5: Full Interview With Suspected Gilgo Beach Killer Rex Heuermann

In the recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski and former prosecutor and attorney Laurie Gilbertson delved into the complexities of the ongoing Gilgo Beach Murderer investigation. The suspect, often referred to as the Long Island serial killer, is at the center of a 13-year investigation that has been fraught with an extensive amount of evidence, from cell phone records and emails to DNA samples and surveillance footage.   Gilbertson noted, "The prosecution is doing exactly what they are legally obligated to do, which is to start turning it all over." The defense, facing a colossal quantity of information, will inevitably require more time to go through everything. Gilbertson expects the defense to keep asking for more time, but she also warned that this could be a "delay tactic."   Given the intricacies and voluminous evidence of the case, Gilbertson anticipates that it could take at least a year if not longer, to prepare for trial. "In a case like this, I think going to trial even in a year, for a serial murder like this with three victims, where no doubt the defense will make a motion to sever those trials to maybe have him tried separately for each of those... a year would be the absolute minimum for this to start a trial, probably a bit longer than that," she explained.   The discussion then transitioned to the potential implications of breaking up the case into individual trials for each murder. Gilbertson hypothesized that the prosecution would likely aim to demonstrate patterns across the killings to validate their serial killer claim. However, if the defense were able to prove that combining the trials would be "more prejudicial than probative," separate trials could become a possibility. "Obviously, if you're being tried for one murder in front of a jury, it looks a little different than if you're being tried for three," Gilbertson added.   When asked about the family of the suspect, Gilbertson acknowledged the trauma they must have undergone, especially given the disruptive search operations conducted by the authorities. Brueski speculated that the household might have been a "hoarder house," with evidence of extreme clutter and accumulation of objects. The suspect, known as Rex, was found to have possessed over 200 guns, which Brueski pointed out as significant.   Reflecting on the family's reaction, Gilbertson remarked, "We're going to learn more about this family, about what the conditions were, about how he was with his family." The podcast hosts were struck by the family's displacement of their trauma and anger onto the investigators rather than Rex. Gilbertson surmised that the family might have had a vague awareness of Rex's transgressions all along but chose to stay in a state of "willful blindness."   The case of the Long Island serial killer is a disturbing and intricate one. As the legal teams delve further into the vast array of evidence, the public awaits the unfolding of this tragic and complex story. As the proceedings continue, the victims and their families hope for justice, and the case serves as a chilling reminder of the sometimes hidden realities of our society. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

4 Elo 20237min

On Friday, Suffolk County, New York, officials revealed the identity of a previously unidentified victim of the Gilgo Beach murders, referring to her as "Fire Island Jane Doe." The victim has now been identified as Karen Vergata, a 34-year-old escort from Manhattan who vanished on Valentine's Day in 1996. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

4 Elo 20236min

The chilling narrative of Rex Heuermann's dark journey from a bullied child to a suspected serial killer has sparked nationwide intrigue, as explored in the recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers" hosted by Tony Brueski. In conversation with attorney and former Federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, the duo delved into Heuermann's disturbing past, the status of his ongoing case and speculated about the potential reach of his alleged violent spree.   During his childhood, Heuermann was reportedly a "punching bag for bullies," described as a loner. Rahmani, drawing on his legal expertise, expects revelations about Heuermann to emerge in the coming weeks and months. He said, "I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing charges out of South Carolina; he had a property there. And he had a timeshare in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, where there's a lot of sex workers."   Rahmani also touched on Heuermann's attempts to evade law enforcement, highlighting his use of burner phones, fake emails, and aliases. However, despite his apparent carefulness, his own phone traveled alongside the burners, creating a potential lead for investigators. The real question, according to Rahmani, is whether law enforcement will be able to tie Heuermann to additional victims.   There's also speculation about potential accomplices who might have aided Heuermann, knowingly or not. While the wife's DNA was present at multiple crime scenes, she has been reportedly ruled out as a suspect. Rahmani pointed out, "I have read just speculation that others might be involved as well. I don't know. I haven't seen any hard evidence of that." The case's intricacies are expected to unravel as it proceeds to pretrial, with the return of search warrants and leaks.   The podcasters also discussed the daunting task awaiting Heuermann's defense attorney. After the initial not guilty plea, they will have to navigate damning evidence including the presence of Heuermann's vehicle at a crime scene, incriminating communications, and child pornography found on his computer. "At a minimum, he is going away for that," Rahmani observed, adding, "He is no spring chicken. He's going to die in New York State prison or in federal prison if they pursue the pornography charges."   As for the possibility of a trial, Rahmani suggests that although Heuermann's defense case might not be strong, the case could go to trial due to the Suffolk County DA's inability to offer a plea deal given the public scrutiny. "Given the criticism they faced and how long it's taken to investigate the case, some of the scandals and bribery issues they've had there, I don't think politically you can offer someone like Heuermann any type of deal," said Rahmani.   The case has captured the public's attention due to its shocking details and implications, with Rahmani concluding, "The reason so many of these cases are covered is because there are interesting cases, number one. But number two, there's no plea deal to be had 'cause you can't offer one. And I think that's what's gonna be the case here."   As the nation continues to follow the Heuermann saga, the "Hidden Killers" podcast brings insightful commentary and context to this harrowing narrative, shedding light on a deeply unsettling crime spree that has left communities were shaken and law enforcement grappling with its disturbing implications. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

