Rex Heuermann: The Suburban Monster & the System That Looked Away | 2025 Year in Review

Rex Heuermann: The Suburban Monster & the System That Looked Away | 2025 Year in Review

As part of our Hidden Killers 2025 Year in Review series, we’re revisiting one of the darkest and most complex cases in modern true crime — the alleged double life of Rex Heuermann, the accused Gilgo Beach serial killer who managed to live a picture-perfect suburban existence while allegedly committing unthinkable crimes.

In this gripping two-part special, Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke unravel how Heuermann allegedly concealed a predatory world behind the mask of a mild-mannered architect. Dreeke dissects the psychological mechanics of deception — how a man can manipulate his own family into overlooking chaos, maintain the illusion of normalcy, and exploit society’s indifference toward marginalized victims.

How do you hide something this horrifying in plain sight?
By preying on a culture that doesn’t look too closely.

The conversation dives deep into the psychology of incremental abnormality — how small behavioral shifts go unnoticed until the monster is fully formed. From the quiet control of his household to the alleged targeting of sex trafficking victims society ignored, Dreeke exposes the chilling behavioral blueprint of a man who thrived in the shadows of neglect.

Then, the focus turns to Suffolk County’s corruption problem — one that may have allowed this case to fester for over a decade. Enter James Burke, the disgraced former police chief whose own scandals — including beating a suspect over stolen porn and sex toys — helped derail the Gilgo investigation for years. With former DA Thomas Spota later indicted for obstruction and witness tampering, the question becomes unavoidable: Did law enforcement’s rot give a serial killer room to operate?

The episode also examines Asa Ellerup’s new public comments following Netflix’s Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer. Heuermann’s ex-wife isn’t pushing conspiracy theories — but she’s asking questions. Could her husband be a fall guy for a broken system? With DNA evidence hinging on a controversial technique called whole genome sequencing, the courts now face a precedent-setting decision that could make or break the case.

🎙️ Hidden Killers with Tony Brueski — 2025 Year in Review: The Crimes, The Corruption, and The Psychology That Defined the Year.


#RexHeuermann #GilgoBeachMurders #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #RobinDreeke #AsaEllerup #JamesBurke #SuffolkCounty #TrueCrimePodcast #Corruption #SerialKillerCase #YearInReview #JusticeForVictims #TrueCrimeToday

Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?

Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/
Tik-Tok
https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod
X Twitter
https://x.com/tonybpod

Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Avsnitt(420)

28: How Many Other 'Rex Heuermann’s' Live Amongst Us?

28: How Many Other 'Rex Heuermann’s' Live Amongst Us?

In a recent episode of the popular podcast "Hidden Killers," with host Tony Brueski, the case of Rex Heuermann, a man embroiled in horrific controversy, was discussed with psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott.   The episode began with Heuermann's wife's request for privacy following her filing for divorce, as quoted by Scott, "On behalf of my family and especially my elderly neighbors, who have also had their lives turned upside down by the enormous police presence, I'm pleading with you all to give us space so that we may regain some normalcy in our neighborhood." Brueski opined that, although the plea might fall on deaf ears, it was important to empathize with the family's situation.   Delving deeper, Scott broached the subject of the psychological impact on Heuermann's family, stating that "It's gotta just be absolutely earth-shattering for the family. And everybody is continuing to conjecture that they must have known something. And very often in these cases, the families don't, they just don't know about the hidden life."   Discussing the societal aspects, Brueski and Scott delved into the acceptance of violence against society's 'undesirables,' such as sex workers, homeless people, or drug addicts. Scott said, "We definitely have a class system in this country. As much as we don't like to acknowledge that, I think, that people who are white, who are from a middle or upper-class environment are valued more."   Brueski suggested that if Heuermann's victims had been middle-aged, middle-class housewives, he might have been discovered sooner, suggesting that society's perceptions and attitudes need serious reflection.   Turning to the topic of vigilance in recognizing abnormal behavior in our vicinity, Brueski pondered, "It makes me wonder how many more people can take a look around them and go, maybe this should be looked into a little bit more because there is some weird behavior that I'm seeing around me." Scott agreed, suggesting we must pay more attention to our surroundings and the people within them.   Yet, when respecting people's privacy, Scott and Brueski agreed that while vigilance is necessary, it should not infringe on people's rights.   Speaking about the behavior of Heuermann's family, Brueski noted the seeming contradiction of the family's request for privacy while also appearing frequently in the view of the cameras outside their home. He questioned whether this behavior was part of their healing process or an unconscious attempt to communicate normalcy amidst the turmoil.   Scott expressed uncertainty about this behavior but suggested it could be a benign attempt to project normalcy in extraordinary circumstances, stating, "It may be something as benign as they just want to show, 'Hey, we're normal. Here we are going about our day, we are normal.'"   The conversation provided a compelling examination of the Heuermann case from a psychological, sociological, and familial perspective. It underscored the need for a collective reevaluation of societal values and a heightened awareness of our surroundings while respecting individual rights and privacy. The discussion concluded with the recognition that the case's intense scrutiny would likely continue for some time, promising more insights and discussions in future episodes. 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

9 Aug 20237min

34: How Much Torment Did Rex Heuermann Expose His Family To Every Day?

34: How Much Torment Did Rex Heuermann Expose His Family To Every Day?

