Rex Heuermann's Burlap, Hair, and Pizza: The Forensic Breaks That Nailed the Gilgo Suspect

In a recent episode of the “Hidden Killers” podcast, Tony Brueski engages in an enlightening conversation with Robin Dreeke, retired FBI Special Agent and former Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program. Their discussion unravels around Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach killer, analyzing Heuermann’s reactions upon arrest, the intriguing commentary by Dennis Rader, the BTK killer, and questioning whether Heuermann could have been better profiled.   On being asked about Heuermann’s reaction upon arrest, Dreeke pointed to a character trait common amongst individuals with psychopathy, “It's all about grandiosity and how big a name am I...”. He interpreted Heuermann’s curiosity about the media coverage as an indication of his grandiose sense of self-importance and as a way to gauge the extent of his infamy.   The conversation was particularly interesting when Brueski brought up Dennis Rader, who spoke out about Heuermann. Rader, also known as BTK killer, has somehow emerged as a voice in the true crime community. While the thought of gaining insights from someone familiar with the inner workings of a murderer’s mind might seem appealing, it also raises the question of whether Rader should be granted a platform to voice his opinions.   In response, Dreeke admitted to the conundrum, emphasizing the need to serve the victims and their families by uncovering as much as possible. Dreeke revealed that Rader, like many with psychopathy, could be motivated by notoriety, which could be used as a ‘carrot’ to obtain crucial information.   The retired FBI agent also shared the intriguing concept of using one-upmanship, a form of rivalry, to get these individuals to disclose more information. He explained, “...you know, with the one-upmanship, you could probably get a lot of information that could bring some solutions”.   On profiling Heuermann, Dreeke admitted that profiling such a meticulous individual with a high intellect like Heuermann was challenging. He mentioned, “Everyone has something they're ashamed of and does a decent job of hiding it. He knew what he was doing was wrong, and I think he had a lot of life skills and repetitions of hiding that secret place very effectively”.   This conversation offers intriguing insights into the mind of a suspected serial killer and the complexities of investigating such individuals. It underscores the need for continued vigilance in solving such crimes and providing closure for the victims and their families 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

2 Aug 20238min

The latest development in the infamous Gilgo Beach serial killings has unveiled a massive amount of evidence against the primary suspect, Rex Heuermann, the 59-year-old architect. The array of evidence includes 2,500 pages of documents, numerous crime scene photos, extensive autopsy reports, and hundreds of hours of video footage acquired from Heuermann's residence and professional workspace. The prosecutors disclosed these details during a recent preliminary hearing.   During this brief hearing, the prosecution handed over four hard drives containing significant evidence to Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei and Heuermann's defense attorney. A subsequent pre-trial conference hearing has been arranged for September 27.   Under a protective order, agreed upon by Heuermann's attorney Michael Brown and Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, the release of the evidence remains strictly confined to attorneys. "We’re talking about 13 years of investigation," Tierney stated in a post-hearing press conference, highlighting the enormity of the material and the ongoing nature of the investigation.   Heuermann, clad in a black blazer and light-colored trousers, made his presence known at the hearing hosted at the Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court Complex. The courtroom was packed, accommodating about 100 people, including members of the media and public spectators. The suspect remained silent throughout the brief hearing.   Heuermann was indicted last month with three counts each of first-degree and second-degree murder, specifically relating to the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy (24), Megan Waterman (22), and Amber Lynn Costello (27). The discovery of these women's remains back in December 2010 at Gilgo Beach on Long Island’s South Shore led to his arrest.   The dramatic arrest of Heuermann outside his Manhattan office on July 13 marked the most consequential development in the prolonged investigation into the series of mostly young female victims discovered along Gilgo Beach. Heuermann is also under suspicion regarding the disappearance and death of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes (25), whose remains were similarly found near Gilgo Beach. This particular investigation is still in progress. The victims, now referred to as the “Gilgo Four,” were thought to have been engaged in sex work, utilizing online platforms for advertisement, according to police reports. Some of the victims' family members were present at Tuesday's hearing, as mentioned by Tierney. These victims were discovered during the search for another missing woman, Shannan Gilbert, who was last spotted within the proximate gated community of Oak Beach.   Heuermann, to this point, has pleaded not guilty and firmly denied involvement in the killings. His attorney, Brown, stated post-hearing, “We’re prepared to go forward...We will defend this case in the court of law and we will go to trial in this case.” Brown has also previously labeled the case against Heuermann as “extremely circumstantial in nature.”   Investigators have linked Heuermann to the crime based on DNA recovered from a discarded pizza, which allegedly matches a male hair found on burlap material used to wrap Waterman's body. District Attorney Tierney confirmed that the evidence in the case would encompass “mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA,” which has already been tested and deemed admissible in US courts. 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

