RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (AP) — Rex Heuermann, the New York architect facing charges related to a series of murders known as the Gilgo Beach killings, is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. Prosecutors have hinted at a “significant development” regarding the ongoing investigation.
Heuermann has been charged with the murder of six women whose remains were discovered on Long Island, and he has entered a plea of not guilty. Authorities continue to examine additional deaths connected to the area where these remains were found, suggesting that the investigation may expand further.
Recent investigations have drawn attention to the case of Valerie Mack, whose partial skeletal remains were located in 2000. District Attorney Ray Tierney has stated that Heuermann, 61, is a suspect in her death. Mack, who was 24 at the time she went missing, worked as an escort in Philadelphia and was last seen by her family in New Jersey.
In conjunction with Mack’s case, prosecutors are also investigating the death of Karen Vergata. Her remains were initially found in 1996 and were only identified in 2022 through new DNA testing, highlighting the ongoing efforts to take advantage of advances in forensic science.
In September, authorities unveiled new renderings of an unidentified victim, initially believed to be male, found in 2011. They are now considering the possibility that this individual may have identified as female, and evidence suggests they may have died in 2006.
Heuermann was first charged with the homicides of three women in 2023, and additional charges came earlier this year relating to three more victims. In recent court documents, prosecutors revealed that they discovered a file on a hard drive in Heuermann’s basement. This file reportedly contained detailed plans that he used to “methodically blueprint” his crimes, featuring checklists for tasks to accomplish before, during, and after the acts, as well as notes for future reference.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office has planned a news briefing in conjunction with local and state authorities that will take place following Heuermann’s court appearance. However, specifics regarding the nature of the anticipated announcement have not yet been disclosed.