In the most recent episode of "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent and Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program, Robin Dreeke, delved into the chilling case of an accused serial killer from Atlantic City. They hypothesized the intriguing evidence and behaviors, considering the accused's peculiar habits and collections and the potentially skewed perspectives of his family members living in the same household.   "There is a lot of conjecture involved," said Dreeke, noting the necessity to don a "big conjecture hat" for this episode. They discussed the accused, an alleged murderer who has never used firearms in his crimes but is known to collect them. Dreeke theorized that this was part of a collection trend, reminiscent of the profiler's hypothesis for the Atlantic City killer who was believed to collect victims' shoes as trophies.   "I think we're going to see collections of victims," Dreeke proposed, suggesting that this pattern of gathering objects could connect the accused to the murders. "It was so definitive, apparently to the prosecutors that we got the right guy."   Brueski agreed, noting that the sheer volume of guns indicated hoarding behavior rather than simple collecting. Furthermore, he observed that pictures from the suspect's house did not appear significantly disturbed by the FBI's search, implying it may have already been a "hoarder house" before the search.   In their discussion, the hosts tackled the potential psychological ramifications for the family. Dreeke explained the often-distorted perception from family members, especially if the only context they have known is the environment established by the accused. "It's always challenging to listen to a spouse or anyone that lives in the house of someone that's been accused of a crime because they don't have a different context," Dreeke noted.   The hosts brought up an unusual statement from the wife of the accused about her adult children crying themselves to sleep at night. Brueski called this "off," suggesting that it hinted at an unhealthy level of control exerted by the accused, identified as Rex.   Dreeke agreed with Brueski's insight, explaining that the children's perceived 'normalcy' was due to their father normalizing the behavior. "What's fascinating, it'll be interesting to see what comes out about how he treated his family as a tool," Dreeke speculated, suggesting that the family might have been objectified and used to serve the accused's needs.   Discussing the family's decision to return to their home after the arrest, Dreeke theorized it was likely due to the familiarity and perceived safety of the environment, despite its tainted history. He conjectured that Rex's control may have instilled fear of the outside world in his family members. 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

9 Aug 20239min

36: Daughter of 'Happy Face Killer' Starts GoFundMe to Help Gilgo Beach Suspect's Family 'Start a New Life'

36: Daughter of 'Happy Face Killer' Starts GoFundMe to Help Gilgo Beach Suspect's Family 'Start a New Life'

Melissa Moore, the daughter of convicted murderer Keith Jesperson, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Asa Ellerup and her two adult children, who are the family of alleged Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Rex Heuermann. Heuermann was arrested last month and charged with the murder of three women in New York. Melissa's fundraising efforts have already raised over $23,000+ to help the family restart their lives.   Suffolk Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison stated that Heuermann's arrest shocked his family, as they were unaware of the double life he was living. Heuermann faces charges of first-degree and second-degree murder concerning the deaths of three women, and he is considered the primary suspect in the murder of another victim.   After a thorough 12-day search of their home by investigators, Ellerup's house was left in disarray. While empathizing with Asa's situation, Melissa aims to assist her and her family start anew. The funds raised will be delivered to Ellerup through her divorce law firm, as she filed for divorce from Heuermann last month. The money will be used for basic needs, restoring their home, covering divorce costs, and addressing other unmet needs.   Melissa, who understands the trauma experienced by family members of serial killers, has previously spoken out about the shame they carry. She hopes to alleviate some of their burdens and remove any guilt associated with their connection to the perpetrator. 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

7 Aug 202311min

33: WEEK IN REVIEW-How Many 'Dates' Did Rex Heuerman Go On?

33: WEEK IN REVIEW-How Many 'Dates' Did Rex Heuerman Go On?

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.      This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.      Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.      Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL our Podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for 3 days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Chad & Lori Daybell, The Long Island Serial Killer, 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 Aug 20234min

32: WEEK IN REVIEW-What Other Surprises Is Rex Heuermann Hiding?

32: WEEK IN REVIEW-What Other Surprises Is Rex Heuermann Hiding?

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.      This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.      Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.      Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL our Podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for 3 days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Chad & Lori Daybell, The Long Island Serial Killer, 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 Aug 20236min

31: WEEK IN REVIEW-Rex Heuerman How Many Bodies, In How Many States

31: WEEK IN REVIEW-Rex Heuerman How Many Bodies, In How Many States

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.      This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.      Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.      Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL our Podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for 3 days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Chad & Lori Daybell, The Long Island Serial Killer, 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 Aug 20237min

31: WEEK IN REVIEW-The Unsettling Similarities Between Rex Heuermann and BTK Killer

31: WEEK IN REVIEW-The Unsettling Similarities Between Rex Heuermann and BTK Killer

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.      This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.      Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.      Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL our Podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for 3 days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Chad & Lori Daybell, The Long Island Serial Killer, 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 Aug 20238min

31: WEEK IN REVIEW-Could Rex Heuerman Have Been Stopped Sooner

31: WEEK IN REVIEW-Could Rex Heuerman Have Been Stopped Sooner

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.      This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.      Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.      Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL our Podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for 3 days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Chad & Lori Daybell, The Long Island Serial Killer, 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 Aug 20238min

Populärt inom Politik & nyheter

aftonbladet-krim
svenska-fall
motiv
p3-krim
flashback-forever
fordomspodden
rss-viva-fotboll
rss-krimstad
aftonbladet-daily
rss-sanning-konsekvens
rss-vad-fan-hande
spar
rss-krimreportrarna
rss-frandfors-horna
blenda-2
olyckan-inifran
dagens-eko
krimmagasinet
rss-flodet
rss-expressen-dok