LONG ISLAND, NY — A suspect was arrested in connection with the Gilgo Beach killings on Friday, according to multiple reports.
Rex Heuermann, of Massapequa Park, was taken into custody by Suffolk County, Nassau County, and state police, officials said. Since 2010, at least 11 sets of remains have been found, prompting police to search for a serial killer ever since.
Heuermann was charged before a grand jury with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of sex workers Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello, whose remains were first found along Ocean Parkway in December 2010, according to court documents.
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He pleaded not guilty.
Law enforcement swarmed a small red house in the suburb about 40 miles east of midtown Manhattan. Dozens of neighbors watched, along with police and media, as investigators in protective suits gathered outside the front porch, which The Associated Press described as being in disrepair, with its roof propped up by 2-by-4s.
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Long Island lawmakers and other officials reacted to Heuermann’s arrest:
Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Executive
“This my 12th year as county executive,” Bellone told reporters Friday. “I’ve lived with the Gilgo Beach investigation for my entire tenure as county executive. And I can tell you that during that time, the focus for me and members of our team have been on bringing justice for these victims and closure to these families who have suffered. Today’s developments take us a major step forward in doing exactly that.
“I want to thank all the members of law enforcement, but particularly in the Suffolk County Police Department, Commissioner Rodney Harrison. When I nominated Commissioner Harrison, I specifically spoke about one of the most important factors, and that is his investigative background as former chief of detectives in the NYPD, former chief of department in the NYPD and the focus he would bring to the investigation. He did that right from the start, even before he started visiting the site where the bodies were discovered, releasing strategically new information reconstituting the Gilgo Investigative Task Force, and bringing together those law enforcement partners.
“I want to thank all our law enforcement partners. Certainly, I want to thank District Attorney Ray Tierney and his team for their great work. I want to thank the New York State Police, the FBI, and all the law enforcement partners who have worked on this case for so many years. I want to thank our former police commissioners. Commissioner Tim Sini, who then was followed by Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart …
“I want the public to know that we have never stopped working on this case. There are Suffolk police officers who started working on this case who have retired now. But their efforts, their dedication, it has never stopped. Putting more resources into the case. There are people who talked about this case never getting to this point, never getting to this resolution that we see today. This development that we see today. It was the non-stop dogged determination of the men and women of the Suffolk County Police Department, our investigators, our partners in law enforcement, including the Nassau County Police Department. I want to thank Commissioner [Patrick] Ryder. All of that work never stopped.
“And a message to the men and women of the Suffolk County Police Department: My thanks to you. I have always been incredibly proud of the men and women of this department. This is one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the nation and the world. And I’m proud of the work they’ve done here to bring us this much closer. The work is not done here … but this is a major, major step forward in achieving the goal that we have had from the beginning, and that is, again, to bring closure to these families and to bring justice to the victims in this case.”
Rodney Harrison, Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner
“I do have to take advantage of this opportunity and thank the teamwork, the effort, the work by all the members of the task force, allowing us to get to this point today,” Harrison told reporters Friday. “It was a collaborative effort. The resilient work that was done allowed us to place somebody into custody.”
Rich Schaffer, Town of Babylon Supervisor
“[Friday’s] announcement is the start of what will hopefully bring closure to the families and loved ones of the murder victims. We are all grateful to DA Tierney, Sheriff [Errol] Toulon, and Suffolk Police Commissioner [Rodney] Harrison and their teams who decided that cooperation with NYS Police and the FBI was a better approach to finding this monster than how past law enforcement leadership has handled this investigation.”
Phil Boyle, former U.S. State Senator of 4th District, covering towns of Babylon and Islip.
“The families of the Gilgo victims have suffered for far too long, and I commend the Suffolk County Police Department and our District Attorney, Ray Tierney, for this arrest. I am hopeful that seeing justice for their loved ones will provide some solace to the victims’ families.
“The Gilgo murders have had tremendous political ramifications on the Suffolk County political landscape. We must remember that former police chief, Jim Burke, kicked the FBI out of the investigation in the early years and the issue haunted Burke, former DA Tom Spota, and County Executive Steve Bellone for years.
“Having followed and been peripherally involved with the Gilgo serial killing case for years, I am so pleased that they have made an arrest. I think it is vitally important that we also use this case to push for greater use of forensic DNA technology in New York state. The techniques used by law enforcement to catch this person would not have been allowed here had the FBI not been involved. New York state does not currently allow the use of familial DNA nor genetic genealogy to solve violent crimes.”
