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

Nov 29, 2024 • 18min

Will Budget Constraints Derail the Prosecution of the Alleged Gilgo Beach Killer?

On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the latest challenges facing the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office as it attempts to prosecute alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann. With millions in frozen funds tied up in past investigations, DA Ray Tierney finds himself begging the federal government for financial relief just to meet court deadlines. We’ll explore the complex web of victims, forensic breakthroughs, and legal maneuvers that have shaped the Gilgo Beach investigation for decades. Is justice for these victims within reach, or will financial obstacles threaten to unravel one of the most significant serial killer cases in recent history? 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, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Oct 11, 2024 • 11min

Items Returned To The Home Of Accused Long Island Serial Killer By Police

This gripping true crime story delves into the chilling case of Rex Heuermann, a seemingly ordinary man from Massapequa Park whose unremarkable home became the center of a shocking serial murder investigation. Accused of the brutal killings of at least six women, including the infamous "Gilgo Four," Heuermann's case has captured the nation's attention. The article follows the long and complex investigation that began over a decade ago at Gilgo Beach, where several bodies were discovered, leading to Heuermann's arrest in 2023. As the prosecution builds its case and prepares for an upcoming trial, the families of the victims await justice. Meanwhile, questions about other unidentified victims, including "Asian Doe," add layers of mystery to this already disturbing saga. This compelling narrative explores the horror, uncertainty, and search for closure that surrounds one of New York’s most chilling serial murder cases. 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, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Oct 10, 2024 • 14min

The Girl Who Led Police To LISK | Shannan Gilbert's Story

In this episode of "True Crime Deep Dive," we unravel the perplexing and haunting case of Shannan Gilbert, a young woman whose disappearance unveiled one of the most chilling mysteries in Long Island's history. Journey with us to the secluded community of Oak Beach, where Shannan's frantic 911 call on a foggy night in May 2010 marked the beginning of a labyrinthine investigation. As we navigate the twists and turns of this real-life thriller, we'll explore how her vanishing led to the discovery of multiple victims linked to an alleged serial killer. Through detailed storytelling, we delve into the enigmatic events of that night, the controversies surrounding the investigation, and the relentless quest for answers by Shannan's family. We'll shed light on the challenges faced by law enforcement, the suspicions cast upon local residents, and the broader implications for marginalized communities. This episode invites you to step into the shadows of Oak Beach and confront the enduring questions that remain unanswered in a case that continues to captivate and confound. 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, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Sep 23, 2024 • 9min

Did We Just Discover Another Rex Heuerman Gilgo Beach Victim?

This podcast episode explores the case of "Asian Doe," a potential new victim in the Gilgo Beach serial killings. In 2011, remains were found near Gilgo Beach on Long Island, New York, close to where at least 10 other bodies had been discovered. This victim, known as "Asian Doe," remains unidentified. Who was "Asian Doe"? "Asian Doe" was a biological male of Southern Chinese descent, likely aged 17-23 years old at the time of death. The victim was found wearing women's clothing, including items from brands like Bill Blass, Rafaella, and Chrysantheme. It is unclear whether "Asian Doe" identified as female. Investigators believe "Asian Doe" may have been a sex worker and had likely spent time in New York City. The Investigation: "Asian Doe's" death was ruled a homicide caused by blunt force trauma. The remains were present along Ocean Parkway for at least five years before their discovery in 2011. While the case shares similarities with the Gilgo Beach murders, including the location of the remains being found near victims Megan Waterman and Jessica Taylor, it's unclear if there's a connection to Rex Heuermann, the prime suspect in the Gilgo Four killings. Heuermann is currently charged with six murders, including those of the Gilgo Four (Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes), Sandra Costilla, and Jessica Taylor. Call to Action: Authorities are seeking the public's help in identifying "Asian Doe." They have released forensic sketches depicting potential appearances and urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. A $2,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the victim's identification. This podcast episode will explore the details of this unsolved case, the ongoing investigation, and the search for answers in the mysterious Gilgo Beach murders. 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, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Sep 19, 2024 • 7min

Authorities Hoping to Identify Victim "Asian Doe" in Long Island Serial Killer Case

