Long Island Serial Killer | The Trial Of Rex Heuermann

How does someone allegedly murder for years and no one—not their spouse, not their neighbors, not even law enforcement—catches on? The case of the Long Island Serial Killer is less about a criminal mastermind and more about a society that seems almost designed to look the other way. In this episode, retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke unpacks how someone like Rex Heuermann could allegedly operate in plain sight—married, employed, raising kids—while hiding a horrifying double life. Dreeke suggests Heuermann didn't just manipulate individuals—he groomed an entire community into normalizing his red flags. We dive into the psychology behind targeting the vulnerable, specifically sex workers—many of whom are trafficked and have suffered abuse long before ever meeting a predator. With chilling insights, Dreeke explains how desensitization, societal bias, and law enforcement failures create the perfect storm for serial offenders to thrive. And what about the family? Were they complicit, oblivious, or just surviving in a world warped by gradual exposure to chaos? Could it really be that the scariest part of all this isn’t the evil itself, but how easy it is to ignore when it makes us feel safer? #LISK #RexHeuermann #TrueCrimePodcast #FBIAnalysis #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #RobinDreeke 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 The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

8 Huhti 11min

MAJOR MISSTEPS! Ret FBI Robin Dreeke Breaks Down How Police Could Have Caught The Long Island Serial Killer Sooner What happens when the person responsible for justice might be the one obstructing it? In this episode, Tony and Robin Dreeke dig into the alleged corruption surrounding former police chief James Burke and how his leadership may have actively steered investigators away from digging too deep into the Rex Heuermann case. Instead of outright suppression, was Burke just piling on other “righteous work” to keep the department too busy to notice what was hiding in plain sight? They explore how social bias against sex workers, systemic neglect, and fear-fueled silence in the trafficking world creates the perfect storm for predators to thrive. And even with good cops wanting to do the right thing, how can they make any progress when they're outnumbered, under-resourced, and told to move fast or move on? Could better protection and long-term trust-building with sex trafficking victims be the missing key to taking down entire criminal networks? #RexHeuermann #JamesBurke #GilgoBeach #TrueCrimePodcast #SexTrafficking #LawEnforcement #HiddenKillers 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 The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

7 Huhti 14min

Accused LISK Rex Heuermann's Hair DNA May Never See A Jury, Here's Why In this episode, we break down the high-stakes legal battle playing out in the Rex Heuermann case—accused in the chilling Gilgo Beach serial murders. At the center of it all? A motion to exclude groundbreaking DNA evidence derived from hair samples found on the victims. With no roots, no blood, and no traditional genetic markers, these hair fragments were analyzed using whole genome sequencing, a method never before used in a New York criminal trial. Prosecutors say the science is solid. The defense calls it “magic.” You’ll hear exactly how this forensic evidence was gathered, what it allegedly reveals about Rex Heuermann and his household, and why both sides are fighting tooth and nail over its admissibility. We explore the role of Astrea Forensics, the lab behind the testing, and the legal implications of introducing this type of DNA evidence into court. As the Frye hearing unfolds, experts are taking the stand, and even Jurassic Park has made its way into the courtroom. Yes, really. We also examine the defense's strategy to sever the murder charges—arguing that trying all seven cases together would unfairly sway a jury. With the structure of the trial and the admissibility of DNA evidence both hanging in the balance, this case could set a major precedent for how forensic science is used in court. If you're following the Gilgo Beach murders or the Rex Heuermann trial, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 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 The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