2 Elo 20235min

We are talking with former federal prosecutor and attorney Eric Faddis about Rex Heuermann today, where we've obviously learned a lot about him in the last two weeks, including his alleged affinity for sex workers. Uh, we're hearing more and more stories from surviving sex workers who I'm guessing look back going, wow, that could have been me. But a lot of people have had encounters allegedly with Heuermann. Do you think we're gonna continue to see that sort of trend continue? And I also wonder if there were a lot of red flags that these individuals had, but they simply couldn't speak out about because number one, the industry that they're in, not being exactly legal.    Uh, and, uh, then number two, people just not taking someone seriously, uh, simply because of, of what they are involved in. Yeah. You know, um,    uh, as you said, we, we've learned a lot about this and at least according to the allegations that things are still developing. Mm-hmm. It appears that this is Rex Heuermann’s modus hop operandi.    Yeah. He sort of targets the most vulnerable folks that he can, in this case, alleged sex workers. In large part because there is sort of a, a culture of silence, a around that scene. Like you said, it, it's, it's illegal in most states. And, and, um, you know, these folks don't often go to the police and say, Hey, I was about to engage in sex work when an individual got violent with me.    Mm-hmm. You know, uh, historically these folks are subject to violence and, and degradation and, and homicide, uh, and as well as sexual assault and everything else. And so, um, you know, it seems, uh, fitting that he allegedly selected these people as his victims because he thought it would be less likely that he would be caught.    I mean, when you really look at it, and it's something that I, I think a lot of us don't look at very closely. This is an area that really is a playground for abusers and in horrible people taking advantage of these women. It's not always just. Somebody that's paying someone for sex and then they go on their way.    And that's the end of the day. Uh, it, it really seems to be an outlet for this type of character. It really makes me wonder, uh, if there were more things in place or more protections in place, or even, I don't even know if I wanna say it being legal or not, but in theory, if it were, uh, would this sort of individual be allowed to flourish as long as he did?    You know,a good question because, um, like I said, a lot of these folks don't want to come forward and report when they see something problematic in, in a John mm-hmm. Who's trying to, to pick them up because they, they themselves, the sex worker doesn't wanna get caught. You know, perhaps if there were more resources in place, more safe harbor laws, maybe, uh, something that would, uh, insulate.    These sex workers from criminal consequences if they came forward with helpful tips to the police to try and stop these predators. I just wonder if, if having something like that in place could potentially limit or prevent th this sort of horrible repeat tragedy that that's being alleged against Rex Homan, the Long Island serial killer.    What can be done, like speaking from your own expertise? Is there any sort of protections? Let, let's say, A sex worker came up to you and said, look, this was really weird, this encounter that I had. I think someone should know about it. Or I wanna press charges because I was abused or violated in some way, shape or form.    Can that be done? Is that ever done? And, and how would a court look at that considering the nature of, of the relationship between the abuser and the person doing the abuse? You know, I wonder if it's almost, um, the sex worker industry analogous to kind of the drug scene. Like, like here in Colorado for example, um, you know, people when they're using drugs, they often don't want to call the cops.    Sure. And something is going wrong because they don't wanna get in trouble. Uh, but here we have a law. That essentially says if someone is overdosing through the use of drugs, even if you're there doing it with them, yeah. You can call police to try and help them and you're not gonna get charged with a crime.    Mm-hmm. I'm just wondering if having some kind of protection in place for the sex worker industry under similar circumstances when they believe that a crime has happened or is likely to happen. Mm-hmm. Uh, I wonder if having that in place would, would, uh, Encourage more of these folks to speak out more of these red flags, to become apparent to law enforcement and investigations to begin sooner before these tragedies keep recurring. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

