Gilgo Beach murders: More than 7,000 tips received since Rex Heuermann's arrest

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Gilgo Beach murders: More than 7,000 tips since Heuermann's arrest
Darla Miles has the latest on the Gilgo Beach murders.

MASSAPEQUA PARK, Long Island (WABC) -- Suffolk County prosecutors have received some 7,000 tips following the arrest of alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann, district attorney Ray Tierney said Tuesday after his latest court appearance.

"This is a case where obviously captured the public's imagination. The public is continuing to provide tips, which is being evaluated," Tierney said.

Prosecutors turned over "voluminous" evidence to Heuermann's defense, including results from DNA lab work, data from Heuermann's electronic devices and notes from searches of his home.

Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to killing multiple women. His next court date is scheduled for October. No trial date has been set.

He was not expected to face new charges when he appeared in court Tuesday, although he is being probed for his involvement in at least one additional death.

Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to first- and second-degree murder charges in the killings of Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Lynn Costello and Megan Waterman, whose remains were all found near Gilgo Beach in Dec 2010.

He then pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder charges in the killings of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla and Jessica Taylor, killed between 1993 and 2007.

Heuermann was arrested just over a year ago on July 13, and charged the next day on July 14. His dilapidated Massapequa Park home was turned into the epicenter of a massive search for evidence by state and Suffolk County police, Sherriff's deputies, and the FBI. Investigators believe many murders happened inside.

ALSO READ: Gilgo Beach murders: Complete timeline of events leading up to Rex Heuermann's arrest

Heuermann's adult children - and his now-estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, have showed him support at court.

The Gilgo investigation spanned 13 years, starting in 2010 with the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert. While searching for and finding her, police uncovered the remains of 10 other people, including a toddler, pointing to a possible serial killer.

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