Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect pleads guilty, confesses to eighth victim

A 62-year-old New York architect appeared in court on Wednesday and admitted to murdering seven women between 1993 and 2011. Rex Heuermann also admitted to killing Karen Vergata, another murder not previously connected to the so-called Gilgo Beach serial killer, and for which charges have not been brought.

The murders remained unsolved for over a decade after police discovered at least 10 sets of human remains on an isolated stretch of highway on Gilgo Beach. Police arrested Heuermann in 2023 after DNA evidence from the scene matched a sample of his DNA taken from a slice of pizza. He initially pleaded not guilty.

What is expected from the sentencing? Prosecutors expected Heuermann to receive three life sentences without the chance of parole for the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. Heuermann is also expected to receive a consecutive sentence of at least 100 years for the murders of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla, and Valerie Mack, the Wednesday statement added. Heuermann is scheduled to return to court on June 17 for sentencing.

Heuermann's ex-wife, Asa Ellerup, told reporters outside the courthouse to focus on the victims and their families. Their loss is immeasurable, she said. Ellerup also asked for privacy as she and her family navigate this difficult time.