Long Island Serial Killer | The Trial Of Rex Heuermann

In a recent episode of the popular podcast "Hidden Killers," Tony Brueski sat down with retired FBI Special Agent and daily contributor, Jennifer Coffindaffer, to dissect the chilling case of Rex Heuermann and the newly emerged implications surrounding former Police Chief James Burke.    Rex Heuermann, whose case has ensnared attention over recent times, is alleged to have solicited sex workers and subsequently murdered them. More shockingly, Police Chief James Burke was recently arrested on similar charges, with additional accusations pointing towards potential obstruction of investigations during his tenure.    Tony Brueski rightly pointed out, "It appears, it really didn't have to be a cold case for so long when there was apparently quite a bit of information and evidence that would've pointed them to Erman much earlier." Coffindaffer added, noting the overlooked evidence: "Even though we know back in that time mitochondrial DNA couldn't be used to make the links, there was so much other evidence there."    The most damning revelation was the history of Burke. "He was arrested after beating a junkie who broke into his truck and stole sex toys and pornographic items, and served over 40 months in federal prison for that," Coffindaffer recounted. This was followed by another recent arrest related to soliciting sex workers. Such a pattern of behavior, Coffindaffer hints, might have influenced Burke to "close down this investigation" to prevent his own sexual proclivities from coming to light.    A point of contention raised during the conversation was the decision of jurisdictions, like the one under Burke, to exclude the FBI from certain investigations. In response to Brueski's inquiry about this practice, Coffindaffer remarked that sometimes it is due to a lack of rapport between the local authority and the FBI. However, she emphasized, "yes, it is a red flag in my opinion."    Further discussion shed light on the power dynamics within police organizations. When questioned about Burke's ability to act unilaterally, Coffindaffer explained the quasi-military structure of these organizations, "when your boss says, go out in that intersection and stand on your head, the idea is that you do it without question." She continued, pointing to Burke’s authority: “So, no, the buck stopped with him.”    Brueski wrapped up the discussion by touching upon the potential legal repercussions facing Burke. Depending on the findings of the task force, should evidence of "willful ignorance" or cover-ups be found on Burke's part, Coffindaffer highlighted that "there's public corruption statutes and federal public corruption statutes" that could lead to legal consequences.    The revelation that someone in a position of authority, like Chief James Burke, may have been involved in nefarious activities, potentially obstructing justice or overlooking crucial evidence, paints a disturbing picture. This case serves as a potent reminder of the deep-seated issues in some law enforcement agencies and the pressing need for transparency and accountability.    As investigations continue and the task force delves deeper, many hope for a resolution not only in the Heuermann case but also in potentially overlooked cases that took place under Burke's administration. As Brueski concluded, with a hint of cautious optimism, it's a "very interesting new direction" in an already complex case. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

In a gripping episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," hosted by Tony Brueski, listeners were given an intimate look into the mind of a diagnosed psychopath. M.E. Thomas, author of Confessions of a Sociopath: A Lifespan Hiding in Plain Sight, discussed the complexities of living with this misunderstood personality disorder.   Tony Brueski begins by referencing Rex Heuermann, who, though unconfirmed, he speculates might be a sociopath or psychopath based on his behaviors. The primary discussion revolves around the art of mask-wearing, a metaphor for the sociopath's habit of presenting different personalities to different individuals.   “I'd imagine that must be exhausting, trying to compartmentalize things that way,” Brueski remarked, probing Thomas about the strain of living multiple realities.   Thomas revealed that the challenges of managing these “masks” varied over her life. During her younger years, where life was transient – moving from junior high to high school to college – it was more about reinvention. The real pressure mounted when she stepped into a stable career. One misstep, one moment of inconsistency in these masks could lead to significant consequences. Thomas noted, “It only became more difficult when I became a little bit more stable… there was more of a serious consequence, I guess, if I dropped the ball on something.”    She further elaborated on the toll of juggling these personas, saying that maintaining a career and long-term relationships became incredibly draining. "Being around people, talking to people was really draining," Thomas shared.   In a particularly candid moment, Thomas described how she navigated relationships. She explained that when she couldn't maintain the personality she had built with someone, she would typically abandon the relationship. "It wasn't a reflection on them really," she clarified, highlighting that the burden of living up to another's expectations while adapting to new situations was just too much.   