Authorities in New York State have released new information about a suspected victim of the alleged Long Island Serial Killer, Rex Heuermann, known as "Asian Doe." The remains of this unidentified individual, believed to have been a biological male of southern Chinese descent, were discovered in April 2011 in Nassau County. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office announced that "Asian Doe" likely died from blunt force trauma and may have been involved in sex work prior to their death, which is estimated to have occurred during or before 2006. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney provided details during a press conference, stating, "Unfortunately, this victim suffered a violent death." He elaborated that the victim was found wearing women’s clothing, including a bra and a pair of women's pants, indicating that "Asian Doe" may have identified as a woman or was known as one by others. The victim is believed to have been between the ages of 17 and 23 at the time of death. The remains were uncovered on April 4, 2011, along Ocean Parkway, where they had reportedly been for at least five years before discovery. To aid in identifying "Asian Doe," the DA's office released several facial reconstructions depicting what the victim may have looked like prior to their death, showcasing both male and female representations. "We are hopeful that with this new information and the community's assistance, we will be able to identify 'Asian Doe' and bring a resolution to the case," Tierney said, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. In an effort to reach a wider audience, information regarding the victim has been made available in multiple languages, including Cantonese, Mandarin, Thai, and Bahasa Indonesian. The investigation into "Asian Doe" comes as Heuermann faces serious allegations. Arrested on July 13, 2023, he has been charged with murdering six women, with the most recent charges announced in June of this year. The victims, including Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, and Jessica Taylor, have been linked to the Gilgo Beach murders, a series of killings that have haunted Long Island for over a decade. While authorities have not definitively linked "Asian Doe" to Heuermann, the ongoing investigation has drawn attention to the possibility. When questioned about any connection, Tierney noted, "Each one of these victims is a separate crime scene. ... We don’t talk about it until we’re able to charge someone." He urged anyone with information regarding "Asian Doe" to come forward, stating, "The task force does not forget victims and we will not stop in our pursuit of justice." A $2,500 reward has been offered for information leading to the identification of "Asian Doe." Those with relevant information are encouraged to contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. The case of "Asian Doe" serves as a grim reminder of the unresolved mysteries surrounding the Long Island Serial Killer, with investigators continuing to search for answers. Tierney emphasized the need for community cooperation, urging that someone must have known the victim before their tragic end. "Prior to 2006, this person had friends, possible classmates or coworkers, and a family – someone must know who they are," he stated. As the investigation progresses, the DA's office remains committed to uncovering the truth and bringing closure to the families affected by these tragic events. 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, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Sep 3, 2024 • 15min

Alleged Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Rex Heuermann Kept Victims Alive to Inflict Pain, Say Investigators

Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer, reportedly kept his victims alive to inflict pain and torture them, according to crime experts and investigators. Heuermann, 60, faces murder charges in connection with the deaths of six women spanning from the early 1990s to 2011. Initially, he was charged for the killings of the "Gilgo Four"—Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello—whose bodies were discovered near Gilgo Beach on Long Island in 2010. In June, Heuermann was charged with additional counts for the murders of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla. A recently discovered planning document, described by prosecutors as a "blueprint," outlines details about torture, captivity, noise control, and "play time." Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney commented on the significance of the document, saying, "That speaks for itself," during a press conference in June. Tierney further explained the disturbing implications of "play time," telling reporters, "We allege that the more rest the participants [have], the more you get done. The more rested the participants are, the more you can get done." This document, which was deleted in 2002 but later recovered from a device found in Heuermann's Massapequa Park home, is central to the case against him. According to Tierney, the remains of Taylor and Costilla showed evidence of severe torture. Taylor's body was dismembered, while Costilla's showed signs of mutilation. Prosecutors have also suggested a possible four-day period during which Taylor may have been held captive, based on the last known contact with her family and surveillance of a pickup truck near the location where her body was eventually discovered. The planning document's content also includes references to using "push pins to hang drop cloths from the ceiling not tape" and mentions a "hard point," which prosecutors interpret as a reference to a fixed attachment on a ceiling for suspension bondage. Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD detective sergeant and professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, described the document as "frightening" in a report by Newsday. "Just from reading the [manifesto] document, this is the most sadistic thing around, keeping people alive to torture them. The torture these victims had to go through just compounds things for their families," Giacalone said. Former FBI profiler Gregg McCrary echoed these sentiments, noting, "The more interaction they can have is the payoff for them. They want to keep them alive as long as they can, reasonably. Killing is what they have to do at the end to not be discovered." However, Heuermann's attorney, Michael J. Brown, downplayed the significance of the document at a press conference in July. "It all goes into the narrative," Brown said. "It's any piece of the puzzle that they can take and they can fit and they can argue that it's Rex Heuermann, they've done it. The things that don't work for them, you don't hear about." The planning document also mentions the book "Mindhunter," written by FBI profiler John Douglas, a detail that Brown dismissed as irrelevant. "There are probably hundreds of thousands of people across our country, if not millions, who have read that book and downloaded portions of that book," he said. Despite the defense's efforts to minimize the evidence, Tierney pointed out that Heuermann's interest in "Mindhunter" appeared to focus on parts discussing mutilation and "sexual substitution," where a perpetrator penetrates a victim's body with an object as a substitute for a sexual act. "That is when the perpetrator penetrates the victim's body with an object as a means to substitute the sexual act," Tierney explained, adding that it seems this was performed on Costilla. The remains of Taylor and Costilla, discovered shortly after their deaths, provided more physical evidence compared to the "Gilgo Four," whose remains were skeletonized. "With regard to the Gilgo Four, they were skeletonized, so we're left to surmise a lot of things, or we just don't know, because we don't have the same amount of evidence that you would on a person who has been deceased for a period of days, as opposed to a period of years," Tierney noted. "With Costilla and Jessica Taylor ... we know more about what, unfortunately, what happened to them, because there's more evidence there." Despite the disturbing allegations and evidence presented, Brown argued against the portrayal of his client as a "horrific, prolific mass murderer." He referenced surveillance footage obtained by prosecutors, stating, "I have seen the video from the beginning to the end. What you see is a guy walking his dog, a guy going to work in the morning with his briefcase and his sports jacket and coming home." Rex Heuermann remains held at the Suffolk County Jail in Riverhead as he awaits his next court appearance. The trial date has not yet been scheduled. 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, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Aug 21, 2024 • 9min

