
Long Island Serial Killer | The Trial Of Rex Heuermann
"Catching the Long Island Serial Killer" is a gripping and emotionally charged podcast that pulls back the curtain on one of the most infamous unresolved serial murder cases in American history. Journey with us as we unravel the chilling narrative of the Gilgo Beach Killings, walking the eerie pathways where the bodies of numerous victims were discovered. We dive deep into the elusive identity of the suspected killer, Rex Heuermann, revealing his disturbing double life as a respected architect and a monster lurking in the shadows. Our heartfelt interviews with victims' families, including the brave sister of Melissa Barthelemy, expose a twisted web of torment, grief, and loss, shedding light on the emotional scars left behind. This podcast is not just about exploring the chilling mystery of the Long Island Serial Killer, but a tribute to the resilience of those who've been affected and their quest for justice. Tune in to "Catching the Long Island Serial Killer" and discover the grim secrets that Long Island has kept hidden for too long.
Latest episodes

Apr 25, 2025 • 26min
Gilgo Beach Mystery Solved Identity of 'Peaches' & Toddler Revealed After 27 Years
In a shocking new development, nearly three decades after their murders, investigators have finally identified "Peaches" and her toddler daughter, two previously unknown victims linked to the notorious Gilgo Beach murders. Nassau County Police and the FBI have confirmed through advanced forensic genealogy that "Peaches" is actually Tanya Denise Jackson, a 26-year-old U.S. Army veteran, and her daughter is Tatiana Marie Dykes, only two years old at the time of her death.
Meanwhile, Rex Heuermann, the accused Gilgo Beach serial killer currently awaiting trial for seven separate murders including the infamous "Gilgo Four," remains at the center of intense scrutiny. Could Tanya and Tatiana’s case be connected to Heuermann, or does evidence suggest another killer entirely? Authorities have drawn critical distinctions between these murders and the others, emphasizing forensic differences, including dismemberment and the inclusion of a child victim.
This video explores the latest forensic breakthroughs, DNA genealogy techniques, and provides clear updates on Rex Heuermann’s ongoing legal battle. Join us as we unravel this disturbing true crime mystery and what it means for the wider Gilgo Beach investigation.
#GilgoBeachMurders #RexHeuermann #TrueCrime #PeachesIdentified #ColdCaseSolved #DNAEvidence #SerialKillerCase #ForensicGenealogy #CrimeNews #LongIslandMurders
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Apr 16, 2025 • 20min
Was Rex Heuermann Framed? Asa Ellerup Thinks It’s Possible After Watching Gone Girls
Was Rex Heuermann Framed? Asa Ellerup Thinks It’s Possible After Watching Gone Girls
So the ex-wife of the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer just watched a Netflix docuseries and now she’s wondering if her former husband is the fall guy in one of the most disturbing serial killer cases in recent history. Asa Ellerup, who was married to Rex Heuermann for nearly three decades, isn’t exactly screaming conspiracy theory from the rooftops—but after finishing Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer, she’s raising an eyebrow, maybe two. And honestly, when you dig into the history of corruption inside Suffolk County law enforcement, she might not be completely out of line to ask, “Wait… what if?”
Let’s start with the dirty laundry, because Suffolk County has more than a few skeletons in its own closet. James Burke, the former police chief, is now best remembered not for solving cases, but for going full WWE on a suspect who had the audacity to steal a duffel bag filled with porn and sex toys from his police-issued vehicle. Burke beat the guy, tried to cover it up, and got slapped with a 46-month prison sentence. Meanwhile, then–District Attorney Thomas Spota, instead of investigating Burke, allegedly helped sweep it all under the rug. He was eventually indicted for obstruction, corruption, and witness tampering. All of this—the beatdown, the porn bag, the cover-up—would be hilarious if it weren’t so grotesquely real.
Ellerup’s legal team is now asking a very real question: if this is how Suffolk County handled its own mess, how can we trust anything in the case against Heuermann?
Ellerup, who divorced Heuermann not long after his arrest, is reportedly keeping a close eye on his court proceedings, including the ongoing Frye hearing, which could determine whether the DNA evidence against him even makes it to trial. At the heart of the debate is a forensic method called “whole genome sequencing,” which sounds like something out of CSI: Space Edition. The defense calls it “magic,” prosecutors call it science. Dr. Kelley Harris, a highly respected geneticist from the University of Washington, spent an entire day testifying about how the process works and why it’s legit. In layman’s terms, it’s a super-detailed way of matching DNA, and in this case, hairs found on the victims reportedly tie back to Heuermann or people close to him—like Ellerup and her children.
Prosecutors claim these hairs were recovered from the remains or crime scenes of six of the seven victims. That’s not small stuff. It could be the linchpin of the entire case. But again, the defense is arguing that this method has never been tested in a New York courtroom and shouldn’t be trusted until it’s vetted through the proper legal channels.
Now, a brief rewind on the horror show that is the Gilgo Beach murders. From 1993 to 2011, a string of women—most of them sex workers—vanished after meeting clients. Their bodies were eventually found dumped in remote spots along Ocean Parkway. Some were bound. Some were dismembered. Many were discovered in pieces, scattered between different sites. It was like Long Island’s own version of a true crime nightmare.
Heuermann, a 61-year-old architect who looked more like a guy you’d call to fix your kitchen backsplash than a suspected serial killer, was arrested in July 2023. He’s been charged with the murders of seven women so far: Amber Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, and Valerie Mack. He’s pleaded not guilty to every single one. And in a move that feels more like legal strategy than desperation, his defense is now asking the court to split the case into five separate trials.
The Suffolk County DA’s office insists there’s no evidence the Heuermann family was involved. They were reportedly out of town during the alleged murders. But proximity and DNA are still in the spotlight.
And then there’s Netflix, adding fuel to the fire with Gone Girls. Directed by Liz Garbus, who also made Lost Girls based on the 2013 book by Robert Kolker, the series shifts focus from the killer to the victims—their families, their stories, and how the system repeatedly failed them. It doesn’t exactly paint Suffolk County in a golden glow. Quite the opposite. And for Ellerup, it was enough to make her question whether her ex-husband was being thrown under the bus by a system with a very shaky track record.
She’s not denying the tragedy of the crimes. Her attorneys made it clear she extends her sympathies to the victims’ families. But she also wants justice to be rooted in truth—not corruption, not cover-ups, and not convenience. For someone who shared a home, children, and a life with the accused, it’s personal.
Whether Heuermann is a monster hiding behind a suburban life or just a man caught in a very dark chapter of county corruption remains to be seen. But the courtroom drama is far from over. The judge still has to decide on the DNA evidence. And if you ask Asa Ellerup, that decision might just decide everything.
#GilgoBeach #RexHeuermann #TrueCrimeNetflix #AsaEllerup
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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