2 Aug 202317min

On a recent segment of "Hidden Killers", host Tony Brueski, delved into the chilling narrative surrounding the alleged serial killer Rex Heuermann. Brueski discussed the subject with former Federal Prosecutor and Personal Injury Attorney Eric Faddis.   The conversation focussed on Heuermann's puzzling choice of crime locations, ranging from his home in Long Island to Las Vegas and South Carolina. Faddis offered his professional insight, stating, "Long Island is home base for him. He knows the lay of land there. Vegas is notorious for sex work. I'm wondering if he picked these locations, set up shop, got his residence there, a place where he could carry out these gruesome acts allegedly."   Faddis noted the way Heuermann seemingly managed to control his environment, allegedly committing these heinous acts without interference from others, primarily when his family was absent. He suggested that Heuermann's decision to execute his criminal acts within the confines of his residences may have allowed him to avoid immediate suspicion.   Adding further intrigue to the story, the family has remained largely silent, with the wife filing for divorce. Brueski probed whether families are often oblivious to such dark secrets. In response, Faddis posited, "It's easy for family members to look through rose-colored glasses at their loved one and say, 'Oh gosh, little Johnny could never have done anything like this'."   When asked if family members could be held culpable for harboring a criminal if they overlooked clear indications of criminal behavior, Faddis responded that specific laws vary by jurisdiction. Drawing upon a recent case where a school shooter's parents were charged, Faddis commented, "Local prosecutors have to go over with a fine-tooth comb and make judgment calls in terms of who needs to be held culpable for these egregious things that happen in our society."   Faddis argued that the line between ignorance and willful blindness is thin and complex. He remarked, "Simply having an ignorance of the ultimate final act or the severity of the ultimate final act is not necessarily a defense." This statement throws light on the complex nature of criminal liability, as well as the role and responsibilities of those closely associated with the accused.   Perhaps the most intriguing element of the story is Heuermann's first words upon his arrest: "Is it in the news?" Brueski and Faddis speculated about the meaning behind this question. Faddis mused, "To ask if it's in the news seems a little more consistent with what some people view as a serial killer profile where they're narcissistic, they kind of like the fame, they like the notoriety."   In the world of crime, the tales are as disturbing as they are complex. As the story of Rex Heuermann unfolds, listeners eagerly await further analysis from the experts at "Hidden Killers". This episode is a stark reminder of the dark depths to which humanity can sink and the constant quest for justice that pushes investigators, journalists, and legal professionals to expose these chilling narratives. 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