2 Elo 20234min

In a recent episode of the “Hidden Killers” podcast, Tony Brueski engages in an enlightening conversation with Robin Dreeke, retired FBI Special Agent and former Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program. Their discussion unravels around Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach killer, analyzing Heuermann’s reactions upon arrest, the intriguing commentary by Dennis Rader, the BTK killer, and questioning whether Heuermann could have been better profiled.   On being asked about Heuermann’s reaction upon arrest, Dreeke pointed to a character trait common amongst individuals with psychopathy, “It's all about grandiosity and how big a name am I...”. He interpreted Heuermann’s curiosity about the media coverage as an indication of his grandiose sense of self-importance and as a way to gauge the extent of his infamy.   The conversation was particularly interesting when Brueski brought up Dennis Rader, who spoke out about Heuermann. Rader, also known as BTK killer, has somehow emerged as a voice in the true crime community. While the thought of gaining insights from someone familiar with the inner workings of a murderer’s mind might seem appealing, it also raises the question of whether Rader should be granted a platform to voice his opinions.   In response, Dreeke admitted to the conundrum, emphasizing the need to serve the victims and their families by uncovering as much as possible. Dreeke revealed that Rader, like many with psychopathy, could be motivated by notoriety, which could be used as a ‘carrot’ to obtain crucial information.   The retired FBI agent also shared the intriguing concept of using one-upmanship, a form of rivalry, to get these individuals to disclose more information. He explained, “...you know, with the one-upmanship, you could probably get a lot of information that could bring some solutions”.   On profiling Heuermann, Dreeke admitted that profiling such a meticulous individual with a high intellect like Heuermann was challenging. He mentioned, “Everyone has something they're ashamed of and does a decent job of hiding it. He knew what he was doing was wrong, and I think he had a lot of life skills and repetitions of hiding that secret place very effectively”.   This conversation offers intriguing insights into the mind of a suspected serial killer and the complexities of investigating such individuals. It underscores the need for continued vigilance in solving such crimes and providing closure for the victims and their families Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

2 Elo 20238min

The latest development in the infamous Gilgo Beach serial killings has unveiled a massive amount of evidence against the primary suspect, Rex Heuermann, the 59-year-old architect. The array of evidence includes 2,500 pages of documents, numerous crime scene photos, extensive autopsy reports, and hundreds of hours of video footage acquired from Heuermann's residence and professional workspace. The prosecutors disclosed these details during a recent preliminary hearing.   During this brief hearing, the prosecution handed over four hard drives containing significant evidence to Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei and Heuermann's defense attorney. A subsequent pre-trial conference hearing has been arranged for September 27.   Under a protective order, agreed upon by Heuermann's attorney Michael Brown and Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, the release of the evidence remains strictly confined to attorneys. "We’re talking about 13 years of investigation," Tierney stated in a post-hearing press conference, highlighting the enormity of the material and the ongoing nature of the investigation.   Heuermann, clad in a black blazer and light-colored trousers, made his presence known at the hearing hosted at the Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court Complex. The courtroom was packed, accommodating about 100 people, including members of the media and public spectators. The suspect remained silent throughout the brief hearing.   Heuermann was indicted last month with three counts each of first-degree and second-degree murder, specifically relating to the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy (24), Megan Waterman (22), and Amber Lynn Costello (27). The discovery of these women's remains back in December 2010 at Gilgo Beach on Long Island’s South Shore led to his arrest.   The dramatic arrest of Heuermann outside his Manhattan office on July 13 marked the most consequential development in the prolonged investigation into the series of mostly young female victims discovered along Gilgo Beach. Heuermann is also under suspicion regarding the disappearance and death of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes (25), whose remains were similarly found near Gilgo Beach. This particular investigation is still in progress. The victims, now referred to as the “Gilgo Four,” were thought to have been engaged in sex work, utilizing online platforms for advertisement, according to police reports. Some of the victims' family members were present at Tuesday's hearing, as mentioned by Tierney. These victims were discovered during the search for another missing woman, Shannan Gilbert, who was last spotted within the proximate gated community of Oak Beach.   Heuermann, to this point, has pleaded not guilty and firmly denied involvement in the killings. His attorney, Brown, stated post-hearing, “We’re prepared to go forward...We will defend this case in the court of law and we will go to trial in this case.” Brown has also previously labeled the case against Heuermann as “extremely circumstantial in nature.”   Investigators have linked Heuermann to the crime based on DNA recovered from a discarded pizza, which allegedly matches a male hair found on burlap material used to wrap Waterman's body. District Attorney Tierney confirmed that the evidence in the case would encompass “mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA,” which has already been tested and deemed admissible in US courts. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

