Long Island Serial Killer | The Trial Of Rex Heuermann

The gruesome discovery of bodies on Gilgo Beach has perplexed authorities for years. In a recent episode of "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski sits down with forensic psychologist Joni Johnston to dissect the enigma surrounding Rex Heuermann and his potential link to the Gilgo Beach murders.   "The fact that the state of the bodies... all very similar... on the beach when they were found," Brueski starts, referring to the conditions of the bodies connected to Heuerman due to the discovery of his and his wife's hair. Yet, there are other victims whose conditions don't match these, raising the question of whether Heuermann was responsible for their deaths.   Johnston admitted the perplexity of the situation, "You look and you kind of go, there's no way this could be the same person." She drew attention to the fact that while some victims were neatly placed and bound, others were gruesomely dismembered and scattered in different areas. These stark differences make it challenging to believe that the same perpetrator committed all the crimes.   However, she emphasized that a serial killer's method of operation (MO) can evolve based on different situations and over time. "Is it possible that the same person starting out in their serial killing career... was very, very concerned about being caught?" she posed. By suggesting that the serial killer may have started by dismembering victims to reduce chances of detection and later evolved to a more "careful" method due to overconfidence, she offers a fresh perspective to the investigation.   "We don't know... how these other women died," she adds. If the other victims' death method matches those linked to Heuerman, it strengthens the possibility of him being responsible for all the crimes. She discussed the possibility that the killer might have viewed the location as a private graveyard to suit their psychological needs, emphasizing that how the killer treated the bodies post-mortem might be less significant than their actual killing method.   Brueski then brought up a curious piece of evidence: a belt left at the crime scene with the initials "WH" or "HM". He asked if this could be a calling card, a signature left intentionally by the killer. Johnston responded that while some killers have left 'calling cards', "it isn't very often that they leave a calling card." She explained that in most cases, it's inadvertent, with the killer possibly dropping something unintentionally in the rush or the darkness.   A critical question posed during their conversation was how someone, potentially like Heuermann, rationalizes their dark actions while leading a seemingly normal life. Johnston discussed the surprising ways some criminals justify their actions, often blaming the victim and diverting responsibility. "It's not my fault, it's the victim's fault," she highlighted as a common theme among many.   Addressing the duality of being a family man by day and a potential killer by night, Johnston pointed out that it's an "exaggerated version" of the compartmentalization everyone experiences. Using the example of law enforcement officers, she explained how people manage to separate their personal and professional lives. Serial killers, in her view, do the same but in a much more extreme manner.   The conversation provided valuable insights into the psyche of serial killers and the challenges involved in connecting seemingly unrelated crimes. As investigations continue, it's imperative to remain open to all possibilities, understanding that the minds of criminals can be as complex as the crimes they commit. 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 the podcast Hidden Killers, Tony Brueski was joined by Joseph Scott Morgan, a Forensic Scientist and Distinguished Scholar of Applied Forensics at Jacksonville State University. The discussion delved into the intricate facets of forensic evidence related to an ongoing case involving a suspected serial killer.   At the onset, Morgan detailed the challenges of investigating cases where the bodies have been in a state of decomposition for several years. "We don't have a lot of solid data relative... about causes of death," he shared, linking the gaps in information to the advanced decomposition of the remains. The forensic scientist also touched upon patterns typically exhibited by serial killers in their modus operandi, indicating that most do not deviate from their preferred methods of execution.   He highlighted the case of one killer from New Orleans who derived perverse pleasure from using a garrot. Such killers revel in the physical pain they inflict, with the act of murdering becoming an intimate and personalized endeavor. This gruesome insight shed light on the psychology of serial killers and their attachment to certain methods of killing.   One of the more perplexing aspects of the case at hand is the varying states of the bodies found - some intact and others dismembered. Morgan stated, "What's fascinating about her [Fire Island Jane Doe] case is that her... legs were found that fateful day out on Fire Island back in 96... there's still no torso with her." This begs the question: why would a killer leave some bodies intact and yet take the time to dismember others?   Discussing this dichotomy further, Morgan posited a theory that the dismemberment could be a sign that the killer had more time with certain victims. "Is the dismemberment an indication that a subject may have had more time with someone they had targeted to kill?" Morgan mused. "It takes time to take a body apart... They would have done this, wrapped it and deposited it out there." On the contrary, other bodies might have been disposed of in haste, possibly wrapped in materials like burlap.   Contrasting these behaviors, Morgan underlined the difference between treating a dead body with a semblance of respect versus mutilating it. These variations can be significant when trying to understand the psyche of a serial killer and can give insights into their evolving patterns.   Yet, this very evolution is what baffles investigators. "To change how you're disposing of bodies is certainly an outlier in my experience," Morgan expressed. Brueski echoed the sentiment, pointing out that it's bizarre for one's methods to alter so drastically unless it's a sign of evolving behavior.   Adding a layer of complexity, the location of these bodies was discussed. The secluded nature of Long Island was emphasized, with its isolation being a potential factor in why it was chosen for body deposition.   A more unsettling aspect was the return of the suspected killer's family to their home, presumably a site of significant forensic evidence. The speed with which the house was released back to the family after investigations left both Brueski and Morgan shocked.   