Detectives have been probing the Gilgo Beach murders on Long Island, recently visiting Jones Beach after unearthing some concerning evidence, including bloody gloves, near a workplace associated with suspect Rex Heuermann.
Just under two months following Heuermann’s arrest in connection with three murders from the set of 11 at Gilgo Beach in July 2023, workers at Jones Beach, located three miles away, discovered an old, weathered wallet and a pile of girls’ clothing outside the East Bathhouse.
After cleaning the area, the workers promptly alerted the authorities.
According to police sources, the clothing is believed to date back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, with some items buried approximately two feet deep.
The collection includes rayon mini skirts, shorts, trousers, and shirts, some featuring buttons that have popped off.
The sources also indicated the presence of blood-stained workers’ gloves and some mysterious leather straps found inside sheds still used by beach staff.
Heuermann, now 61, worked at Jones Beach during the summers from 1981 to 1984. The East Bathhouse has been closed since 2009 and is set to relaunch next summer after extensive renovations.
One source commented, “They’re definitely taking this seriously given the proximity to Gilgo Beach, though it might just be a coincidence.”
All the items found have been collected for forensic examination, though it’s unclear if the test results have been returned.
Jones Beach ends where Gilgo Beach starts, and prosecutors suggest Heuermann’s victims were often found along the Ocean Parkway, where many bodies were discovered.
For years, burlap fencing has been used at Jones Beach during winter to shield dune plants from wind erosion. Interestingly, some victims linked to the Long Island serial killer were found wrapped in burlap.
A recent ruling by a judge allowed prosecutors to present DNA evidence during Heuermann’s upcoming trial, which is scheduled for September 23rd.
Prosecutors are employing a newer, yet unproven technique for analyzing hair samples collected from several victims, marking a first for New York.
Heuermann faces charges for the murders of Valerie Mack, 24; Melissa Taylor, 20; Megan Waterman, 22; Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Maureen Brain Burns, 25; Sandra Costira, 28; and Amber Lynn Costello, 27. He has pleaded not guilty to all seven accusations.
Investigators continue to seek connections between Heuermann and four additional bodies disposed of along the Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach.
All identified victims were sex workers active in the New York metropolitan area.