Apr 13, 2025 • 28min
Accused LISK Rex Heuermann's Hair DNA May Never See A Jury, Here's Why-WEEK IN REVIEW
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
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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

Apr 12, 2025 • 25min
Ret FBI Behavioral Chief Answers, How Did The Long Island Serial Killer Get Away With Crimes For So Long-WEEK IN REVIEW
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

Apr 8, 2025 • 25min
Ret FBI Behavioral Chief Answers, How Did The Long Island Serial Killer Get Away With Crimes For So Long?
Ret FBI Behavioral Chief Answers, How Did The Long Island Serial Killer Get Away With Crimes For So Long?
How does a man allegedly responsible for some of the most horrifying crimes in recent history manage to blend into suburban life so well that even his own family didn’t seem to notice?
Tony Brueski teams up with retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke to unravel how Rex Heuermann allegedly maintained a horrifying double life, hiding his darkest urges behind a carefully groomed mask of normalcy. From quietly manipulating his family into ignoring chaos, to taking advantage of a society that turns its back on sex trafficking victims, Dreeke breaks down how the slow creep of abnormal behavior can become someone’s everyday reality. And what happens when law enforcement, the very people meant to stop monsters, are either indifferent or complicit?
Enter James Burke—the former police chief with his own colorful past—which raises the question: did personal skeletons keep this investigation locked away for far too long?
How many other killers are walking free because we’ve decided some lives just aren’t worth investigating?
Explore the darkness in the Long Island Serial Killer case with #TrueCrimePodcast as Tony Brueski and #RobinDreeke expose how #RexHeuermann allegedly hid in plain sight, uncover the consequences of ignoring #SexTraffickingVictims and failures in #LawEnforcement, watch the case unravel with #JamesBurke and demand real #JusticeForVictims.
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

Apr 8, 2025 • 34min
Breaking Down Rex Heuermann's Manifesto Of Murder
Breaking Down Rex Heuermann's Manifesto Of Murder
In this special episode of Hidden Killers, we dive deep into the shocking discovery of an alleged manifesto from Rex Heuermann, the prime suspect in the notorious Gilgo Beach murders. Investigators recently uncovered this meticulously detailed document on Heuermann's computer, providing explicit instructions and methods allegedly designed for committing serial murders and evading detection. We explore exactly what this manifesto says, how investigators found it, and why authorities believe it is crucial to solving the Gilgo Beach murder case.
We also break down how the chillingly precise instructions in Rex Heuermann’s alleged manifesto directly align with the real-world forensic evidence found at multiple crime scenes, including locations such as Mill Road in Manorville, where remains of victims like Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack were discovered. By highlighting exact matches between the manifesto’s explicit directions for victim selection, dismemberment, and concealment of forensic evidence, we help listeners understand the significant implications of this new evidence and its role in connecting Heuermann to multiple unsolved murders.
Finally, we discuss how prosecutors plan to use the manifesto in court, emphasizing its value as proof of premeditation, consciousness of guilt, and a clear modus operandi linking several victims. Criminal profiling experts weigh in, offering objective explanations of the document’s disturbing language and strategic intent, helping jurors and listeners alike make sense of complex forensic details. Join us as we unravel the disturbing reality behind Rex Heuermann’s alleged blueprint and its critical importance in one of America's most chilling serial murder investigations.
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
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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