Brueski then pivoted the conversation back to Rex Heuermann, asking Thomas to speculate on his mental state now that he's potentially been caught for crimes. Thomas, emphasizing that it's purely speculative, said that Heuermann might feel relief initially. He would be free from the taxing burden of pretending. Yet, as time moves on, she theorizes that he might begin to miss the intimacy and connection from his past life, saying, "Even people with personality disorders want an intimate connection with people."   When asked about regret, Thomas dissected the difference between regretting the crimes versus regretting getting caught. She opined that for someone like Heuermann, it might not be about sloppiness. "I don't think he would see it necessarily as sloppiness. He'd just be like that was just me taking more risks, but also getting more reward," she speculated.   The enlightening conversation on "Hidden Killers" provides a unique perspective into the minds of individuals who, by their very nature, live in the shadows of society. Through M.E. Thomas’s candid sharing, listeners gain a deeper understanding of sociopathy's intricacies and the continuous dance between revealing and concealing one’s true self. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

The National Offender database, which contains the DNA profiles of offenders, has more than 13 million profiles, almost double since 2009. However, there is growing concern about the accuracy of DNA matches and the potential for human error in the system. Forensic scientist and professor Dan Krane revealed alarming error rates in DNA test results on the "Hidden Killers" podcast with Tony Brueski.    Krane, who has extensive experience working with DNA databases, expressed his excitement about the potential to identify error rates or determine errors in DNA test results. He cited his involvement in an investigation for the state of Victoria in Australia, where he had access to about 15,000 DNA profiles. "When you did all possible pairwise comparisons of those 15,000 people, what you found is that there were a fair number that matched perfectly at 14 out of 18," Krane explained. "There were fewer that matched at 15 out of 18, but still some, fewer that matched at 16 out of 18, but still some, and then a whole bunch that matched at 17 out of 18, more than matched at 14 out of 18, and then a whole bunch that matched at 18 out of 18."    Krane explained that the only explanation for the ones that matched at 18 out of 18 was that these were people who were entered into the system twice, possibly under an alias. However, the ones that matched at 17 out of 18 indicated that there was a mistake in one of the two times their DNA got entered into the system. This translated into an error rate of one in 300. "And when you're talking about chances of a coincidental match in the quintillions or the bazillions, if you prefer, yet you make a mistake every 300th time that you try to generate a DNA profile, the bazillion number doesn't matter anymore. It gets swapped out by that chance of making a mistake," Krane said.    This error rate is particularly concerning as it means that opportunities to generate useful investigative leads are missed. If a DNA sample is collected from a crime scene and there is no suspect, authorities search the CODIS database to find a match. However, every 300th time this is done, a lead is not generated, which Krane believes is an unacceptably high failure rate given the consequences of having a rapist or a murderer go without being apprehended.    Krane suggested that one way to correct this could be by doing a pairwise comparison of the 13 million profiles in the federal database to determine if errors happen more frequently at one of the locations than others. "Maybe one of those loci just is more error-prone than others. Maybe the biology just doesn't work as well for that one locus. That one location. And when you do your database search, maybe you don't include that one, right? Or maybe you include it and this, but you factor in that you discount it because that one is just more prone to having a mistake," Krane suggested.    Krane also expressed concern about the secrecy surrounding the CODIS database and suggested that more people in the correct positions should have access to it to identify more criminals and solve more cases. He also mentioned the development of probabilistic genotyping systems, expert systems used to interpret test results that human analysts find too complicated. These systems, while not openly shared due to stringent non-disclosure agreements, can distinguish between signal and noise, which is particularly useful when dealing with a small amount of DNA or a sample with many different contributors.    While the expert systems may not explicitly use artificial intelligence (AI), they involve serious computer science undertakings with hundreds of thousands of lines of computer code. These systems may help reduce human error and improve the accuracy of DNA database searches, ultimately helping to catch more criminals and solve more cases.    Krane's insights highlight the need for more transparency and improvement in the system to ensure that DNA databases are used to their fullest potential in solving crimes and catching criminals. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

