutive sentences of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for killing Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello.
He is also expected to be sentenced to a consecutive sentence of 100 years to life imprisonment for killing Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla and Valerie Mack.
April 8, 11:27 a.m.
Rex Heuermann pleads guilty to first degree murder counts 1-3 and second degree murder counts 7-10. Sentencing set for June 17.
April 8, 11:26 a.m.
Rex Heuermann on Wednesday admitted to a string of murders that shocked the public for more than a decade.
The 62-year-old Massapequa Park resident was initially arrested in July 2023. He stands accused of slaying seven women between 1993 and 2011.
Prosecutors say he dumped their remains along Gilgo Beach and other areas in Suffolk County’s East End.
The victims included Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, Jessica Taylor, Valerie Mack and Sandra Costilla.
Heuermann also admitted to an eighth murder on Wednesday -- the killing of “Fire Island Jane Doe” Karen Vergata.
Her legs were discovered in a plastic bag after her disappearance in 1996. Sources say her skull was found west of Tobay Beach 15 years later.
Heuermann maintained his innocence for a period following his arrest.
April 8, 11:16 a.m.
Rex Heuermann admits guilt in strangulation of Melissa Barthelemy.
Admits guilt in strangulation of Megan Waterman.
Admits guilt in strangulation of Amber Costello.
Admits to luring victims to meet him with the promise of money.
Admits guilt in strangulation of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.
Admits guilt in strangulation of Jessica Taylor.
Admits guilt in strangulation of Valerie Mack.
Admits guilt in strangulation of Sandra Costilla.
Admits guilt in strangulation of Karen Vergata.
April 8, 11:13 a.m.
Cameras exit courtroom, Rex Heuermann is sworn in.
April 8, 11:09 a.m.
Judge addresses Rex Heuermann, asks if he understands his rights.
April 8, 11:03 a.m.
Rex Heuermann enters courtroom wearing suit.
April 8, 10:59 a.m.
Court hearing begins for accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann.
April 8, 10:50 a.m.
Gloria Allred, representative for families of the victims, enters courtroom.
April 8, 10:44 a.m.
Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office service dog, Tillman III, enters courtroom to comfort families of the victims.
April 8, 10:39 a.m.
Family members of the victims enter courtroom.
April 8, 10:30 a.m.
Standing room only in the courtroom. Media on one side, with law enforcement members standing around back and side area.
April 8, 10:25 a.m.
Defense attorney Michael Brown enters courtroom.
April 8, 10:24 a.m.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney enters courtroom along with Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina.
April 8, 10:20 a.m.
Second overflow room established for today’s proceedings, court officials confirm.
April 8, 10:20 a.m.
Rex Heuermann’s ex-wife and daughter seen sitting in back of courtroom.
April 8, 10:11 a.m.
Defense attorney Sabato Caponi arrives at Suffolk County Supreme Court in Riverhead.
April 8, 10:01 a.m.
Defense attorney Danielle Coysh arrives at Suffolk County Supreme Court in Riverhead.
April 8, 10 a.m.
News 12’s Jonathan Gordon is in front of the criminal court in Riverhead telling viewers everything they can expect at today’s proceedings in the Rex Heuermann case.
April 8, 9:58 a.m.
Court officials consider opening a second overflow room to accommodate more members of the public.
April 8, 8:55 a.m.
Heuermann family lawyer Bob Macedonio spoke out against the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the son of a Gilgo Beach victim.
The suit launched by Benjamin Torres alleges that he suffered lasting psychological trauma following his mother’s death in 2000.
It names not only the accused killer, but members of his family as defendants, including Heuermann’s daughter, Victoria.
The complaint claims Victoria and Heuermann’s ex-wife, Asa Ellerup, may have profited from the case.
It also alleges they could have known about or concealed information related to the killing or failed to act.
“The lawsuit is completely reckless,” said Macedonio. “Victoria was 3 years old when Valerie Mack was murdered. How could any attorney assume any liability on the part of a 3-year-old?”
“It’s reckless. Honestly, as an attorney, it’s embarrassing to sit here and sue a 3-year-old,” he said.
April 8, 8:44 a.m.
Rex Heuermann’s ex-wife and daughter arrive with attorney at Suffolk County Supreme Court in Riverhead.
April 8, 8:20 a.m.
Line of observers continues to grow in front of Suffolk County Supreme Court in Riverhead.
April 8, 7:45 a.m.
Some Long Islanders said they woke up early Wednesday to travel to Suffolk County Supreme Court in Riverhead.