2 Elo 202317min

On a recent segment of "Hidden Killers", host Tony Brueski, delved into the chilling narrative surrounding the alleged serial killer Rex Heuermann. Brueski discussed the subject with former Federal Prosecutor and Personal Injury Attorney Eric Faddis.   The conversation focussed on Heuermann's puzzling choice of crime locations, ranging from his home in Long Island to Las Vegas and South Carolina. Faddis offered his professional insight, stating, "Long Island is home base for him. He knows the lay of land there. Vegas is notorious for sex work. I'm wondering if he picked these locations, set up shop, got his residence there, a place where he could carry out these gruesome acts allegedly."   Faddis noted the way Heuermann seemingly managed to control his environment, allegedly committing these heinous acts without interference from others, primarily when his family was absent. He suggested that Heuermann's decision to execute his criminal acts within the confines of his residences may have allowed him to avoid immediate suspicion.   Adding further intrigue to the story, the family has remained largely silent, with the wife filing for divorce. Brueski probed whether families are often oblivious to such dark secrets. In response, Faddis posited, "It's easy for family members to look through rose-colored glasses at their loved one and say, 'Oh gosh, little Johnny could never have done anything like this'."   When asked if family members could be held culpable for harboring a criminal if they overlooked clear indications of criminal behavior, Faddis responded that specific laws vary by jurisdiction. Drawing upon a recent case where a school shooter's parents were charged, Faddis commented, "Local prosecutors have to go over with a fine-tooth comb and make judgment calls in terms of who needs to be held culpable for these egregious things that happen in our society."   Faddis argued that the line between ignorance and willful blindness is thin and complex. He remarked, "Simply having an ignorance of the ultimate final act or the severity of the ultimate final act is not necessarily a defense." This statement throws light on the complex nature of criminal liability, as well as the role and responsibilities of those closely associated with the accused.   Perhaps the most intriguing element of the story is Heuermann's first words upon his arrest: "Is it in the news?" Brueski and Faddis speculated about the meaning behind this question. Faddis mused, "To ask if it's in the news seems a little more consistent with what some people view as a serial killer profile where they're narcissistic, they kind of like the fame, they like the notoriety."   In the world of crime, the tales are as disturbing as they are complex. As the story of Rex Heuermann unfolds, listeners eagerly await further analysis from the experts at "Hidden Killers". This episode is a stark reminder of the dark depths to which humanity can sink and the constant quest for justice that pushes investigators, journalists, and legal professionals to expose these chilling narratives. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

1 Elo 20236min

"Hidden Killers" with Tony Brueski recently engaged retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer in an intense conversation about the disturbing profile of Rex Heuermann, a man believed to have evolved from a childhood victim of bullying to a violent adult criminal.   Coffindaffer shared, "It makes a lot of sense. There have been so many individuals who exercise control they've maybe been able to find in their life in this horrible, reckless, and evil manner." Brueski and Coffindaffer agreed that many individuals bullied in childhood often either grow up and use that as a strength or seek revenge. In Heuermann's case, it seems the latter was true.   The conversation turned to Heuermann's family, especially the surprising decision his wife and two adult children made to return to the "House of Horrors" following a police raid. As Coffindaffer noted, they had lived there since 1994, and due to monetary issues, including tax liens, they may have had no other choice. Brueski hypothesized that the family may have had little support due to their isolation by Heuermann during his "reign of terror."   "Heuermann's wife and children are truly victims, and their life is forever changed in such a negative and horrible way," Coffindaffer empathized. While the wife's nonchalant statement to reporters, "It is what it is", raised eyebrows, both hosts agreed that her life was upended, and she likely wasn't prepared for such media attention.   The conversation then shifted to the apparent loopholes in the system for victims of individuals like Heuermann. Brueski questioned the lack of safeguards for women who claim to have survived an encounter with Heuermann, particularly those in the sex industry. Coffindaffer acknowledged that while this profession is illegal, a mechanism should be in place for reporting dangerous clients, similar to the amnesty in many states for drug users seeking medical help.   Coffindaffer explained, "I do believe that there isn't any sort of crime they would be charged with if they went in and did such a reporting. I just don't think that they want to report." She suggested the idea of a hotline for sex workers to report suspicious activity without fear of legal repercussions.   Brueski added, "This seems like it's a ripe area for people like Rex to thrive in." Heuermann, a well-educated architect, was an example of a perpetrator hiding in plain sight. His choice of victims, often women who wouldn't be quickly missed, further illustrates the cruel tactics used by individuals like him to exploit society's vulnerabilities.   The chilling conversation revealed a grim picture of the social and systemic issues that allowed Heuermann to continue his reign of terror allegedly. The hosts concluded that prevention mechanisms must be improved to protect those most at risk from such predators. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

1 Elo 20238min