Authorities have apprehended a suspect in connection with a series of long-unsolved slayings of women on Long Island, New York.
The suspect, Rex Heuermann, 59, resides in Massapequa Park, a peaceful community near the beach highway where human remains were initially discovered over a decade ago. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the quiet neighborhood, as neighbors knew Heuermann as a well-dressed architect who commuted to Manhattan for work. The revelation that he could potentially be involved in the string of killings that have perplexed investigators and gained national attention has left residents astonished.
Heuermann was taken into custody in midtown Manhattan on Thursday evening and subsequently transported to Suffolk County. He faces charges of first-degree murder and second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of three women. He is also a suspect in the disappearance and death of a fourth woman, but investigations into that case are ongoing. During a bail application, it was revealed that authorities used cellphone evidence and DNA from a pizza crust to build their case against Heuermann. He was remanded without bail following a court hearing.
What police say
At a news conference, local prosecutors and police praised the collaborative efforts of a multiagency task force, which was formed last year, for identifying Heuermann as the primary suspect. They emphasized the significance of fresh perspectives and the resilience of investigators in the case. Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison described Heuermann as a “demon who walks among us.”
In response to the charges, Heuermann’s attorney, Michael J. Brown, expressed that the evidence against his client is primarily circumstantial. Brown stated that Heuermann has denied any involvement in the crimes and added that he was distraught about the accusations.
The discovery of human remains near Gilgo Beach in 2010 had plagued investigators for years, leading to the revelation of multiple victims, many of whom were sex workers. While authorities do not believe all the deaths are connected, court documents indicate that Heuermann is implicated in four slayings, where the victims were found in similar positions and bound with belts or tape. Furthermore, three of the victims’ bodies were wrapped in burlap material.
Officials have cordoned off Heuermann’s residence in Massapequa Park, with hazmat-suited individuals seen entering the modest single-story house. Investigators are conducting searches at the property and at Heuermann’s office in midtown Manhattan. According to neighbors, interactions with Heuermann and his family were typically brief, as they tended to keep to themselves.
Heuermann’s professional work is linked to his Massapequa Park home, as he operates RH Consultants & Associates. He obtained his architecture license in 1996, and state records indicate no enforcement actions against him. His clientele includes Catholic Charities, New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection, and major tenants at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
In a YouTube interview conducted at his Manhattan office in early 2022, Heuermann described himself as an architectural consultant and troubleshooter. He discussed the intricacies of his profession and educating clients and city entities about local architectural codes. When asked about the qualities necessary for his job, he mentioned the importance of tolerance and understanding clients’ lack of knowledge regarding his responsibilities and the steps required to accomplish tasks.