Dave Calone, former prosecutor and candidate for Suffolk County Executive
“This morning’s arrest of a suspect in the Gilgo Beach Murder case is great news for Long Island. I am deeply grateful to our law enforcement officers in Suffolk County, Suffolk County Police Department, and leaders Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison, Sheriff Errol Toulon, and Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. As a prosecutor, I know just how blessed we are to have the most dedicated officers who work bravely and tirelessly to ensure our communities are and can feel safe.
As we await further developments, let us take a moment to honor the memories of the victims and send our continued love and support to their families. I hope that this arrest brings some sense of justice and closure.”
Edward Romaine, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor and candidate for Suffolk County Executive
“Today, District Attorney Ray Tierney has culminated an investigation that has spanned more than a dozen years with the arrest of a suspect in the infamous Gilgo Beach murders.
“Over the past year and a half, DA Tierney has exemplified what a prosecutor should be – a tireless advocate for the safety and protection of our residents and families and the worst nightmare for criminals who would otherwise run rampant, as we have seen in other areas. Working with our Suffolk County Police and other law enforcement agencies, DA Tierney has taken what had been a mystery stumping other investigators, and delivered justice for the families of the victims through hard work and dogged determination. All of our families will sleep sounder thanks to Ray Tierney. I want to thank him, the men and women of the Suffolk County Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies for their hard work in solving this case.
“As Suffolk County Executive, I will provide the District Attorney and police with the resources they need for prosecutors, investigators, and the latest crime tools to keep criminals off our streets and ensure the safety of our residents. I am committed to fighting shoulder to shoulder with Ray Tierney to enact local laws to offset changes to state laws by our Democratic Governor and State Legislature that have handcuffed prosecutors, police, and judges alike.
“It’s my sincerest hope that, at the end of the legal process, this arrest will end with the conviction of the person who has committed these heinous crimes and that it will bring some solace and comfort to the families of these innocent victims.”
Andrew Garbarino, U.S. Congressman, Long Island, NY, 2nd District
“I applaud law enforcement for the dedication and hard work that led to an arrest in the Gilgo Beach murders. After over a decade of uncertainty, the victims and their families are one step closer to justice and Long Islanders can rest easier knowing an alleged serial killer is off the street.”
Joseph Saladino, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor
“Our community is shocked to learn that this monster lurked in the shadows of our neighborhood. We thank the men and women of law enforcement for their dedication to bringing Justice to the victims and a sense of relief to all of Long Island.”
Michael Durso, State Assemblyman whose representation includes Massapequa Park and the Town of Babylon
“I obviously think, first and foremost, listening to DA Tierney speak, he said it best. As of right now, it’s a long case. The case is still ongoing and they’re still doing investigation. I think it’s the first step in the right direction for closure for the families. That’s the most important thing. These families have suffered now for years without any answers, without knowing what went on. This will hopefully be the first step for some type of closure, whether it’s someone missing their sister, their mother, their daughter. It was obviously a horrible situation and the fact they had no answers until maybe now. Again, it’s bittersweet. You want the closure for the families.
“It’s unfortunate that it was someone who lives in my district. Actually my town. I think first and foremost, it’s the beginning of closure for families, which I think is most important. And then obviously taking a very, very dangerous and sick individual off the streets.”
Ed Smyth, Town of Huntington Supervisor
“Congratulations to [Suffolk] District Attorney Ray Tierney and all law enforcement involved in the Gilgo Beach murder investigation. It is through your tenacity and diligence that you have made an arrest in the highest profile cold case in the United States.”
Keith Brown, NYS Assembly District 12
“I am very proud of the efforts of Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney in tracking down the serial killer who eluded police for decades and bringing them to justice. It is clear Tierney and his team are devoted to the safety and security of my constituents in Babylon and Suffolk County community. Thanks to their diligence and hard work, the families of the victims can begin to heal and the streets of this county are a little safer. I am hopeful with this re-ignited dedication to seeking true justice for crime victims, Long Island has a sound future ahead of it.”
Noel DiGerolamo, Suffolk Police Police Benevolent Association president
“Today’s arrest is a testament to the tenacity, diligence, and hard work by the brave men and women of the Suffolk County Police Department and all coordinating agencies. Thousands of hours were spent investigating these heinous murders and pursuing leads. This predator will be held accountable for his crimes and we hope the families of his victims will find some closure. We also commend District Attorney Ray Tierney for his leadership and partnership during the course of this vast and complex investigation.
“Suffolk residents should know that no matter how difficult the challenge or how much time it takes, the members of the Suffolk County Police Department will never relent in the pursuit of justice.”
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