“This is a case that has been haunting Long Island for so long,” Nick Graystone of Bellmore said.
Several observers were spotted with lawn chairs to wait in line.
Those in front of the courthouse expressed hope to see the shocking murder case come to a conclusion.
“We’ve lived here our whole lives, we grew up here, and this horrible story happened here. We just want to see the end,” Deborah Timms of Farmingville said.
“I kind of want it to be over for those families that had to wait to long. If it goes to trial, then they’ll just have to wait longer,” Peggy Gould of Patchogue said.
April 8, 6:45 a.m.
News 12’s Julia Rosier's view outside Suffolk County Supreme Court in Riverhead.
April 7, 5 p.m.
News 12's Cecilia Dowd speaks to a former Suffolk County prosecutor about Heuermann's expected guilty plea.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE: Rex Heuermann expected to plead guilty in Gilgo Beach serial killings, admit to eighth slaying, sources say
April 7, 4 p.m.
A news conference on Wednesday addressed the wrongful death suit against suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer, his family.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE: Son of Gilgo Beach victim files wrongful death suit against Rex Heuermann and his family
April 7, 3:30 p.m.
Heuermann, the suspect in the Gilgo Beach serial killings, is expected to admit to the slayings of seven women at a Suffolk County Supreme Court hearing scheduled for Wednesday in Riverhead, according to sources.
Sources tell News 12 Heuermann is also expected to admit to killing an eighth woman.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney has declined to confirm whether a plea agreement has been reached.
Heuermann was arrested in July 2023 in connection with a series of killings. Prosecutors allege he murdered seven women between 1993 and 2010 and disposed of their remains along Gilgo Beach and in other areas of Suffolk County’s East End.
Heuermann has maintained his innocence since his arrest. His defense team spent months attempting to suppress key evidence, including DNA that prosecutors say was recovered from a discarded pizza crust and links him to several of the victims. Those efforts were unsuccessful.
A trial is currently scheduled to begin shortly after Labor Day, and Tierney has previously said his office is prepared to proceed if the case does not resolve before then.
News 12's previous coverage on the day Heuermann was taken into custody:
The hunt for the Long Island serial killer: Secrets in the sand at Gilgo Beach
In this Crime Files true‑crime episode, Secrets in the Sand, we take an in‑depth look at the long and complex hunt for the Gilgo Beach serial killer. The documentary retraces how authorities searching for Shannan Gilbert uncovered multiple sets of human remains, setting off one of the most disturbing investigations in Long Island history. Viewers hear directly from victims’ families, including the sister of Amber Lynn Costello, and from police detectives who explain how the case evolved, stalled, and was eventually revived. The episode also examines public criticism of law enforcement leadership, the creation of a Gilgo Beach task force, and why investigators say the case is still not fully closed, even after the arrest of alleged Long Island serial killer Rex Heuermann. From early discoveries in the sand to breakthroughs in DNA evidence, this episode explores how justice slowly came into focus—and why many questions remain.
Long Island serial killer arrest: How Rex Heuermann hid in plain sight
In this News 12 Originals true crime episode, we walk through the key moments that led to the arrest — from the discovery of human remains near Gilgo Beach to cellphone data, vehicle connections, and the DNA evidence that ultimately broke open the case. The episode explores how investigators linked a Chevy Avalanche to the suspect, how a pizza crust became pivotal evidence, and what officers found as they searched Heuermann’s home. It also examines whether the suspect could be connected to other escort‑related cold cases across the country and how renewed attention has reshaped long‑standing investigations. Viewers also get a closer look at Rex Heuermann’s alleged double life, his early years, and how he remained under the radar for so long while one of Long Island’s most notorious investigations unfolded.
Timeline of the charges:
July 14, 2023: News 12 sources confirm a suspect is in custody. Former Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison calls Heuermann “a demon that walks among us.” He is charged with the murders of Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy and Amber Costello.
Following the arrest: Police spend 12 days searching Heuermann’s small red home in Massapequa Park.
Jan. 16, 2024: Heuermann is charged in the murder of Maureen Brainard‑Barnes, bringing the alleged victim count to four.
April 2024: Authorities conduct extensive searches in Manorville and North Sea using helicopters and K‑9 units.
May 2024: Investigators return for a second search of Heuermann’s Massapequa Park home.
June 6, 2024: Heuermann is charged with two additional murders, Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla.
Dec. 17, 2024: He is charged in the death of Valerie Mack, bringing the total number of alleged victims to seven.
