Gilgo Beach Suspect Rex Heuermann Charged in 7th Murder-2024 REVIEW

In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski and former prosecutor Laurie Gilbertson shed light on the daunting atmosphere created by former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke that prevented sex workers from reporting crimes due to his own involvement in the industry. Gilbertson remarked, "People like this, like [Rex] Heuermann and sex workers and all that, they don't live in a bubble. This goes on all over the country."    The conversation delved into the terrifying reality that there might be numerous Rex Heuermanns lurking around the nation, creating an environment where the police dismiss crimes reported by sex workers. Gilbertson expressed her dismay, saying, "It's pretty disheartening. And horrifying and sad...there were people who had Heuerman's description down to a T and they gave it away 10 years ago, but nothing was done."    The situation is far from unusual, as many crime shows and real-life incidents underscore the reluctance of the police to believe and protect sex workers, who are not considered "victims" in the traditional sense. However, Gilbertson emphasized the need for a different mindset, starting from the ground up with education and training for law enforcement officers, to change this perception and ensure justice for all victims, regardless of their background or involvement in illegal activities.    Gilbertson shared her experience working in the Special Victims Bureau in New York, where victims of sex crimes were treated with the respect they deserved, regardless of their background. This approach made a significant difference in prosecuting crimes and encouraging victims to testify without fear of repercussions.    The discussion also touched on the alarming statistic that approximately 90% of people involved in sex work are not there by choice, but rather due to trafficking or coercion. Gilbertson pointed out that investigating deeper into the networks of pimps and traffickers could unearth the "queen bees" of trafficking rings, which would be instrumental in dismantling these criminal organizations.    Using the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, originally intended for organized crime, to prosecute conspiracies among many people involved in trafficking could be one way to address the issue. Gilbertson emphasized the need to target the heads of these organizations, who carefully choose their victims based on their vulnerability and susceptibility to coercion.    Rex Heuermann, for instance, targeted women who he knew would mostly not be missed or attract much attention from law enforcement, thereby enabling him to evade capture for an extended period. Gilbertson stressed the importance of acknowledging the reasons individuals end up in sex work and treating them as victims rather than criminals.    The conversation underscored the need for a holistic approach to addressing the issue, as many victims are too frightened to cooperate with law enforcement due to their past experiences. Gilbertson shared her own experience of being robbed in New York City and the challenges she faced in navigating the legal process, despite working in the industry.    In conclusion, the episode of "Hidden Killers" highlighted the urgent need for a change in mindset and approach towards sex workers and victims of sex crimes. Treating all victims with respect, regardless of their background, and digging deeper into the networks of traffickers and pimps are crucial steps towards ensuring justice for all and dismantling the criminal organizations that perpetuate these crimes. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

7 Syys 20238min

The Hidden Killers podcast, hosted by Tony Brueski, delves deep into the minds of criminals and the societal issues that often facilitate their actions. In a recent episode, psychologist John Delatorre joined Brueski to discuss the widespread disdain for sex workers and its dangerous repercussions, as exemplified by the case of Police Chief James Burke in Suffolk County and accused criminal Rex Huberman.    Brueski and Delatorre address the pressing issue of society's disregard for sex workers, a problem not limited to Suffolk County but prevalent across the country. Brueski notes, “These are human beings. These are people who have rights...considering most of them didn't choose to go into that sort of profession.” He questions how society can shift its mindset to take crimes against sex workers more seriously, given the probable existence of many more perpetrators like Huberman, who exploit the current mindset of police and society that consider these individuals as lesser people.    Delatorre responds by highlighting a fundamental issue that contributes to this problem: society's difficulty in discussing sex openly and understanding healthy sexuality beyond heteronormative thinking. He explains, “The ostracism of sex working is in line with our inability to truly understand and appreciate just the spectrum of sexuality.” This issue is not unique to America; Delatorre believes that sex work is viewed negatively worldwide, leading to the marginalization and ostracism of sex workers even in industrialized societies.    The conversation then shifts to Rex Huberman, who, like many imprisoned individuals, has reportedly started meeting with a clergyman once a week. Delatorre expresses skepticism about the sincerity of Huberman's newfound religiosity, stating, “The reality is that everybody finds God when they're in prison...I have no reason to believe that he is actually going to walk the path of the righteous.” He suggests that this could be a strategic move for impression management, a tactic often employed by individuals who want others to perceive them more favorably than they actually are.    The discussion on Hidden Killers underscores the urgent need for society to change its attitude towards sex workers and sex in general. The devaluation of sex workers' lives and the lack of attention given to crimes committed against them enable criminals like Huberman to operate with impunity. Additionally, the skepticism surrounding the sincerity of criminals' religious awakenings while incarcerated highlights the need for a more discerning approach to assessing their claims of reform. Ultimately, society must confront its discomfort with discussing sex openly and adopt a more inclusive understanding of sexuality to address the root causes of these issues. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