In a shocking revelation on the podcast "Hidden Killers," new details have emerged linking James Burke, a former police chief, with the infamous Long Island Serial Killer, Rex Heuermann. Host Tony Brueski and Defense Attorney Bob Motta delve deep into the mysterious ties between the two men.    Heuermann, a man charged with the heinous Gilgo Beach murders, was allegedly active for several years. Intriguingly, James Burke was responsible for the police work in the area during Heuermann's active years. But a recent arrest has shed light on Burke's less than honorable personal life. He was arrested for patronizing sex workers, raising concerns about his integrity.    Brueski notes, "He's a corrupt police chief...The question a lot of us have right now is, why did he not go after the individual that was clearly outlined to him as being the possible Gilgo Beach murderer?" It's a question that gnaws at the conscience of the public who want justice for the victims.    Bob Motta, echoing Brueski's concerns, states, "It could be that he was frequenting establishments or he was paying for sex with sex workers at that time, and he was seriously concerned that an in-depth investigation might reveal things about him."    Another worrying theory is Burke's sheer indifference to the crimes. Motta emphasizes the gravity of either scenario: "Either way it's bad." Whether it's Burke's personal involvement with sex workers or simply looking the other way due to internal politics, the victims deserve a thorough investigation.    Drawing parallels to another controversial case, Brueski references Scott Peterson, the officer involved in a school shooting who was criticized for his lack of action. Although the two cases are vastly different, Brueski points out the underlying theme of inaction by law enforcement officers when their duty calls.    Motta sympathizes with the human side of Peterson's case but asserts that if an officer is sworn in to protect, it's their duty to act, even if it means risking their reputation or life. He brings the conversation back to Burke, highlighting that, unlike Peterson, Burke's actions were driven by self-preservation, noting that exposing the truth could tarnish his reputation, legacy, and even end his career.    The two also discuss the broader implications of such negligence. "How many other cold cases are out there?" Brueski asks, emphasizing the possibility that several leads and potential suspects might have been ignored or brushed under the rug in similar cases.    Motta highlights another alarming pattern in Chicago, referencing the mysterious waterway deaths. Despite being dismissed as accidents by authorities, Motta is convinced there's more to the story, hinting at a possible serial killer on the loose.    The podcast's core message revolves around the changing dynamic between the public and law enforcement due to social media. Online sleuthing and activism have pressured authorities to revisit cold cases and prioritize justice over city image. As Motta puts it, "People deserve justice."    However, with the advantages of online activism come disadvantages. The duo warns against baseless accusations and urges the public to be responsible with information.    In conclusion, while the ties between Burke and Heuermann are chilling, they spotlight the dire need for transparency, integrity, and accountability in law enforcement. The victims and their families deserve nothing less. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

In the latest episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, Tony Brueski delves deep into the intricacies surrounding the case of Rex Heuermann, discussing the regular mental and medical evaluations being conducted and what they may mean in the larger context of the investigation. Bringing in psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott, the conversation covers not only the prison evaluations but also Heuermann’s behavior and the allegations that loom large against him.    Given the murkiness surrounding the allegations against Heuermann, Brueski sought Scott’s expertise in explaining the purpose and implications of these evaluations. Scott hypothesized, “I think this will go in his official medical chart, and they're probably monitoring him for suicidality.” Highlighting the implications of a high-profile inmate like Heuermann potentially committing suicide while in custody, she cited the notorious Epstein case as an example of the challenges and responsibilities faced by those in charge.    Yet, what about the potential psychological underpinnings that might guide Heuermann’s actions? With the emphasis on psychopathy and narcissism, the question arises: are such individuals less likely to self-harm due to their self-absorbed nature? “Each case needs to be looked at,” Scott emphasizes. The impulsivity of an act like suicide means that even those with pronounced narcissistic traits, such as Epstein, can quickly deteriorate under the right circumstances.    As Brueski further probed into Heuermann's behavioral patterns, especially regarding reports of his detailed discussions about the crime with women he dated, Scott recognized this as a "display" of his arrogance and narcissistic power. The audacity of openly discussing details of his crime could be a manifestation of his need to feel dominant and in control. Scott noted that some serial killers, as they age, might not feel the compulsion to commit crimes but instead might relive past experiences as a means of satisfaction.    Adding to the chilling narrative, there's an undertone suggesting that Heuermann’s crimes could potentially extend beyond the known cases, a detail that leaves more questions than answers. “Is it possible that he changed his mo[de]? Are there bodies in other places? … [W]hat we know now is just the tip of the iceberg and at some point he may, if he's convicted of these, disclose that yes, there were many more,” said Scott.   In a climate where every detail can tilt the scale in the court of public opinion, the regular evaluations of Heuermann’s mental state behind bars not only act as precautionary measures but could also potentially play a significant role in the courtroom. Whether these evaluations will testify for or against him remains yet to be seen. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," Tony Brueski delved deep into the murky waters of police corruption and unsolved crimes, specifically focusing on former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke. Brueski's special guest was Susan Constantine, a recognized body language expert and trial consultant. Their discussion centered on the halted progress in the case against Rex Heuermann and the involvement of James Burke.    Burke, who was already incarcerated for unrelated crimes and corruption, is now facing allegations of engaging with sex workers. Brueski raised an alarming concern, questioning the extent to which Burke’s tenure as the chief may have hindered investigations, particularly the Gilgo Beach killer case. Commenting on the hidden layers of crime networks, Constantine remarked, “You kind of wonder what is underground that we're not aware of. There's something bigger than what sometimes we see on the surface and there is police corruption."    Delving further into the clandestine nature of such cases, Constantine drew parallels with her experience as an expert consultant in the Jeffrey Epstein case. “When you think about just that whole underground thing there... there's a lot going on that I don't know that we all know everything," she shared, emphasizing that such cover-ups often have connections that extend beyond what meets the eye. The question that looms large is whether Burke’s alleged involvement with sex workers was a mere personal vice, or if it masked deeper connections and potential cover-ups, potentially involving Heuermann and other suspects linked to a spree of unsolved murders.    Drawing a parallel with the convoluted intricacies of the Jeffrey Epstein case, Brueski expressed the challenge of accepting the potential involvement of high-profile individuals in such clandestine affairs. "I think the same thing kind of goes for something like this where you have faith in your police chief, you have faith in the people who are supposed to be protecting and serving," he said, emphasizing the trust deficit that incidents like these create in the community.    Constantine emphasized the hidden layers of corruption that often go unnoticed. She stressed that certain individuals often position themselves strategically in high offices to exert control and influence. “The individuals that are in charge of those investigating... have strategically put themselves in high positions. So they can block it," she revealed.    One of the more unsettling revelations from Constantine alluded to a local case she’s privy to. “I have knowledge of a psychologist... that becomes the head of the department of Children and Families being the psychologist where everybody goes to for the courts approved as being the court-appointed," she disclosed. Such strategic placements allow these individuals to control narratives, evidence, and outcomes, ensuring their secrets remain buried.    Brueski and Constantine further theorized how individuals, like Rex in this situation, might strategize their moves. If one wanted to suppress information or control what comes out, they would likely position themselves in influential places, form connections with decision-makers, and ensure that every step taken by investigators or opponents has to go through them. It’s a haunting game of chess, with real lives at stake.    Towards the end of their conversation, both Brueski and Constantine expressed apprehension about the future findings in the case against Burke and his potential connections. The discussion painted a grim picture of the depths of corruption and how deep-seated networks can influence and control criminal investigations. With the lines between protectors and perpetrators increasingly blurred, one can only wonder: how many more hidden killers are lurking in the shadows? 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski and former Federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani discuss the shocking story of Rex Heuermann and the potential complicity of former Suffolk County Police Chief, James Burke, in ignoring crucial evidence that could have helped solve several murders of sex workers.    Burke has recently been arrested for soliciting sex workers and is accused of neglecting his duties as Police Chief, as numerous murders of sex workers happened under his watch. Brueski and Rahmani discuss the lack of action taken despite evidence being brought to Burke's attention. Rahmani expresses his disappointment with the situation, "You know, sex with prostitutes in his car, soliciting sex just recently, covering up, beating up individuals, right? So, you know, maybe he's just focused on his own personal sexual activities to spend time on the case."    The conversation touches upon the widespread distrust of law enforcement and the potential legal ramifications for Burke and others who may have been complicit in the failure to pursue leads in this case. Rahmani explains that it is difficult to hold police officers civilly liable for inaction due to legal protections like qualified immunity. He notes, however, that this is a hot button political issue, especially after the George Floyd incident, "this notion of qualified immunity, right? Yeah. For police officers and you know, there are a lot of folks in this country that they don't like plaintiff's lawyers, civil rights lawyers going after police officers."    The episode highlights the need for reform within law enforcement, as it is difficult to hold officers accountable for their actions or inactions due to strong police union protections and the legal principle of qualified immunity. Rahmani laments the power of police unions, "It's very hard to fire a police officer. You know, they have significant procedural due process. Right. Substantive due process rights."    