1 Aug 20236min

"Hidden Killers" with Tony Brueski recently engaged retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer in an intense conversation about the disturbing profile of Rex Heuermann, a man believed to have evolved from a childhood victim of bullying to a violent adult criminal.   Coffindaffer shared, "It makes a lot of sense. There have been so many individuals who exercise control they've maybe been able to find in their life in this horrible, reckless, and evil manner." Brueski and Coffindaffer agreed that many individuals bullied in childhood often either grow up and use that as a strength or seek revenge. In Heuermann's case, it seems the latter was true.   The conversation turned to Heuermann's family, especially the surprising decision his wife and two adult children made to return to the "House of Horrors" following a police raid. As Coffindaffer noted, they had lived there since 1994, and due to monetary issues, including tax liens, they may have had no other choice. Brueski hypothesized that the family may have had little support due to their isolation by Heuermann during his "reign of terror."   "Heuermann's wife and children are truly victims, and their life is forever changed in such a negative and horrible way," Coffindaffer empathized. While the wife's nonchalant statement to reporters, "It is what it is", raised eyebrows, both hosts agreed that her life was upended, and she likely wasn't prepared for such media attention.   The conversation then shifted to the apparent loopholes in the system for victims of individuals like Heuermann. Brueski questioned the lack of safeguards for women who claim to have survived an encounter with Heuermann, particularly those in the sex industry. Coffindaffer acknowledged that while this profession is illegal, a mechanism should be in place for reporting dangerous clients, similar to the amnesty in many states for drug users seeking medical help.   Coffindaffer explained, "I do believe that there isn't any sort of crime they would be charged with if they went in and did such a reporting. I just don't think that they want to report." She suggested the idea of a hotline for sex workers to report suspicious activity without fear of legal repercussions.   Brueski added, "This seems like it's a ripe area for people like Rex to thrive in." Heuermann, a well-educated architect, was an example of a perpetrator hiding in plain sight. His choice of victims, often women who wouldn't be quickly missed, further illustrates the cruel tactics used by individuals like him to exploit society's vulnerabilities.   The chilling conversation revealed a grim picture of the social and systemic issues that allowed Heuermann to continue his reign of terror allegedly. The hosts concluded that prevention mechanisms must be improved to protect those most at risk from such predators. 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

1 Aug 20238min

In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, Tony Brueski hosts a thought-provoking discussion with Robin Dreeke, retired FBI Special Agent and former Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program Chief. Their conversation centers around Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach killer. It delves into the intricate layers of Heuermann's crimes, the potential links to other unsolved murders, and the possible evidence yet to be unearthed.   Dreeke starts by considering that Heuermann could be tied to other unsolved serial murders across the country. Despite the growing evidence against Heuermann, Dreeke argues that it's essential to remain open to new developments in the case. He says, "I'm less focused... on the realm of 'Hey, what else can we tie him to?'". Dreeke predicts more victims may be discovered in other states and emphasizes the need to remain vigilant.   Given the magnitude of the investigation and Heuermann's suspected connections to other areas, the retired FBI agent expresses fear about what additional evidence might be discovered. "Recently, they went through in South Carolina and took a look at his avalanches that were on his brothers and his property acres and acres and acres. I'm scared to see what they're going to find there," he says.   Dreeke shares insights into Heuermann's pattern of crimes, indicating the suspect's high level of sophistication in disposing of bodies. He describes Heuermann's choice of remote, untraveled areas for body disposal and his tendency to choose victims who wouldn't be immediately missed. Dreeke hints that Heuermann's disturbing trademarks, such as missing shoes and strangulation, suggest sexual fetishes. He suggests law enforcement should map out where Heuermann lived and traveled and look for other potential victims with similar trademarks.   Regarding serial killers changing their style, Dreeke admits that he's unsure but suggests it might be possible. Using the example of the BTK killer, who managed to dampen his murderous tendencies with deviant behaviors, Dreeke theorizes that Heuermann might have used similar tactics. He mentions the Jersey case, where the killer targeted sex workers but did not necessarily murder them all. "I think what we'll probably uncover and probably see is that there's going to hopefully come out other witnesses and other people that have had interactions with him in a sexual context that he didn't murder," he says.   Brueski and Dreeke's conversation shines a light on the complexities of the investigation into Heuermann's alleged crimes. As more evidence surfaces and additional connections to unsolved murders are explored, it is clear that the true extent of Rex Heuermann's murderous reign may yet be revealed. "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

1 Aug 20236min

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

30 Juli 20238min

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

30 Juli 20238min

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

30 Juli 20239min