7 Huhti 27min

Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer Docuseries Coming to Netflix It took a terrified 911 call from a young woman named Shannan Gilbert to expose what had been hiding in plain sight—eleven sets of remains scattered along Gilgo Beach, the work of a serial killer who had eluded justice for decades. In May 2010, Shannan disappeared after placing a frantic 22-minute call to 911, insisting that someone was trying to kill her. She ran through the quiet gated community of Oak Beach, banging on doors for help, before vanishing into the marshland. It wasn’t just her sudden disappearance that rattled Suffolk County—it was what investigators stumbled upon during the search for her. In the thick brush off Ocean Parkway, police discovered a set of human remains. And then another. And another. By the time they were done, there were 11 victims—nine women, one toddler, and one man. It was a horrifying find, but even worse, it begged a question: How did no one notice this sooner? For years, the investigation dragged with no real traction. Families begged for answers. Reporters pressed. The public speculated. And all the while, Suffolk County PD maintained tight control over the case. But in the background, something else was quietly rotting—police leadership. Specifically, then-Police Chief James Burke, who was later convicted in a corruption scandal involving the beating of a handcuffed suspect and a massive coverup operation. That kind of mess didn’t just tarnish reputations—it likely delayed justice. Fast-forward 13 years. On July 14, 2023, police arrested Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old architect from Massapequa Park. He lived a seemingly ordinary life, commuting to Midtown Manhattan for work and returning home to a quiet suburban street. But authorities now say Heuermann is connected to at least seven of the victims—and possibly more. So how did they finally catch him? The answer lies in a long-overdue task force that, within weeks of being formed in 2022 under new leadership, connected the dots that had been missed—or ignored—for over a decade. Cell phone data, burner phones, search history, and DNA evidence from pizza crust—yes, pizza crust—all pointed directly to Heuermann. Turns out, all of that evidence had been sitting in police files for years. The new Netflix docuseries Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer, directed by Liz Garbus, picks up where justice left off. Garbus doesn’t just walk us through the crime scenes—she drags the system into the light. It’s raw, it’s personal, and it doesn’t let the viewer look away. Garbus is no stranger to this story. Back in 2020, she directed Lost Girls, a scripted film based on Robert Kolker’s book, which centered on Mari Gilbert’s relentless fight for justice after her daughter Shannan vanished. After Heuermann’s arrest, actress Amy Ryan—who portrayed Mari in the film—texted Garbus in shock: the suspect had once been in her apartment building. A literal brush with evil. That eerie personal connection sent Garbus straight back to the families. She knew this story wasn’t over—and it wasn’t just about one killer. It was about how a system failed to care until a case landed on its front lawn. The documentary doesn’t hold back. It features first-person accounts from survivors and friends of the victims, including women who once worked in the sex trade and shared chilling stories about close calls with Heuermann. One woman, Taylor, tells the harrowing tale of being lured into a house where she believes someone else was trapped upstairs. Her story is laced with trauma, but also strength. She, and others like her, speak now because they couldn’t before. The first episode focuses heavily on Shannan Gilbert, and for good reason. Her case was the catalyst. Her 911 call was the moment that broke the dam. Unlike many of the other victims, Shannan’s disappearance came with undeniable evidence—an actual recording of her begging for help. And even then, it took years for police to release that audio to the public. Without her, the Gilgo case might still be buried beneath the sand. Episode 2 pivots to the corruption scandal. Burke’s behavior didn’t just stain the department—it made families feel invisible. It validated what victims’ relatives had been saying all along: that their daughters weren’t taken seriously. That police leadership didn’t care. That sex workers could disappear without a ripple. And the fact that a fresh task force—formed under a new district attorney and command—was able to identify a suspect in just six weeks? That speaks volumes. Garbus’s documentary doesn’t sensationalize. It humanizes. It lets us meet the women whose lives were lost, not just their mugshots. It invites viewers to understand how those in the sex industry looked out for one another in ways law enforcement didn’t. Through Craigslist and cell phones, they created safety plans. They warned each other. They were resourceful, strong, and all too aware of the risks. The show also pulls back the curtain on the man accused of being the Gilgo Beach killer. Heuermann’s professional life in architecture brought him into dozens of buildings, including some in Brooklyn—right where Garbus and Amy Ryan live. People who worked with him now recount disturbing interactions: his unpredictable demeanor, inappropriate questions, and an unnerving fixation with true crime. And then there’s the timeline. Evidence used to charge Heuermann had been sitting there for years. DNA from one of the victims’ burlap wrappings. Cell tower pings. A clue trail that should’ve been followed long ago. But under Burke’s leadership, the department was too busy protecting itself. Gone Girls isn’t just a true crime documentary. It’s a blueprint of institutional failure, wrapped around a story of unthinkable violence. It shows us what happens when people in power ignore the cries of victims and dismiss entire communities as disposable. It also reminds us what persistence looks like. Families who never gave up. Journalists who kept digging. And filmmakers like Garbus, who knew there was more to tell—even when the headlines stopped coming. #GilgoBeachMurders #RexHeuermann #GoneGirlsNetflix #TrueCrimeJustice 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 The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

24 Maalis 25min

The Gilgo Beach Trial: One Case or Five Separate Trials? The suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heuermann, was back in a Suffolk County courtroom, and the debate over how his case should be tried took center stage. Prosecutors laid out their argument: all seven alleged murders should be handled in one trial. The defense? They want five separate trials. And if that wasn’t enough legal wrangling, the battle over DNA evidence is just getting started. Prosecutors dropped a new piece of Heuermann’s past into the mix—he spent about four summers in the 1980s working at Jones Beach. It’s a detail that, on its own, might not seem like much, but when you consider that the remains of six of his alleged victims were found in that same area, it becomes a lot more relevant. DA Ray Tierney didn’t mince words, calling Heuermann a “serial killer who meticulously and methodically hunted down and murdered seven women.” Heuermann’s defense, led by attorney Michael Brown, has been working overtime to break the prosecution’s case apart. Their latest move? Push for separate trials, presumably in an effort to dilute the impact of the evidence. The argument here is likely that trying all seven cases together could unfairly prejudice a jury. But prosecutors aren’t budging—they want one trial, one jury, one verdict. And then there’s the DNA evidence. It’s a major factor in this case, with forensic testing linking hairs found on the victims to Heuermann. But here’s the catch—the testing method used by the California lab has never been introduced in a New York courtroom before. That means the defense is arguing that the science is untested, unreliable, maybe even inadmissible. Tierney, however, is confident it will hold up. “This is sound science. It is the future of DNA analysis,” he said. “If the defense wants to call it magic, that’s fine.” In other words, the DA isn’t worried. For now, Heuermann remains behind bars, awaiting his trial. His attorney says he’s being patient, aware of how crucial these pre-trial hearings are. The defense isn’t in a rush, and neither, it seems, is the court. A hearing to determine whether the DNA evidence can be used is set for March 12, which means the trial itself still doesn’t have a start date. Considering Heuermann was arrested in the summer of 2023, the wait continues. What did get decided? The trial will take place in Suffolk County. The defense, at least, seems satisfied with that outcome, believing that a jury from the local community is the best option for their client. Brown made it clear: “The residents of Suffolk County, who are familiar with what goes on in Suffolk County, we are looking forward to having them sit in that courtroom.” So, while one piece of the puzzle is in place, the bigger question remains: Will the prosecution get their single trial, or will the defense succeed in breaking it up into five? And will that crucial DNA evidence make it in? Those answers are still on hold, and for now, Heuermann waits. 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 The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

