Rex Heuerman’s attorneys, who are defending him against accusations of being the Gilgo Beach serial killer, received quite the rebuke from a New York judge overseeing the case. During a hearing on Tuesday, Judge Tim Mazzei expressed his annoyance at how long the proceedings have dragged on—over two years in Long Island courts, according to reports.
“This trial will begin, come hell or high water, after Labor Day,” the judge emphasized. This reprimand followed a new motion filed by Heuerman’s lawyer, Michael Brown, challenging evidence related to this high-profile murder case.
Interestingly, despite the serious accusations, Heuerman’s ex-wife continues to stand by him, although their daughter has suggested it’s “likely” he’s guilty.
Brown’s recent defense filings raise issues regarding around 20 search warrants executed by authorities, aiming to suppress some DNA evidence collected from discarded items like pizza boxes and energy drinks. “What’s the purpose of the Fourth Amendment if our government can go into a trash can and take our DNA?” Brown remarked to reporters.
A ruling from September had already permitted prosecutors to use DNA evidence in the trial. Brown insisted that his team hasn’t been sluggish in their preparations. “We have been working hard on this case. We are ready to try this case on Labor Day,” he asserted.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney reiterated that there were no plans for a plea deal, stating that they are prepared for trial. He added that while he didn’t think Brown was attempting to delay, court filings often happen as part of the process.
Prosecutors allege that the 62-year-old Heuerman was involved in the murders of seven sex workers between 1993 and 2010, whose remains were discovered in isolated areas of Long Island. The victims identified include Valerie Mack, Megan Waterman, Jessica Taylor, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Sandra Kostila, and Melissa Barthelemy.
Remarkably, this case went unsolved for years, leaving the Long Island community uneasy about a possible serial killer. Heuerman was arrested in July 2023 while outside his Manhattan architecture office.
His legal team has not responded to inquiries for comment. Initially, Heuerman was charged with three murders, but DNA evidence later connected him to four additional victims. He has pleaded not guilty and will face a single trial for all seven murder charges.
