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

It was the kind of headline that slices through the noise—a whisper that turns into a roar: Rex Heuermann has been charged with a seventh murder. Seven victims. Seven lives erased, but now, after 24 years, one of them—Valerie Mack—was speaking, at least through the cold, calculated evidence, and the weight of history was pressing in on a community that had waited far too long. On a gray December morning in Riverhead, inside the sterile confines of a Long Island courthouse, Rex Heuermann stood before Judge Timothy Mazzei. The room itself seemed to hold its breath as he shuffled forward, his towering frame casting shadows over the courtroom floor. His face was an unmoving mask of indifference, though the tension in his rigid stance betrayed the cracks. The prosecutor’s words sliced through the air like razors: Valerie Mack, 24 years old, a Philadelphia woman who disappeared in 2000, her body dismembered and dumped in two separate locations—first in Manorville’s desolate woods, then, 11 years later, near the cursed stretch of Gilgo Beach. Two crime scenes, two decades apart, yet connected by the macabre calling card of a man prosecutors now call a “meticulous predator.” Her case had gone cold, one of hundreds boxed away in a police department overwhelmed by unsolved tragedies. Until now. The Breakthrough Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney spoke with grim finality. This wasn’t speculation—this was DNA, hard science brought to life by advancements that didn’t exist in the year Mack vanished. “Justice delayed is not justice denied,” Tierney intoned, his voice reverberating through the chamber. The evidence that had once been incomplete—a cruel teaser of closure—had been rendered irrefutable. Yet when Judge Mazzei turned to Heuermann and asked for his plea, the response came swift, a hoarse defiance that echoed into the silence: “Your honor, I am not guilty of any of these charges.” Bailiffs glanced nervously at the crowd, but no one made a move. How could they? For the families, the friends, and the community that had lived under the pall of these killings, the wounds weren’t just reopened—they were torn asunder. People who had endured years of unrelenting questions—“Why?” “Who?”—were now met with a man, flesh and blood, denying it all. And that denial stung as sharply as the crimes themselves. Valerie Mack: A Forgotten Name Resurfaces Valerie Mack, prosecutors stated, was more than just a headline. She had been someone’s daughter, someone’s friend. A young woman with dreams of stability and escape, dreams that ended somewhere between the harsh grit of Atlantic City’s streets and Long Island’s darkened woods. By 2000, Atlantic City had already become a graveyard for the desperate, where survival was not guaranteed, and trusting the wrong person could be fatal. Mack was swallowed by that darkness. Her torso appeared in Manorville, a remote and wooded area in Long Island where few passersby venture. Eleven years later, as investigators combed Gilgo Beach for more answers, the rest of Mack’s remains surfaced. The discovery confirmed what everyone already feared—this was not an isolated act. This was a pattern. The Hard Drive and a Chilling Playbook In the basement of Heuermann’s Massapequa home, investigators reportedly found documents that prosecutors describe as plans for the murders. A step-by-step blueprint that prosecutors now claim details the planning, the process, and the aftermath of his crimes. Documents included instructions detailing dismemberment and concealment of identifying features, which prosecutors argue demonstrate premeditation. Other notes outlined quiet execution—checking weather conditions and finding isolated “staging areas.” The planning didn’t stop at the kill. It outlined a careful escape—“Change tires. Burn gloves. Dispose of pictures. Set an alibi.” Cold reminders to refine and perfect. Prosecutors described the documents as evidence of a methodical process that evolved over time, reflecting deliberate and calculated actions. Prosecutors stated that the documents included references to works by John Douglas, a former FBI profiler, as part of their evidence linking Heuermann's interest to serial killer psychology. This wasn’t idle reading, they said. This was practice. The courtroom’s chill deepened with every revelation. You could feel the collective dread—a realization that this wasn’t the spontaneous savagery of a man who had lost control. This was someone whose control defined the act itself. Valerie Mack’s murder, according to prosecutors, fit perfectly into the grim framework. Jessica Taylor and the Expanding Pattern Jessica Taylor, another victim in this tragic case, was a 20-year-old sex worker who disappeared in 2003. Her torso was discovered in Manorville later that year, and subsequent searches uncovered additional remains near Gilgo Beach in 2011, connecting her case to the same haunting pattern. Prosecutors noted that her tattoo had been deliberately mutilated, likely to hinder identification. Her arms, her head—gone. And yet, years later, the expanded search of Gilgo Beach led to her skull and hands, further tying her story to Mack’s, and now, to Heuermann. A Community Holds Its Breath Outside the courthouse, the scene was tense. Reporters gathered with cameras rolling, while families of the victims arrived in hopes of hearing answers and progress in the case. There was no answer. Not yet. For now, January 15 looms. Prosecutors will return with more evidence, more connections, more dots strung together. But for the families, answers won’t erase the hollow space left behind by those 10 victims. As Suffolk County braces for what comes next, Long Island watches—listening, waiting, and wondering if the shadow of Gilgo Beach might ever truly lift. 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

