38: Rex Heuermann: Business By Day, Murder By Night?

In a riveting episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott. They delved into the intricate psychological workings of individuals with criminal tendencies, offering insights into how these minds operate and the subsequent implications for law enforcement.

Scott highlighted one of the most pressing concerns for law enforcement: the balance between safeguarding society and infringing on personal freedoms. "You know, because it gets into how much can we monitor people in this society?... other than really careful monitoring once someone has committed a sex crime," Scott remarked. She went on to emphasize the importance of stringent post-crime supervision, particularly for those not incarcerated, underscoring the challenges law enforcement faces when a person hasn't been charged.

The topic then transitioned to the disturbing findings at Gilgo Beach, where from 1996 to 2011, remains of nearly two dozen victims were discovered. Brueski questioned the likelihood of different murderers dumping bodies at the same site. Scott responded, "I think they've got to be looking really closely at how they can tie [Rex] if he can be connected to the other ones, because it seems statistically very odd." The mysterious scenario paints a harrowing backdrop, illuminating the dark underbelly of certain locales.

Brueski further inquired about certain objects potentially linked to criminal acts, particularly the intriguing discovery of a belt with the letters "w h" or "hm". Scott suggested that leaving behind such objects can sometimes be a deliberate "signature", a testament to the criminal's grandiosity. "It's almost this need to prove themselves as 'I'm smarter than you are and look what I can do and you can't get me'", she elaborated.

One of the most chilling aspects discussed was the ability of such individuals to compartmentalize their illicit activities. Scott shed light on this perplexing behavior: "That's one of the weirdest qualities that I see in folks like this…they just don't leak. Most normal people would leak when they're thinking about something a lot... And guys like this just really keep secrets well."

Brueski also delved into the practice of criminals keeping "trophies" from their heinous acts. Scott explained that this seemingly counterintuitive behavior stems from a complex interplay of grandiosity, narcissism, and addiction. "Even though this is poor judgment to keep this item, they do it anyway because they get such a sense of power from it," she asserted.

Scott's perspectives provide a unique window into the mind of criminals, revealing not only the twisted logic behind their actions but also the challenges faced by those who seek to bring them to justice. This episode underscores the need for ongoing research and dialogue in criminal psychology. The revelations within it serve as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in ensuring society's safety without compromising individual freedoms.
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