Apr 8, 2025 • 11min
How Did Rex Heuermann Seem So 'Normal' If He Is The Gilgo Beach Killer? Ret FBI Robin Dreeke Breaks It Down
How does someone allegedly murder for years and no one—not their spouse, not their neighbors, not even law enforcement—catches on?
The case of the Long Island Serial Killer is less about a criminal mastermind and more about a society that seems almost designed to look the other way. In this episode, retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke unpacks how someone like Rex Heuermann could allegedly operate in plain sight—married, employed, raising kids—while hiding a horrifying double life. Dreeke suggests Heuermann didn't just manipulate individuals—he groomed an entire community into normalizing his red flags.
We dive into the psychology behind targeting the vulnerable, specifically sex workers—many of whom are trafficked and have suffered abuse long before ever meeting a predator. With chilling insights, Dreeke explains how desensitization, societal bias, and law enforcement failures create the perfect storm for serial offenders to thrive.
And what about the family? Were they complicit, oblivious, or just surviving in a world warped by gradual exposure to chaos? Could it really be that the scariest part of all this isn’t the evil itself, but how easy it is to ignore when it makes us feel safer?
#LISK #RexHeuermann #TrueCrimePodcast #FBIAnalysis #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #RobinDreeke
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

Apr 7, 2025 • 14min
MAJOR MISSTEPS! Ret FBI Robin Dreeke Breaks Down How Police Could Have Caught The Long Island Serial Killer Sooner
MAJOR MISSTEPS! Ret FBI Robin Dreeke Breaks Down How Police Could Have Caught The Long Island Serial Killer Sooner
What happens when the person responsible for justice might be the one obstructing it?
In this episode, Tony and Robin Dreeke dig into the alleged corruption surrounding former police chief James Burke and how his leadership may have actively steered investigators away from digging too deep into the Rex Heuermann case. Instead of outright suppression, was Burke just piling on other “righteous work” to keep the department too busy to notice what was hiding in plain sight? They explore how social bias against sex workers, systemic neglect, and fear-fueled silence in the trafficking world creates the perfect storm for predators to thrive. And even with good cops wanting to do the right thing, how can they make any progress when they're outnumbered, under-resourced, and told to move fast or move on?
Could better protection and long-term trust-building with sex trafficking victims be the missing key to taking down entire criminal networks?
#RexHeuermann #JamesBurke #GilgoBeach #TrueCrimePodcast #SexTrafficking #LawEnforcement #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

Apr 7, 2025 • 28min
Accused LISK Rex Heuermann's Hair DNA May Never See A Jury, Here's Why
Accused LISK Rex Heuermann's Hair DNA May Never See A Jury, Here's Why
In this episode, we break down the high-stakes legal battle playing out in the Rex Heuermann case—accused in the chilling Gilgo Beach serial murders. At the center of it all? A motion to exclude groundbreaking DNA evidence derived from hair samples found on the victims. With no roots, no blood, and no traditional genetic markers, these hair fragments were analyzed using whole genome sequencing, a method never before used in a New York criminal trial. Prosecutors say the science is solid. The defense calls it “magic.”
You’ll hear exactly how this forensic evidence was gathered, what it allegedly reveals about Rex Heuermann and his household, and why both sides are fighting tooth and nail over its admissibility. We explore the role of Astrea Forensics, the lab behind the testing, and the legal implications of introducing this type of DNA evidence into court. As the Frye hearing unfolds, experts are taking the stand, and even Jurassic Park has made its way into the courtroom. Yes, really.
We also examine the defense's strategy to sever the murder charges—arguing that trying all seven cases together would unfairly sway a jury. With the structure of the trial and the admissibility of DNA evidence both hanging in the balance, this case could set a major precedent for how forensic science is used in court. If you're following the Gilgo Beach murders or the Rex Heuermann trial, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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

