In the most recent episode of the acclaimed podcast "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski discussed the harrowing case of Rex Erman, a man suspected of being a serial killer, with retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer. The duo dissected the clues and potential evidence found at the suspect's home following an exhaustive 12-day investigation by law enforcement.
Coffindaffer initially reflected on the scale and duration of the evidence recovery process, noting that it was unusually extensive for a residence of its size. "That house was not that large, and it just told me there was so much information for them to collect. For them to catalog and properly handle that, it took that extensive amount of time," Coffindaffer explained. She anticipates the emergence of a "huge amount of information dating back, possibly even to childhood," shedding light on Erman's past and potentially his criminal trajectory.
Brueski conjectured that Erman was a hoarder, basing this on visual evidence such as the immense volume of items inside the house and the 200-plus guns reportedly found. The sheer abundance of clutter and the disordered state of the house might have contributed to the protracted nature of the FBI raid. Brueski drew parallels with serial killers such as Dennis Rader, known for keeping trophies from his victims, which raises the likelihood of Erman having kept similar mementos.
Coffindaffer agreed, sharing her interest in the seemingly incongruous items taken from the house, including a doll. "I found it very interesting. They took that doll. It always made me wonder if that doll wasn't dressed in something that would've been a trophy, possibly from one of his victims." In her expert opinion, the FBI wouldn't have taken any item they didn't deem crucial to the investigation.
Another unsettling detail pertained to the animal cages found at the property. Coffindaffer speculated on the chilling possibility that these could have been used to keep victims alive, pointing out that this tactic is not uncommon among serial killers. "I wonder how long he had those women possibly alive in that house, and if indeed they're going to be able to show that is where they were murdered," she contemplated.
Brueski and Coffindaffer discussed the doll's significance, the placement of which might have influenced the FBI's decision to seize it as evidence. Coffindaffer suggested that Erman may have maintained a private area within the house for his illicit activities. This, she hypothesized, could explain why his family remained unaware of his actions, as he likely had "total and absolute control" over the house.
In a chilling conjecture, Brueski speculated on the possibility that the doll may bear physical evidence from the victims, such as hair. Coffindaffer concurred, noting, "Any part or piece from the victim... any amount of clothing. And then I could also see. That doll being used as in his fantasy." She affirmed the gravity of the situation, saying, "It's those sort of absolutely gory, creepy details that I think all of us are just wondering what really happened behind those closed doors."
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Long Island Serial Killer | The Trial Of Rex Heuermann