7 Syys 20235min

In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," hosted by Tony Brueski, with Jennifer Coffindaffer, a former FBI Special Agent, and a daily contributor to the podcast, the two discuss the peculiar behavior of the Heuermann family after their house was raided due to another family member's criminal activities.    The Heuermann family, as Brueski describes, has been spending an unusual amount of time on their lawn, barbecuing and engaging in activities they never used to do. This behavior has sparked intrigue and suspicion among their neighbors. The family's attorney claims that the house is uninhabitable due to the floor-to-ceiling debris, and therefore, they have no choice but to spend time outside. Coffindaffer explains that the family's behavior could be an attempt to garner sympathy and support for a civil lawsuit against the authorities for the condition of their home.    She notes that it would benefit the family to keep the house in its current state as it strengthens their civil claim. Law enforcement, she asserts, is thorough in documenting the state of a property before a raid, and usually restores it to its original state to avoid lawsuits. This makes it unlikely that the family's lawsuit will hold up in court.    Moreover, Coffindaffer and Brueski express skepticism about the family's narrative. They highlight the oddity of the family's desire for public attention, given that victims of serial killers typically seek privacy. Brueski suggests that the family’s behavior may be opportunistic and aimed at deflecting attention from other possible areas of investigation.    The episode also delves into the family's claim that their cats were sent to a kill shelter during the raid. Coffindaffer suggests that this account may be one-sided, as the other party involved has not publicly commented on the situation. The family's actions, according to Coffindaffer, are unusual for victims of serial killers who typically want to maintain their privacy and even move out of their homes.    Brueski and Coffindaffer question the family’s motives, considering the ongoing struggle of a family member with cancer, which paints them as vulnerable and sympathetic figures. They wonder whether the family’s actions are a strategic attempt to deflect attention from other areas that could be under investigation.    In summary, the "Hidden Killers" podcast episode with Tony Brueski and Jennifer Coffindaffer analyzes the peculiar behavior of the Heuermann family after their house was raided. The hosts express skepticism about the family's narrative and motives, questioning whether their actions are an attempt to garner sympathy for a civil lawsuit, deflect attention from other possible investigations, or a combination of both. The episode highlights the complexities and challenges faced by victims of serial killers and the broader community in the aftermath of such events. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

7 Syys 20236min

In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, hosts Tony Brueski and Bob Motta, a defense attorney and host of "Defense Diaries," discussed the alleged involvement of former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke in the Long Island Serial Killer (LISK) case. The hosts speculated on Burke's connection to suspect Rex Heuermann and whether his involvement with sex workers could have influenced the lack of investigation into the killings.    Brueski and Motta discussed the possibility that Burke was reluctant to investigate because of his personal involvement with sex workers. "If you're involved in that world of hiring sex workers and you don't want to be found out if they happen to be dropping dead every now and then and it happened to be one that you saw on a regular basis, well that's one more person that can ever talk and say that you were with them," Brueski said.    Motta added that the question of Burke's connection to Heuermann and his involvement with sex workers may never be addressed in a criminal trial because it is not directly relevant to the charges. However, he pointed out that if Burke is sued in a civil court, he could be forced to answer these questions during a deposition. "Like I love depositions in civil cases. Because that's when you can, like so many times you have criminal cases where in terms of the testimony, it's going to be limited because of relevance. It's gotta be relevant to the crime that is being tried at trial. That is a collateral issue that could be just absolutely devastating," Motta said.    The hosts also discussed the possibility of suing Burke and Suffolk County if more bodies are found. Motta explained that governmental immunity may protect Burke and the county from being sued, but this immunity could be pierced if it can be shown that Burke's actions were willful and wanton. "It seems like, based on what we know, We might be able to break through it because willful and wanton behavior when he clearly had evidence and if he was the one that they can show that he was the one that was shutting the investigation down," Motta said.    Brueski and Motta expressed hope that the truth will come out and that those responsible will be held accountable. "So we'll see how it plays out, man. But it'll be interesting for sure," Motta concluded.    The Long Island Serial Killer case involves the murders of 10 to 16 people over a period of nearly 20 years. Most of the victims were associated with the sex trade. The case remains unsolved, and the identity of the killer is unknown. James Burke served as the chief of the Suffolk County Police Department from 2012 to 2015. He was sentenced to 46 months in prison in 2016 for beating a man who stole a duffel bag from his vehicle and orchestrating a cover-up. Rex Heuermann has been mentioned in media reports as a possible suspect in the LISK case, but no charges have been filed against him.    As the investigation into the Long Island Serial Killer continues, many questions remain unanswered. The involvement of former law enforcement officials and the possibility of legal action against them adds another layer of complexity to this already mysterious case. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