Brueski and Rahmani's conversation reflects the broader national conversation about the need for police reform and accountability. The case of Rex Heuermann and James Burke serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of failing to hold law enforcement officials accountable for their actions or lack thereof.    Despite the dark nature of the topic, the "Hidden Killers" podcast sheds light on the importance of addressing these issues and the need for systemic change within the law enforcement and judicial systems. The podcast serves as a critical platform for discussing the complexities and challenges associated with holding law enforcement officials accountable and the broader implications for public trust and safety. 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, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, 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

The "Hidden Killers" podcast, hosted by Tony Brueski, recently hosted Defense Attorney Bob Motta to dissect the alleged oversights and potential wrongdoings of former police Chief James Burke. Burke held office during a critical time while Rex Heuermann, a potential serial killer, was on the loose, and their discussion raises several concerning questions about the state of policing and investigations.    Brueski began by highlighting Burke's oversight: "He had the vehicle, we had the description, which would've narrowed down to a very small percentage of the population, but nothing was really done." Motta drew parallels with notorious serial killer Gacy, emphasizing how societal views, particularly towards marginalized groups, might influence the rigor of police investigations. "I think that, you know, it's strikingly similar to what went on with Gacy. [...] Burke paid it no mind because they were sex workers, and he didn't value human life based on what they did for a living," Motta stated.    Reflecting on the recent arrest of Heuermann for solicitation, Brueski mentioned the chilling revelation that much of the evidence connecting him to the crimes, except the DNA match from a cross, had been available for over a decade. Motta responded passionately, saying, "That green first generation avalanche and the description of the ogre, was right there. And that's probable cause. They would've found him; the case would've been solved."    The conversation took an even darker turn as Motta delved into the possible legal implications for the state or local government. He posed the harrowing question: could the direct result of Burke's alleged refusal to investigate lead to the discovery of more victims? It's a prospect that could open a Pandora's box of legal and ethical issues for law enforcement agencies and communities.    Brueski pressed on a critical query: had a scenario like this been litigated before? Where law enforcement showed "willful ignorance" rather than just negligence? Motta acknowledged the rarity and complexity of such a case. "It's very difficult, Tony," Motta explained. He elaborated on the fine line between simple negligence and willful ignorance, pointing out the protective barrier of governmental immunity that often shields public agencies from lawsuits.    But Motta saw potential avenues for litigation, especially if there is concrete evidence of willful neglect. "If it's willful, it's different," he emphasized. The recent arrest of Burke could be pivotal in this regard, shedding light on systemic issues and potentially exposing a culture of negligence, especially towards marginalized communities.    The discussion ended with a speculative note on how the case could progress. If there's tangible evidence proving a lackadaisical attitude towards investigating because the victims were sex workers, it could indeed pave the way for legal action.    Both Brueski and Motta highlighted the need for accountability and a profound change in law enforcement's approach toward all victims, regardless of their backgrounds. As more details emerge, it's clear that the layers of this case may unravel deeper systemic issues within law enforcement and society at large. 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

In a recent episode of "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski sat down with psychotherapist and author, Shavaun Scott, to dissect the curious behavior of Rex Heuermann, who is reportedly leaning towards religion while being incarcerated. The conversation, though centered around Heuermann, brought up a larger point - the frequency with which incarcerated individuals turn to religion, a phenomenon commonly termed as 'jailhouse religion'.    “We're talking right now about Rex Heuermann,” Tony began, and mentioned Heuermann's current living conditions, hinting at the psychological toll that may ensue from being in confinement. Of particular interest to Brueski was Heuermann’s reported wish to have religious services, specifically from the Roman Catholic Church, brought to him. Brueski stated, “...but he is of Roman Catholic descent, and we're told that someone from the Roman Catholic Church has come in.”    Addressing this, Scott revealed, “Jailhouse religion, I cannot tell you how common that is.” She further explained that even individuals with a history of serious crimes suddenly become intensely interested in spiritual matters when incarcerated. Comparing it to the sudden surge of faith among soldiers in war, she opined that it's a “human tendency to reach out to the supernatural for comfort when people are feeling a lot of stress.”    