Startling new details have surfaced about the initial hours spent in custody by the man accused of being the notorious Gilgo Beach serial killer, painting a picture of eerie calmness and mundane routine following his dramatic arrest.
A Dramatic Arrest and an Immediate Denial
On 13 July 2023, Rex Heuermann's life was upended as he left his Midtown Manhattan architectural office. The 62-year-old married father-of-two from Massapequa, Long Island, was surrounded by nearly a dozen undercover officers and placed in handcuffs. Appearing completely blindsided, Heuermann's first words were to question the action, reportedly asking, "What is this about?" and "What did I do?" before insisting to arresting officers, "It's a mistake."
An Eerie Shift to Calm in Custody
According to a 178-page motion filed by his lead defence attorney, Michael Brown, a significant change came over Heuermann after the hour-and-a-half drive to Suffolk County Police Headquarters. The initial shock subsided, and he became notably "calm." This composure extended to his basic needs; police records show the 6ft 4in, 280-pound suspect spent part of his first night indulging in a meal of French fries, onion rings, peanut butter crackers, and a Coca-Cola, despite having told officers he was diabetic and declining his medication.
Following the meal, Heuermann managed to sleep for more than five hours in a chair while awaiting his arraignment. His apparent detachment continued as he was escorted to court, where he joked about not needing his $6,000 watch anymore. Prosecutors have cited this unusual calmness in the hours after his arrest as a point against him.
The Charges and a Long-Awaited Trial Date
Heuermann stands charged with the murders of seven women—Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, and Valerie Mack—over a reign of terror spanning from 1993 to 2011. All victims were sex workers whose bodies were discovered dumped along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach and other remote areas of Long Island. The investigation was historically hampered by corruption, notably involving former police chief James Burke, who was later jailed for an unrelated offence.
The defence's recent filing also urges prosecutors to hand over records concerning two men they may present as alternate suspects. Heuermann's ex-wife, Asa Ellerup, who has attended several hearings, was absent from the latest proceedings. After more than two years since the arrest, Judge Timothy Mazzei has signalled the end of pre-trial delays, emphatically stating that the trial will begin after Labor Day, "come hell or high water." Rex Heuermann remains held at the Riverhead Correctional Facility in Suffolk County.
