By Gavin Fish, July 3, 2024
Fifteen sex workers have provided crucial and credible evidence of their encounters with Rex Heuermann, the man suspected of being the notorious Gilgo Beach serial killer.
Rex Heuermann appears in Suffolk County court on June 6, 2024. Credit James Carbone-Pool/Getty Images
Fifteen sex workers have come forward with credible evidence of encounters with Rex Heuermann, the suspected serial killer linked to the infamous Gilgo Beach murders, according to investigators.
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon confirmed the credibility of the reports, stating that the evidence could play a crucial role in prosecuting Heuermann. “We feel these 15 have credible information,” Sheriff Toulon said according to Newsday.
Since Heuermann’s arrest in July 2023, investigators have interviewed 298 sex workers in Suffolk and Nassau correctional facilities. “Not only from the females that we’ve interviewed that are in our custody, but also from those who have been in our custody since 2018, when our unit was started,” Toulon said.
The Human Trafficking Unit at the Suffolk jail, established in 2018, conducted these interviews and ultimately deemed 15 reports as credible. “Using corrections intelligence gives a broader perspective of the type of individuals that he may have reached out to,” Toulon said according to 1010 Wins.
The gathered information has been turned over to the Suffolk County task force, which includes the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office, New York State Police, and the FBI.
Initially, two women were identified last year, but the number has now grown. Two female inmates reported receiving phone calls from Heuermann but did not meet him in person.
Heuermann has been formally charged in the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello, Jessica Taylor, and Sandra Costilla. He is also a suspect in the murder of Valerie Mack.
Investigators are analyzing tape recovered from Heuermann’s home and have searched for human remains in the woods surrounding Manorville.
Heuermann remains segregated from the general population for his safety and has exhibited little emotion since his arrest. He is compliant and spends his time reviewing discovery materials and reading fiction.
“He is so stoic,” Toulon said. “He has not changed his demeanor — no matter what is reported against him or what occurs in court.”
“Usually, a person will start to see the four walls of their cell closing in on holidays, birthday anniversaries. Now he has six charges and still, the walls are not closing in — at least not outwardly or in his demeanor,” Toulon added.
Sheriff Toulon described Heuermann as the most unique individual he has encountered in his 42-year career.
Investigators plan to interview sex workers at New York City’s Rikers Island about Heuermann later this month, as they continue to gather potentially critical evidence. “My staff has been deemed as subject matter experts,” Toulon said. “That is why Nassau and New York City want them to come in and speak to these sex workers.”
Even those who do not have firsthand knowledge of Heuermann might lead investigators to other sex workers with relevant information.
The Gilgo Beach case remains one of the most perplexing serial killer investigations in recent history. The new evidence provided by these sex workers could be a significant breakthrough in ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