Scott's perspective is particularly enlightening as she suggests that this gravitation towards faith might not be as straightforward as it appears. While on the surface, it may look like a genuine search for redemption or spiritual solace, the reasons behind such a shift could be manifold. Some might be seeking a genuine connection, while others could be motivated by more ulterior motives.    But do these individuals, especially those accused or convicted of heinous crimes, perceive and adopt religion in the same manner as others? Tony posed an intriguing question: "Is it speaking to them differently? Does it play into their narcissism?" Scott's answer provided a window into the mind of such individuals. She speculated that for some, turning to religion could be a method of absolving responsibility. She explained, “If you believe you've been forgiven for whatever sin you've committed just by praying about it, you may gain a little bit of comfort from that.”    Another interesting angle was whether these inmates use their newfound faith as a strategic move during trials. Could showcasing a religious transformation affect jury sentiments? Brueski remarked, "It's definitely that... It looks good." Scott expanded on this idea, highlighting the instances where convicts engage in spiritual performances to attract and manipulate vulnerable individuals, especially women seeking relationships with 'bad boys'.    The conversation didn't limit itself to prisons. Tony drew parallels with businesses that wear their faith on their sleeves, possibly as a strategic move. “Where a business will add some sort of religious aspect to their signage or to their logo...,” he observed, indicating that this might not always stem from genuine faith, but rather an attempt to attract a certain clientele or project trustworthiness.    In concluding remarks, both Tony and Scott agreed on the manipulative nature of this phenomenon when not genuine. Scott summarized, “They know that's going to build trust and people will ask fewer questions if they believe that, 'oh, we're talking to a person of God,' so therefore, it gives this veneer of righteousness to them. So it's a pretty dirty manipulation when it's done that way.”    The episode, rich with insights from Scott, is a testament to the multifaceted nature of human behavior. Whether one believes in the authenticity of 'jailhouse religion' or sees it as a strategic move, the phenomenon undoubtedly presents an intriguing facet of the human psyche, begging further exploration. 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

The investigations involving former Suffolk County Chief of Police, James Burke, have taken a labyrinthine turn, unveiling potential cover-ups, discrepancies, and many more layers than initially assumed. As the "Hidden Killers" podcast, hosted by Tony Brueski, delved deep into this mystery, many questions arose regarding Burke's role and responsibilities during his tenure, especially concerning the Rex Heman case.   Reflecting on the intricacies of this case, Brueski noted, "The layers of the onion continue to peel back." Evidence has emerged from various sources, shedding light on this intricate web. One particularly revealing piece is a documentary released on Hulu by TMZ. This piece included an interview with a friend of one of the victims, who vividly recalled his account to the Suffolk County Police, highlighting the victim's unsettling interaction with Erman. The friend described Erman as an "ogre-like character, overbearing, big", which perfectly matched the description of Heman. Yet, even with such an apparent lead, the authorities overlooked connecting Erman to the case nearly a decade ago.   Brueski raised a critical question that lingers in the minds of many: "Is there ever repercussions for things like that to someone like Burke who clearly was derelict in his job?" Robin Dreeke, retired FBI Special Agent, acknowledged the severity of the oversight but added, "Just because something's unethical doesn't mean it's illegal."   Dreeke also expressed concerns about potential legal recourse against Burke. Discussing the feasibility of prosecuting someone for neglecting their duty, Dreeke noted the challenges in distinguishing between unethical behavior and illegal activities. He observed, "It'd be really tough to do that." This line of thought emphasizes a recurrent theme - the blurring lines between ethical responsibilities and legal implications in such cases.   But the conversation took a darker turn when speculations arose about the other cases under Burke's purview. Dreeke mused, "What other cases, 100%. Now we know about Herman, there's new command in there that's reevaluating some of these cases." He highlighted the alarming number of bodies discovered on the beach, drawing attention to the fact that Heman was only connected to three or four, hinting at the possibility of more connections.   Drawing a line to Burke's recent arrest, Dreeke emphasized the unsettling nature of the police chief's frequentation of circles that included numerous sex workers. He suggested, "If you are the chief of police, you probably don't necessarily want to go in there and necessarily ruffle any feathers in that community," hinting at the possibility of Burke's involvement being more insidious than mere negligence.   Echoing this sentiment, Brueski concluded, "We might have just scratched the tip of that iceberg." The questions now arise - what did the Chief of Police know? When did he know it? And who else was involved?   As more details emerge, it becomes increasingly clear that all cases overseen by Burke during his tenure need thorough reexamination. The layers of this case might be peeling back, but as the podcast suggests, the heart of this mystery might be deeper and darker than anyone could have imagined. 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