7 Syys 20234min

In the recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski sat down with psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott to discuss the deeply troubling culture within law enforcement that has allowed serial killers, like the accused Rex Heuermann, to operate freely, exploiting the most vulnerable members of society. The conversation revolved around the involvement of the former Suffolk County Police Chief, James Burke, in the sex industry, and the implications of this involvement for the community and law enforcement culture as a whole.    Scott stressed the detrimental impact on the community when victims of sex workers, already operating in an illegal and therefore precarious environment, don’t feel safe coming forward due to the involvement of police officials in exploiting them. “It's really atrocious. I mean, it really is. People like this don't live in a bubble either. There's obviously more Rex Heuermann out there, not just in Long Island but throughout the country,” she said. The atmosphere created by Burke contributed to a wider culture of mistrust and vulnerability, ultimately leading to the tragic deaths of many women who might have otherwise been saved.    She highlighted a particularly shocking incident documented in a Hulu documentary by TMZ, where a witness who knew one of the women very well identified the vehicle she went into, and even recognized Heuermann. Despite reporting it, no one took any action. This case pointed to a larger, systemic issue that needs addressing—a complete cultural shift within law enforcement. "We need to change the people who are in power and revisit how we interact with the more disempowered people in the community and how we keep them safe," Scott noted.    Brueski further questioned the reluctance of local officials to accept help from larger forces like the FBI, despite their offer to provide resources and assistance in investigations. This refusal not only indicated interdepartmental politics and ego clashes but also raised red flags about the intentions of local officials. Scott cited the case of the Golden State Killer in California, where local jurisdictions intentionally chose not to share information with each other, enabling the killer to commit more crimes across different communities. "We need to do a better job, and we certainly need to include the FBI, and everybody needs to get over their egos and work together," Scott insisted.    The discussion highlighted the urgent need for a change in law enforcement culture, including greater transparency, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Only by addressing these deep-rooted issues can we hope to prevent further tragedies and bring justice to the victims of heinous crimes like those committed by Rex Heuermann. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

7 Syys 20234min

In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski and guest Robin Dreeke, a retired FBI Special Agent and Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program, discuss the troubling aftermath of a police raid on the home of Rex Heuermann and Asa Ellerup, where authorities suspected the presence of a prolific serial killer. The incident raised questions about the handling of pets during such operations and the support offered to the families affected.    The raid resulted in the couple's house being significantly damaged, a standard procedure when searching for evidence related to a serial killer. However, the decision to send the family's two cats to a kill shelter has raised eyebrows. Brueski and Dreeke discuss whether this move was a PR blunder or a necessary precaution, and debate the appropriateness of the treatment towards the family, who the police have already identified as victims.    Dreeke explained that usually, there is a solid plan before entering a house, which includes knowing the layout of the house and having plans for pets. The fact that the cats were sent to a kill shelter, despite the family being identified as victims, is unusual and shocking. He expressed his surprise that no corrective action has been taken, given that organizations usually have victim assistance programs in place to deal with the aftermath of such operations.    The discussion also touches on the credibility of Asa Ellerup, who has been vocal about the incident. Brueski and Dreeke question whether her account is entirely truthful or if her anger and the recent conviction of the police chief have influenced her perspective. Dreeke notes that her narrative does not align with other similar cases, such as the Kohberger case, where the family did not complain about their house being left uninhabitable.    Brueski and Dreeke acknowledge the difficulty of the situation for Ellerup, who filed for divorce after her husband was accused of being the Gilgo Beach killer and soliciting prostitutes. They speculate that her anger towards her husband and the situation could influence her perception of the police and FBI's actions. Nonetheless, they agree that the lack of visible victim assistance is concerning and warrants further investigation.    In conclusion, the episode of "Hidden Killers" raises important questions about the treatment of families and pets during police raids and the support provided afterward. While the hosts express skepticism about the account provided by Asa Ellerup, they agree that the situation raises concerning issues that merit further examination. As authorities continue to combat hidden killers in society, it is essential to ensure that the processes in place are humane and supportive for all those affected. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