The podcast episode served as a sobering reminder of the complexities of forensic investigations, especially with serial killers. Morgan's insights provided a deep dive into the often unfathomable minds of those who commit such heinous acts, leaving listeners with more questions than answers about the ongoing case. As the investigation unfolds, both the public and experts alike await to see how forensic science will unveil the truths hidden within the evidence. 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 enigmatic case of Rex Heuermann, an alleged serial killer with potential ties to various unsolved murders, has recently seen developments that promise further clarity. The details were discussed on the popular podcast "Hidden Killers," where host Tony Brueski conversed with Jennifer Coffindaffer, former FBI Special Agent and contributor to Hidden Killers Daily.   "We're talking about Rex Heuermann and some of the latest developments there. The swab is going to be done," began Brueski, hinting at the crucial move by law enforcement to transition from mitochondrial DNA to a direct swab from Heuermann's cheek. Despite initial resistance, the test is projected to provide substantial information when added to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Coffindaffer commented, "Whenever his DNA hits CODIS, it will be a good day. Because no matter what, it's either going to exclude him or include him." Rex Heuermann's purported ties to unsolved crimes have recently come into focus, with particular attention given to victims found on Gilgo Beach. Several discovered bodies bore a disturbing signature: they were wrapped in burlap sacks. The police have reportedly found hair traces belonging to Heuermann and his wife on some of these victims.   However, not all bodies discovered on the beach fit this pattern. Brueski posed a significant question: did Heuermann change his modus operandi over time? Coffindaffer explained that while many killers dismember bodies to hinder identification, Heuermann might have realized he didn't need to take that step. "Maybe he realized, you know what, I don't need to go to these great lengths. This is my dumping ground," she speculated. But there remains the baffling possibility of another serial killer using the same site for disposing of bodies.   Adding to the complexity, a child and a reportedly trans-dressing male were among the victims found. This raises further questions about Heuermann's potential victims of choice and whether all discovered bodies can indeed be linked to him. Brueski pondered, "I don't know. I mean, I guess one of the things you'd have to look at is statistics of how frequently are they finding bodies on this beach?"   Addressing another crucial point, Brueski inquired whether Coffindaffer was aware of other cases in states where Heuermann had known activities similar to the burlap sack signature. "No, not yet," Coffindaffer revealed, but emphasized that mitochondrial comparisons had been made to other known cases in different states based on potential similarities in the method of operation.   The case has ignited interest due to its perplexing elements and the possibility of linking one man to multiple unsolved murders. The promise of forthcoming DNA results only heightens the anticipation. As Coffindaffer rightly concluded, referencing the late revelation about the Gilgo Beach connection, "We didn't hear a sound about gilgo until they were ready to come forward." Only time will unravel the full narrative behind Rex Heuermann's alleged dark deeds. 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 the "Hidden Killers" podcast, Tony Brueski hosted Shavaun Scott, an accomplished psychotherapist and author, to delve deep into the psyche of criminals and understand the intricate workings of forensic psychotherapy.   The main focus revolved around individuals like Rex Heuermann, an accused criminal, and the psychological evaluations and therapeutic conversations conducted with such individuals while in custody. "These guys that commit such crimes are generally narcissistic, psychopathic, and sadistic. A trio of very problematic traits," remarked Scott.   According to Scott, individuals like Heuermann possess a dangerous cocktail of personality traits. Their narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism lead them to boast and brag. Interestingly, this very narcissism often becomes their downfall. "If you can get them talking, usually by asking questions appealing to their narcissism, they trip themselves up," Scott explained.   She then laid out the probable approach for forensic interviews. "I'd just want to get the guy talking at first. While you don't reveal the red flags they may be disclosing, careful notes are taken, and one listens, asking a lot of questions," she elaborated. Notably, psychological tests like the MPI and psychopathy checklists are incorporated to further understand their psyche.   But how effective are these tests? The reliability, Scott indicates, depends on the chosen tests and the skill level of the person administering them. Criminals with the aforementioned trio of traits often prove to be master manipulators. "They're storytellers and they're always spinning a tale," said Scott. But even the best of them can't hide their inconsistencies forever, especially if they're under extended scrutiny.   The "Hidden Killers" episode also touched upon the relevance of media coverage in crimes like Heuermann's. "Media can play a role, especially in inspiring the mass shooters, those with a political agenda, or an agenda against women," shared Scott. Such individuals can be influenced by media coverage, attempting to outdo each other.   However, in the case of serial killers, like Heuermann, the impact seems less direct. Scott said, "This kind of pathology develops so early in life. They've usually been having weird sexual fantasies since childhood." It's more ingrained, a deeper issue that's often hard to simply pin on media influence.   The conversation went on to differentiate between serial killers, who've harbored twisted fantasies from a young age, and mass killers, who act out more suddenly, without such a prolonged history. "It's usually not somebody who's been fantasizing about that for years, maybe a couple of years, but not going back to age eight, nine, or 10," explained Scott.   In conclusion, while each criminal is unique, understanding the intricate layers of their psyche and how it functions can be an invaluable tool in investigations and the justice system. As Shavaun Scott's insights suggest, even the most hardened criminals have vulnerabilities. The task for forensic psychotherapists is to find those cracks and help unmask the truth behind the façade. 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