Mar 24, 2025 • 26min
Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer Docuseries Coming to Netflix
Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer Docuseries Coming to Netflix
It took a terrified 911 call from a young woman named Shannan Gilbert to expose what had been hiding in plain sight—eleven sets of remains scattered along Gilgo Beach, the work of a serial killer who had eluded justice for decades.
In May 2010, Shannan disappeared after placing a frantic 22-minute call to 911, insisting that someone was trying to kill her. She ran through the quiet gated community of Oak Beach, banging on doors for help, before vanishing into the marshland. It wasn’t just her sudden disappearance that rattled Suffolk County—it was what investigators stumbled upon during the search for her. In the thick brush off Ocean Parkway, police discovered a set of human remains. And then another. And another. By the time they were done, there were 11 victims—nine women, one toddler, and one man.
It was a horrifying find, but even worse, it begged a question: How did no one notice this sooner?
For years, the investigation dragged with no real traction. Families begged for answers. Reporters pressed. The public speculated. And all the while, Suffolk County PD maintained tight control over the case. But in the background, something else was quietly rotting—police leadership. Specifically, then-Police Chief James Burke, who was later convicted in a corruption scandal involving the beating of a handcuffed suspect and a massive coverup operation. That kind of mess didn’t just tarnish reputations—it likely delayed justice.
Fast-forward 13 years. On July 14, 2023, police arrested Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old architect from Massapequa Park. He lived a seemingly ordinary life, commuting to Midtown Manhattan for work and returning home to a quiet suburban street. But authorities now say Heuermann is connected to at least seven of the victims—and possibly more.
So how did they finally catch him?
The answer lies in a long-overdue task force that, within weeks of being formed in 2022 under new leadership, connected the dots that had been missed—or ignored—for over a decade. Cell phone data, burner phones, search history, and DNA evidence from pizza crust—yes, pizza crust—all pointed directly to Heuermann. Turns out, all of that evidence had been sitting in police files for years.
The new Netflix docuseries Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer, directed by Liz Garbus, picks up where justice left off. Garbus doesn’t just walk us through the crime scenes—she drags the system into the light. It’s raw, it’s personal, and it doesn’t let the viewer look away.
Garbus is no stranger to this story. Back in 2020, she directed Lost Girls, a scripted film based on Robert Kolker’s book, which centered on Mari Gilbert’s relentless fight for justice after her daughter Shannan vanished. After Heuermann’s arrest, actress Amy Ryan—who portrayed Mari in the film—texted Garbus in shock: the suspect had once been in her apartment building. A literal brush with evil.
That eerie personal connection sent Garbus straight back to the families. She knew this story wasn’t over—and it wasn’t just about one killer. It was about how a system failed to care until a case landed on its front lawn.
The documentary doesn’t hold back. It features first-person accounts from survivors and friends of the victims, including women who once worked in the sex trade and shared chilling stories about close calls with Heuermann. One woman, Taylor, tells the harrowing tale of being lured into a house where she believes someone else was trapped upstairs. Her story is laced with trauma, but also strength. She, and others like her, speak now because they couldn’t before.
The first episode focuses heavily on Shannan Gilbert, and for good reason. Her case was the catalyst. Her 911 call was the moment that broke the dam. Unlike many of the other victims, Shannan’s disappearance came with undeniable evidence—an actual recording of her begging for help. And even then, it took years for police to release that audio to the public. Without her, the Gilgo case might still be buried beneath the sand.
Episode 2 pivots to the corruption scandal. Burke’s behavior didn’t just stain the department—it made families feel invisible. It validated what victims’ relatives had been saying all along: that their daughters weren’t taken seriously. That police leadership didn’t care. That sex workers could disappear without a ripple. And the fact that a fresh task force—formed under a new district attorney and command—was able to identify a suspect in just six weeks? That speaks volumes.
Garbus’s documentary doesn’t sensationalize. It humanizes. It lets us meet the women whose lives were lost, not just their mugshots. It invites viewers to understand how those in the sex industry looked out for one another in ways law enforcement didn’t. Through Craigslist and cell phones, they created safety plans. They warned each other. They were resourceful, strong, and all too aware of the risks.
The show also pulls back the curtain on the man accused of being the Gilgo Beach killer. Heuermann’s professional life in architecture brought him into dozens of buildings, including some in Brooklyn—right where Garbus and Amy Ryan live. People who worked with him now recount disturbing interactions: his unpredictable demeanor, inappropriate questions, and an unnerving fixation with true crime.
And then there’s the timeline. Evidence used to charge Heuermann had been sitting there for years. DNA from one of the victims’ burlap wrappings. Cell tower pings. A clue trail that should’ve been followed long ago. But under Burke’s leadership, the department was too busy protecting itself.
Gone Girls isn’t just a true crime documentary. It’s a blueprint of institutional failure, wrapped around a story of unthinkable violence. It shows us what happens when people in power ignore the cries of victims and dismiss entire communities as disposable.
It also reminds us what persistence looks like. Families who never gave up. Journalists who kept digging. And filmmakers like Garbus, who knew there was more to tell—even when the headlines stopped coming.
#GilgoBeachMurders #RexHeuermann #GoneGirlsNetflix #TrueCrimeJustice
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