7 Syys 20237min

In a recent episode of "Hidden Killers" podcast, hosts Tony Brueski and Bob Motta, a defense attorney and host of "Defense Diaries", discussed the ongoing investigation into the Gilgo Beach killings in Sumner County, involving Rex Heuermann, and the potential connection to missing Julia Ann Bean.    The investigation has yet to provide any evidence linking Heuermann to Bean's disappearance, despite her family's insistence that her daughter saw Heuermann the night Bean went missing in 2017. Motta expresses hope that the investigation will continue, despite the lack of DNA evidence, citing the importance of old-fashioned police work and the daughter’s eyewitness account. The hosts express frustration at the ignored evidence and testimony that could have led to Heuermann's capture much earlier, comparing the situation to the mishandling of the John Wayne Gacy case.    The hosts delve into the intricate details of the case, analyzing the evidence laid out in the bail application and speculating on the potential discovery of more mass graves created by Heuermann. Motta highlights the specificity of an eyewitness account that described Heuermann as an "ogre" driving a green Chevy Aval, arguing that this alone could have provided probable cause for a search warrant.    They also discuss the efforts made by investigators to piece together Heuermann's travels over the past decade, cross-referencing cold cases in areas he visited. Motta expresses hope that no more victims will be found, but acknowledges the necessity of solving cold cases and providing closure to victims' families.    The conversation highlights the potential repercussions for authorities, who may face legal and public scrutiny for their failure to apprehend Heuermann sooner. Both hosts agree that answers will be demanded by the victims' families and the general public.    Overall, the discussion underscores the complexity and frustration surrounding the case, as well as the potential for significant consequences for those involved in the investigation. The hosts' analysis provides valuable insight into the ongoing efforts to solve the case and hold those responsible accountable. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

6 Syys 20237min

In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers", host Tony Brueski discussed the troubling link between sex workers, their marginalization, and the unresolved crimes connected to them, with retired FBI Special Agent, Robin Dreeke. The conversation shed light on the role of police and society in the perpetuation of this cycle, specifically referencing the case of James Burke, former Suffolk County Police Chief, during the time Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach killer, was active.    Dreeke highlighted the systemic victimization of the sex worker community, explaining that most of them did not choose this line of work, but were forced into it by predators at a young age. “This group tends to be the most trafficked as teenagers, basically sold into slavery,” Dreeke said. This initial victimization often spirals into a life of continued exploitation and marginalization by society and law enforcement, making it incredibly difficult for individuals in this community to come forward or seek help, thereby enabling serial rapists and killers to continue victimizing them.    In the case of Burke, not only did his involvement in the sex industry likely deter sex workers from coming forward, but he also utilized and victimized them himself. Brueski and Dreeke agreed that this is part of a larger societal issue, where sex workers are viewed as lesser individuals, despite being forced into their circumstances. Brueski noted, “It’s a societal issue where people aren’t accepting that… these folks did not choose to do this.”    The conversation also touched on the importance of community policing, with Dreeke emphasizing that communities with strong police-community relationships tend to have lower crime rates and faster resolution times. Unfortunately, the individuals who could be most proactive in solving crimes are often the ones most victimized by them.    Despite the dark nature of the topic, Dreeke noted a disconcerting trend: episodes of his podcast covering serial rapists receive significantly fewer downloads than those covering serial killers. This disparity highlights a societal tendency to focus on sensationalized crimes while overlooking issues that could lead to proactive solutions.    The podcast episode served as a stark reminder of the need for society to address its underlying issues contributing to the victimization of already marginalized communities. It stressed the importance of acknowledging the systemic forces that lead individuals into sex work, treating them with empathy and respect, and recognizing the critical role they can play in solving and preventing crimes. Ultimately, every life is important, and it is the responsibility of both law enforcement and society as a whole to ensure that no one is left behind or forgotten. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

6 Syys 20238min