Long Island Serial Killer | The Trial Of Rex Heuermann

The true nature of criminals and the workings of their mind have always been a topic of intrigue and concern. The podcast "Hidden Killers" with Tony Brueski and former prosecutor Laurie Gilbertson shed light on such heinous criminals, their behaviors, and the systems that deal with them. A recent episode discusses Rex Heuermann, who was meeting with a clergyman once a week while in jail. Gilbertson and Brueski debate whether this is a genuine act of seeking redemption or a strategy advised by an attorney to evoke pity. Gilbertson admits, “I have no idea what it means, and honestly, does it really matter? Maybe he needs someone to talk to. Maybe he has found God, maybe it is just a way of trying to get some sympathy.”    The podcast delves deeper into the mind of criminals like Heuermann, questioning how such individuals are created. Gilbertson recalls a case from her time in the Appeals Bureau, involving a psychopathic killer whose cruelty started with animals in his childhood. She draws a parallel with Heuermann, who targeted and tortured vulnerable individuals for his satisfaction. Gilbertson explains, “someone like Rex Heuermann took the weakest people that he could find and pretty much tortured them… obviously he got a lot out of it.” She further asserts that such tendencies do not suddenly develop in adulthood but are likely exhibited from childhood.    The conversation takes a darker turn as Brueski and Gilbertson discuss whether serial killers ever stop on their own or only halt due to external factors like death or incarceration. Gilbertson believes that being caught is the usual end for serial killers as the act of committing crimes and getting away with them is too enticing. She notes that Heuermann, despite being a successful architect with a family, continued his criminal activities because he was getting away with it every day. This constant pushing of boundaries and evasion of capture is a common pattern observed in serial killers. Gilbertson concludes, “It is rare that you see serial killers just decide to retire.”    This insightful discussion underscores the complexity of criminal minds and the challenges faced by the criminal justice system. It also highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of criminal behavior and its origins to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies. 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

8 Sep 20235min

In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," former FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer joins host Tony Brueski to discuss the perplexing and deeply concerning case of Rex Heuermann, a suspect linked to a series of killings in Long Island, NY. Heuermann is currently at the center of investigations surrounding the Long Island Serial Killer, a case which the Suffolk County Police and former Chief James Burke have been accused of not investigating adequately, despite having significant information about Heuermann for over a decade.    During their conversation, Brueski and Coffindaffer explore the Suffolk County Police's reluctance to involve the FBI in the investigation, despite the magnitude of the case. Coffindaffer notes that pushing away resources and expertise from the FBI is a red flag, usually indicating a breakdown in the investigative philosophy or personal infighting between local authorities and the FBI. The pair discuss Heuermann's odd behavior, including hiring women who resembled his victims and sharing unsettling tales of bear hunting with his colleagues, which retrospectively seem to be a form of passive-aggressive taunting.    The discussion takes a darker turn as Coffindaffer raises the possibility that the authorities may have only uncovered one of Heuermann's 'mass graves.' Given the difficulty of searching the dense foliage in Long Island and the addictive nature of the alleged killer's behavior, she suggests there may be more undiscovered victims. "Taking alcohol away from an alcoholic that is not recovered yet or any other addiction. It's so difficult, and clearly, he was an addict for this type of behavior. He was a serial killer, allegedly. If, again, these crimes, if he's convicted of these crimes, a person like this, it's just so difficult for them to stop," Coffindaffer concluded.    The episode raises critical questions about the sufficiency of the investigation into the Long Island Serial Killer and casts a shadow of doubt over whether authorities have fully uncovered the extent of Heuermann's alleged crimes. With more people coming forward recounting odd or concerning encounters with Heuermann, it remains to be seen what the full scope of this harrowing case will reveal.    While Rex Heuermann has not been formally charged or convicted, the revelations shared by Brueski and Coffindaffer in this episode of "Hidden Killers" underline the importance of thoroughly investigating all leads in such grave matters, regardless of the challenges presented by interpersonal dynamics or geographical obstacles. The victims and their families deserve nothing less than a comprehensive and exhaustive search for the truth.    If you or someone you know has information related to this case, you are encouraged to contact the Suffolk County Police Department. 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

8 Sep 20235min

In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers" hosted by Tony Brueski, the discussion with psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott delved deep into the psyche of serial killers, and the societal dynamics that enable them to thrive undetected.    Scott shed light on the chilling case of former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke, highlighting the toxic atmosphere he created where victims of sex workers felt unsafe coming forward due to his own involvement in the industry. This alarming scenario, Scott posits, sets the stage for more sinister individuals to exploit and abuse an already vulnerable segment of the population. “It's really atrocious… if the police won't listen to people like that, what does one do?” Scott mused. The duo touched on the challenges that arise when those expected to be protectors – in this case, law enforcement officials – become predators. A shift in the cultural framework of law enforcement, Scott asserted, is essential to protect disempowered individuals and to preempt further tragedies.    The conversation also delved into the troubling response of law enforcement when it comes to collaborating with external agencies. Scott cited instances where local officials, motivated by interdepartmental politics and ego clashes, rejected the assistance of the FBI in critical investigations. Such reluctance, Scott noted, allows criminals to slip through the cracks and perpetrate more crimes. A case in point being the Golden State Killer in California, whose killing spree across different jurisdictions was not immediately linked due to the lack of information sharing among local authorities. “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 urged.    Another poignant moment in the podcast came when Brueski and Scott discussed the repercussions of an investigation on innocent family members. Brueski mentioned a recent case involving Rex Heuermann and Asa Ellerup, where, amidst the investigation, the couple's pets were taken to a kill shelter. While acknowledging the necessity of a thorough investigation, Scott emphasized the importance of a compassionate approach to minimize the collateral damage inflicted on the innocent. “We're all for justice, but let's have a heart at the same time,” Brueski concurred.    The conversation took a psychological turn as Brueski and Scott explored the mindset of serial killers, particularly their ability to compartmentalize their heinous actions and maintain a façade of normalcy. Scott suggested that while serial killers might be capable of conducting a life review and acknowledging their differences from others, they might not feel genuine remorse for their actions. Instead, they may exhibit a morbid intellectual curiosity and a desire for attention. Scott added that many serial killers might eventually stop their killing sprees as they age, but the fantasies and the attachment to their 'souvenirs' might persist.    On a closing note, the podcast addressed the difficulty in identifying potential serial killers among the general population. Despite common red flags in children, such as a fascination with death, sadistic violence, or torturing animals, it is challenging to pinpoint telltale signs in adults due to the prevalence of such interests in mainstream culture. Scott highlighted the need for vigilance towards cold, callous, and predatory individuals, even though these traits do not definitively indicate a serial killer.    The episode wrapped up with a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in society and the urgent need for systemic change and increased awareness to protect the most vulnerable. The discussion underscored the complexity of the issue, and the ongoing challenges faced in identifying and apprehending these 'hidden killers'. 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

8 Sep 20239min

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 Sep 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 Sep 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 Sep 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 Sep 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 Sep 20234min