17 Dec 20248min

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 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

15 Dec 202411min

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 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

15 Dec 202411min

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 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

15 Dec 20247min

What happens when a home’s dark history becomes impossible to ignore? Rex Heuermann's Long Island residence, once an unassuming house in a picturesque neighborhood, now carries the grim weight of alleged horrors. With whispers of a basement “torture dungeon” and the unsettling debate surrounding Asa Ellerup’s lingering presence in the home, the story only grows stranger. Asa’s reluctance to finalize her divorce, her participation in a documentary, and even the presence of her emotional support dog at court hearings raise questions about her state of mind and the choices she’s making. Could you live in a house with such a history, or is it destined to become another vacant lot with stories to tell? #RexHeuermann #TrueCrime #StigmatizedProperty #HauntedVibes #AsaEllerup #HiddenKillers #TrueCrimeCommunity 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

13 Dec 202411min

Would you buy a charming Long Island home with a history tied to an alleged serial killer? In this episode, Tony Brueski and former prosecutor Eric Faddis delve into the impending sale of Asa Ellerup's Massapequa Park house—the same residence where her husband, Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach killer, may have committed unspeakable acts. They explore the challenges of selling such a notorious property, the potential legal hurdles, and whether the government might step in due to ongoing investigations. Could future buyers find themselves living in a crime scene under scrutiny, or is it just a fixer-upper with a dark past? Would you dare to move in? #GilgoBeachCase #RexHeuermann #TrueCrime #MassapequaPark #RealEstateMystery #HiddenKillers #CrimePodcast 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

11 Dec 20246min

Would you buy a house that might come with… evidence? The infamous home of Rex Heuermann, nestled in Massapequa Park, is hitting the market—but it’s not your typical real estate listing. This property, tied to alleged crimes that have shaken Long Island, has already been raided twice by authorities. From hoarded items to potential “hidden trophies,” every square inch could hold untold secrets. Would you risk it, knowing this house might one day find itself back under the FBI's watchful eye? Retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke dives into the potential perils and practicalities of purchasing a house like this, sharing insights about crime scenes, ongoing investigations, and even the morbid reality of “murder tourism.” Could this house hold more evidence, or is it just waiting for the next chapter in its macabre story? #TrueCrime #RexHeuermann #MassapequaPark #FBI #MurderTourism #CrimeSceneHouse #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

9 Dec 202411min

This is the " The Year in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this year's most compelling 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 have dominated 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.    Throughout the past year, we've followed and dissected cases such as P. Diddy, Karen Read, Scott Peterson, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrand, the Delphi Murders, Kouri Richins, Bryan Kohberger, Rex Heuermann, Alex Murdaugh, Chad and Lori Daybell, and the Adelson family. Each episode navigates through these 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 "The Year 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 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

2 Dec 202426min