Gilgo Beach Murder Investigation Links Suspect's Planning Document to Former Bronx Sex Worker

Investigators have made a significant connection in the Gilgo Beach murder case, linking one of the phone numbers listed in an alleged planning document belonging to Rex A. Heuermann, the prime suspect, to a former Bronx sex worker. This discovery sheds new light on the case, which has captivated the public for years. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney made the phone number public in June 2023, seeking help from the public in identifying a woman who may have been targeted by Heuermann around 2002. The number has now been traced to Danielle Goodling, a former Bronx sex worker who died in 2021 from an apparent drug overdose, according to her family. Goodling’s involvement in the case highlights the brutal reality of the crimes Heuermann is accused of committing. Goodling worked as a sex worker in New York during the late 1990s and early 2000s, a period when Heuermann is alleged to have been planning his heinous acts. She had multiple arrests, two of which occurred in 2002 near Heuermann's former office, raising questions about whether their paths might have crossed. The second phone number found in the document, a pager number, remains unverified. Investigators are continuing their efforts to determine its relevance to the case. According to authorities, Heuermann used the planning document between 2000 and 2002, outlining his methods for carrying out his crimes and evading law enforcement. The document included phone numbers associated with individuals identified as "Megan?" and "Target 1," which may refer to Goodling, though her mother, Cindy Fitt, has stated she does not recall her daughter using the name Megan. The connection between Goodling and Heuermann adds another layer to the complex and disturbing investigation. On July 13, 2023, Heuermann, now 60, was arrested outside his Manhattan office in connection with the 2010 murders of Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; and Amber Costello, 27, according to reports from Front Page Detectives. These women, along with Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, whose remains were found near the others, became known as the "Gilgo Four." The scope of the case widened as authorities continued their investigation. In June 2024, Heuermann was charged with the alleged murders of Jessica Taylor in 2003 and Sandra Costilla in 1993. These charges brought the total number of alleged victims to six, all of whom were involved in sex work, according to prosecutors. The timeline of the crimes spans three decades, from Costilla's 1993 death to Heuermann's arrest in 2023. Despite the mounting evidence and the gravity of the charges against him, Heuermann has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. The ongoing investigation continues to uncover more details about Heuermann's activities and potential victims, as law enforcement works to bring justice to the families of the victims. The revelation of Goodling's connection to one of the phone numbers in Heuermann's planning document is a critical piece of evidence in the broader case. However, with the second phone number still unverified, the investigation is far from over. Authorities remain committed to piecing together the full scope of Heuermann's alleged crimes, as they work to ensure that no stone is left unturned. The Gilgo Beach case, which has haunted the community and captured national attention, continues to evolve as new evidence comes to light. The families of the victims, alongside law enforcement, are seeking closure and justice for the lives lost in what has become one of the most chilling serial murder cases in recent history. As the investigation progresses, the public remains watchful, eager for answers in a case that has left so many questions unanswered for so long. 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, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

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