Forensic Psychologist Kate Wallinga joins host Tony Brueski on 'Hidden Killers' to discuss the ongoing Rex Heuermann case. The recent developments involve the testing of Heuermann's DNA, which will be compared to the mitochondrial DNA found on the victims' hair. The defense's argument against probable cause is dismissed due to the substantial evidence, including a pizza crust found outside Heuermann's office.

Clinical and Forensic Psychologist & licensed private investigator, Joni Johnston, discusses the psychological complexities of Rex Heuermann, the man imprisoned amid harrowing allegations. She emphasizes the importance of building rapport to conduct a forensic evaluation and gaining trust by empathizing with the defendant's feelings. Approaching from a place of empathy is key to gaining their trust.

Former Federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani discusses the challenges in the case against Rex Heuermann, which spans multiple states and involves numerous victims. The prosecution will have extensive resources, similar to high-profile cases like Harvey Weinstein. Heuermann may face trials in multiple jurisdictions and is also charged with child pornography. The podcast also explores advancements in the Long Island Serial Killer case and the delays in finding the killer.

The recent episode of a podcast called 'Hidden Killers' focused on the case of the Gilgo Beach murders. The hosts discussed the perception of victims and how societal bias can hinder solving cases. John Ray, an attorney representing the victims' families, shared his opinions and raised questions about the wife of the suspect. The podcast also explored the financial situation and suspicious behavior of the accused couple.

Attorney John Ray, representing families of the Gilgo Beach Serial Killer victims, raises questions about the wife's possible involvement due to hairs found on victims. He challenges the lack of scrutiny on the spouse and discusses the controversy surrounding a GoFundMe page for the case.

A deep dive into the significance of DNA evidence in the Rex Heuermann case. The presence of DNA at multiple murder scenes poses challenges for the defense. The implications of DNA in courtrooms offer an almost irrefutable testament to one's involvement in a crime.