Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
LI architect who worked in NYC charged with multiple Gilgo Beach murders, Suffolk DA says
By
Charles Lane
and
Michelle Bocanegra
Published Jul 14, 2023
Modified Jul 14, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Getty Images
By
Charles Lane
and
Michelle Bocanegra
Published Jul 14, 2023
Modified Jul 14, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Rex Heuermann, an architect and consultant, has been charged in the murder of three women who were part of a string of homicides known as the Gilgo Beach murders, according to an indictment issued by the Suffolk County district attorney's office.
The Suffolk County district attorney, Raymond Tierney, said that investigators found DNA evidence connecting Heuermann to the murders. Cell phone analysis from burner phones believed to be used by Heuermann also suggests that they were in the same vicinity as Heuermann's regular phone around the time when they disappeared. Finally, travelogues from Heuermann show that his family had left Long Island, leaving Heuermann alone around the time that the victims disappeared.
"When you look at his internet search history, I think that gives you insights into his mind," said Tierney, at a press conference after the arraignment. He said that Heuermann's internet search history included child pornography, "torture porn" and photos of women getting killed.
Heuermann, whose office is in Manhattan, was arrested there Thursday and faces at least six charges of murder in the first and second degree for the killings of Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Lynn Costello and Megan Waterman — all of whom were discovered wrapped in burlap near an isolated, marshy area of Gilgo Beach more than a decade ago.
In that time, authorities have been flummoxed by the suspected serial killer and Heuermann's arrest represents a major breakthrough after years of frustration among the victims' families.
Heuermann, dressed in tan pants and a polo shirt pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at Suffolk criminal court in Riverhead Friday afternoon. He was remanded without bail after prosecutors cited a litany of reasons for him to be detained, including “his recent searches for sadistic materials, child pornography, images of the victims and their relatives,” among other things. Prosecutors also say he ran “counter-surveillance” related to the criminal investigation, and had a history of firearm possession.
Judge Richard Ambro granted their request, “given the extreme depravity of the accusations.” A row of family members of victims hugged investigators when Heuermann was remanded.
Michael Brown, the lawyer who was assigned to defend Heuermann shortly before the arraignment Friday, said the DA's case was "extremely circumstantial"
"The only thing that I can tell you that he did say, as he was in tears, was, 'I didn't do this,'" Brown said, adding he looks forward to taking the case to trial. "When somebody is charged with a crime, you have to afford them the presumption of innocence."
Authorities had swarmed his Massapequa Park home Friday morning after the arrest was made as a helicopter hovered above for much of the day.
Stephen Graziano, who lives nearby, said the house appeared “disheveled,” but it was unclear to neighbors who lived there.
“You see a couple of people there and that’s about it,” Graziano told Gothamist. “But from what I understand, nobody really knows them personally.”
Graziano said it was unusual to see investigators swarming the area. “It's very quiet. Very family orientated. You know, it's a great neighborhood,” he said. “So it's a bit shocking.”
The case has been the subject of widespread media attention after the remains of four women were found wrapped in burlap near a beachside roadway in 2010.
Barthelemy, 24, was the first victim discovered. The remains of three others — Costello, 27, Waterman, 22, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25 — were found soon after. By 2011, the body count had risen to 10, with eight women, one man and a toddler discovered dead.
Though Heuermann is not facing charges for many of the other killings yet, prosecutors have named him as the prime suspect in the investigation of Brainard-Barnes’ death, “which is continuing and is expected to be resolved soon," according to the DA's office.
A photo of Rex Heuermann
Suffolk County DA's office
Heuermann owns an architecture firm and is licensed by the state with no listed enforcement actions, records show.
“I’m a troubleshooter,” he said in an interview with Bonjour Realty released last year. “Born and raised on Long Island, been working in Manhattan since 1987.”
A description on his business's website says it has held a multitude of clients over 30 years, including the city's Department of Environmental Protection, American Airlines “and other major tenants at the JFK International Airport.”
In describing his work, Heuermann said he helped bulders and designers navigate the city's bureaucracy.
“Most clients — they don’t understand what I have to do, why I have to do it, what it takes to get done,” he said. And when you’re dealing with someone at the city… you need the patience. Because who knows what the person before you did? Sometimes they have very bad days.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul, speaking at an unrelated news conference at Jones Beach, did not confirm the details of the arrest. But she said there’s “a community out there that, as the facts unfold, will be sleeping a lot easier tonight.”
“We are hoping that this will bring justice to this individual but also peace to the families,” she said.
As he spoke to reporters before the arraignment on Friday afternoon, John Ray, an attorney for Jessica Taylor and Shannan Gilbert, two of the women found dead as part of the string of alleged murders, said the families “breathe a great sigh of relief.” Although his clients were not among those whom Heuermann was charged with murdering, Ray expressed optimism that justice would soon be delivered for all the families in the Gilgo Beach killings.
“We do know that this man was not on the radar for many people at all, or any people, until what we learned this morning,” Ray said.
Stephen Rex Brown contributed reporting.
This story has been updated to correct the location of Heuermann's arrest.
Tagged
public safety
long island
gilgo beach
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
Read more
Michelle Bocanegra
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens
Officers responding to a call at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 173rd Street around 1 a.m. found 29-year-old Sulimon Ferrier, who had multiple stab wounds to his chest, police said.
By
Ben Feuerherd
Published Oct 3, 2026 at 4:38 p.m. ET
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
News
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
By
Catalina Gonella
US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ
By
Willow Higgins
A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season
By
Rosemary Misdary
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .