The families of eight women strangled by Rex Heuermann are expected to speak at the Gilgo Beach killer's sentencing in Riverhead, New York, more than three decades after the 63-year-old Manhattan architect began his killing spree.
Heuermann's Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Heuermann pleaded guilty to murdering seven women and admitted to the killing of an eighth victim in April. He will receive three consecutive life terms for three killings and a consecutive sentence of 100 years to life imprisonment for four more.
Suffolk County district attorney Ray Tierney, who prosecuted Heuermann after he was arrested in 2023, said that the court will hear two victim impact statements for each victim. Heuermann's ex-wife, Asa Ellerup, and their daughter are not expected to attend.
Tierney told Newsday on Monday he anticipates the statements will be "real and raw."
"This is the opportunity for the victims to speak in court," he said. "Up to this point it's been about the defendant and safeguarding his rights and his presumption of innocence, and necessarily so, but that's over with now."
The Victims and the Investigation
Heuermann admitted to the murders of Jessica Taylor, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Valerie Mack and Sandra Costilla, as well as the uncharged 1996 killing of Karen Vergata. All were young sex workers who had made appointments to meet with Heuermann.
The extent of the crimes was discovered in 2011 when the body of another woman, Shannan Gilbert, was found in marshes along Long Island's south shore. Four sets of remains – victims later tied to Heuermann – were discovered at nearby Gilgo Beach, giving the case its name.
Investigators later linked Heuermann to three more victims, some who had been dismembered, dating back to 1993. He admitted to the murder of an eighth woman, Vergata, as part of a plea deal.
Police investigators identified Heuermann from a distinctive green pickup truck seen by a roommate of Costello in 2010, who also described an "ogre-like" man. But that match was not made until 2022. Investigators later used DNA recovered from a pizza box Heuermann discarded to hair found on victims' remains and cellphone records to make their case.
Victims' Families and Court Proceedings
Victims' attorney Gloria Allred, who represents several of the families, said the "public will hear their pain and will hear about who the victims truly were, their importance and the bond they had with their families, which is now irreparably torn."
Heuermann will also be given an opportunity to address the court.
"It's going to be a very emotional, long day," defense attorney Michael Brown told Newsday. "We expect there's going to be a lot of raw emotion exhibited. And we understand that these families have been waiting a long time for this moment, some for 30-plus years."
Heuermann's ex-wife Ellerup, who recently revealed she sleeps in the basement where the torture and killing took place, said through an attorney she would not attend the sentencing "out of respect for those who endured unimaginable loss and suffering, she does not wish her presence to distract from the purpose of these proceedings."
Attorney Robert Macedonio added: "Her thoughts remain with the victims and their loved ones as they continue their pursuit of justice, healing and closure."
