Gilgo Beach suspect Rex Heuermann charged with seventh murder as new evidence surfaces

This time, it's the killing of Valerie Mack, whose remains were discovered more than two decades ago. Mack's body was found by a hunter's dog in a wooded area in Manorville, Long Island, on November 19, 2000. Her body was decapitated and bound with rope, wrapped in a black plastic bag and duct tape. Her hands and one of her legs were missing. It was a gruesome discovery that haunted the community for years.

Authorities later found more of Mack's remains in 2011, near Gilgo Beach along Ocean Parkway. It was a decade after her body was first discovered. For years, Mack's death remained unsolved. But now, new evidence has linked Heuermann to her murder.

In an updated indictment unsealed on Tuesday, prosecutors explained how they connected Heuermann to Mack's death. A mitochondrial DNA test, done on a hair found on Mack's body, matched the profiles of Heuermann's wife and daughter. This was a major breakthrough in the case. At the time of Mack’s murder, Heuermann’s daughter would have been only 3 or 4 years old.

The investigation also revealed disturbing details about Heuermann's behavior. Authorities found a massive collection of violent pornography on 350 electronic devices seized from him. These materials included images of women being bound, tortured, and mutilated. This was similar to how Mack was found, with her body bound by rope and suffering serious injuries.

Prosecutors also uncovered a document on one of Heuermann’s devices that seemed to lay out plans for his crimes. The document, created in 2000—the same year Mack was killed—listed items like “rope/cord,” “saw/cutting tools,” and “foam drain cleaner.” Under a section labeled “dump site,” the document even mentioned one of the locations where Mack’s remains were found.

Another chilling part of the document was a section titled “body prep.” It included instructions to “remove head and hands,” which seemed to match how Mack’s body had been treated. In addition, authorities found newspaper clippings about the Gilgo Beach murders in Heuermann's home. One article from 2003 was titled, “Serial Killer Eyed in LI Slay.”

Prosecutors believe that Heuermann kept these articles as souvenirs from his crimes. He was not only collecting evidence about his victims but also using these publications to relive his actions.

At his court appearance on Tuesday, Heuermann, 61, appeared in shackles, wearing a suit. When the judge read out the charges, Heuermann responded, “Your honor, I am not guilty of any of these charges.”

Heuermann was charged with second-degree murder for the death of Valerie Mack. The judge ordered that Heuermann remain in jail without bail.

Mack's parents were relieved by the new developments. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney expressed that they were “grateful for the small bit of closure” after so many years of uncertainty.

Families of other victims also showed support. After the court session, they brought flowers to Mack’s parents in a show of solidarity.

Heuermann, an architect from New York, was arrested in July 2023. He is also facing charges for the deaths of six other women, including Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Costello, Jessica Taylor, and Sandra Costilla. These victims were discovered between 1993 and 2010.

Heuermann’s defense team is questioning the DNA evidence used to link him to Mack’s murder. They may challenge its admissibility at trial. They have also asked for more time to file motions concerning the evidence. The defense is still considering whether to ask for the charges to be separated for each murder.

The Gilgo Beach case continues to unfold, and more victims may be linked to Heuermann in the future. For now, the families of the victims can only hope that justice will finally be served.