27 Helmi 14min

The shocking arrest of Rex Heuermann, the accused Gilgo Beach serial killer, sent shockwaves across the world. But what if we told you he wasn’t the only alleged predator in his family? Meet Reverend Kenneth Heuermann, a trusted pastor accused of sexually abusing a child for years—and somehow, he was never brought to justice. This disturbing revelation raises serious questions: Was there a culture of cover-ups in the Heuermann family? How did Kenneth Heuermann manage to avoid prosecution for decades? And could Rex Heuermann’s dark tendencies have deeper family roots? We dive into the unsettling connections between a pastor who allegedly preyed on children and a serial killer accused of hunting women—two men, one family, and a history of secrecy that has only just begun to unravel.   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 The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

19 Helmi 22min

Accused Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Challenges DNA Evidence, Seeks Separate Trials Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann appeared in a Long Island courtroom as his defense team formally filed motions challenging the case against him. Heuermann, an architect and father of two from Massapequa Park, is charged with seven of at least ten murders tied to the infamous Gilgo Beach killings. His legal team is pushing to separate the charges into multiple trials and is contesting key forensic evidence that prosecutors plan to use. His attorney, Michael Brown, filed a motion requesting that the seven murder charges be split into five separate trials.  The motion proposes that the first three victims be tried together, while the remaining four be handled individually. Brown argued that keeping all charges in one trial could unfairly influence a jury. "When you have count after count, charge after charge, it leads a jury despite a judge's instruction, it leads a jury to say you know what there's so much there," Brown stated. "He may not be guilty of this but maybe he's guilty of that and it's what we call accumulative effect." The defense is also challenging DNA evidence obtained from rootless hairs found at six of the crime scenes. Attorney Danielle Coysh argued that the forensic method used to analyze the hairs has not been widely accepted in the scientific community, making it inadmissible under state law. "It's never been the subject of any judicial testing or any standard so this is the first time in the United States that it will be done," Coysh said. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney pushed back on the defense's claims, stating that the DNA method—performed by Astrea Forensics, a California-based lab—is scientifically valid. "I would submit that this is the next generation of the evolution of the technology," Tierney said. "It's exciting to be at the forefront of that and we look forward to proving the scientific acceptance and effectiveness of this technology." Tierney has led the charge against Heuermann, working with the Gilgo Beach Task Force to bring charges against him. The latest development in the case comes after Heuermann was recently charged in the murder of Valerie Mack. Her remains were first discovered by a hunter’s dog in 2000 in a wooded area of Manorville, Long Island. Mack’s decapitated body was found inside a black plastic bag bound with rope and wrapped in duct tape. Both her hands and one of her legs were severed, according to court documents. The rest of her remains surfaced more than a decade later, in April 2011, near Gilgo Beach. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to Mack’s murder, as well as the killings of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Costello, Jessica Taylor, and Sandra Costilla. Authorities have linked the murders to a string of victims found along Ocean Parkway between 1993 and 2010. His next court appearance is set for February 18. Judge Timothy Mazzei indicated that a hearing on the DNA evidence, known as a Frye hearing, will likely take place in late February or early March. Heuermann has denied all charges. #GilgoBeach #RexHeuermann #TrueCrime #ColdCase #DNAEvidence #JusticeForVictims #LongIsland 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 The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

3 Helmi 27min

It starts with a knife sheath—a single piece of evidence that could make or break the prosecution’s case against Bryan Kohberger. In this episode, we delve into the defense's bold attempts to suppress this pivotal DNA evidence and how it could reshape the trial. Next, we turn to the Gilgo Beach case, where Rex Heuermann’s attorneys challenge cutting-edge forensic science in a bid to exclude DNA linking him to the victims. Then, we examine the latest twists in Karen Read’s defense, focusing on disputed phone data and the eerie possibility that dog bites, not a hit-and-run, are key to solving this case. Each story brings high stakes and shocking turns as the pursuit of justice unfolds. 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 The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

10 Tammi 37min