Who is Rex Heuermann?
Rex Heuermann is a 51-year-old man who was living in East Patchogue, Long Island at the time of the murders. He has a criminal record, with convictions for burglary and drug possession, and has spent time in prison.
How did Heuermann become a suspect?
In 2020, Suffolk County Police announced that they had identified a suspect in the Gilgo Beach murders using DNA evidence. They did not release the suspect's name at the time, but in June 2021, it was reported that Heuermann was the suspect in question.
According to reports, Heuermann's DNA was found on at least one of the victims, and he had been on police radar since at least 2010, when he was interviewed as part of the investigation. Heuermann has denied any involvement in the murders.
What do we know about Heuermann's background?
Heuermann's criminal record suggests a history of drug use and addiction. In 2003, he was convicted of burglary and sentenced to four years in prison. In 2007, he was arrested for drug possession and sentenced to six months in jail. He was released in April 2008, around the time that the Gilgo Beach murders are believed to have begun.
Heuermann has also had multiple run-ins with the law since the murders. In 2014, he was charged with burglary and criminal mischief after allegedly breaking into a woman's house and stealing her underwear. He was sentenced to three years in prison. In 2019, he was arrested for drug possession.
What is the status of the investigation?
As of July 2023, Heuermann has not been charged in connection with the Gilgo Beach murders. The investigation is ongoing, and police have not released any additional information about the case or Heuermann's alleged involvement.
What has the reaction been to the news?
The news that Heuermann is a suspect in the Gilgo Beach murders has been met with shock and disbelief by many in the Long Island community. The case has been a source of fear and tension for over a decade, and the idea that the perpetrator may have been living among them all along is unsettling.
Families of the victims have also spoken out about the news. Mari Gilbert, mother of Shannan Gilbert, whose disappearance led to the discovery of the other victims, told Newsday that she was "happy" that a suspect had been identified, but that she wanted to see justice for her daughter and the other victims.
What happens next?
It's unclear what will happen next in the investigation. Heuermann has not been charged with any crimes related to the Gilgo Beach murders, and it's possible that the investigation could take months or even years to conclude.
In the meantime, the Long Island community will continue to grapple with the aftermath of the murders and the revelation that a suspect may have been living among them all along. The case is a reminder of the importance of diligence and perseverance in the search for justice, and of the impact that violent crimes can have on entire communities.