Authorities continue search of home belonging to suspected serial killer in Gilgo Beach case
In an ongoing effort to gather evidence, authorities are searching the home of Rex Heuermann, the suspect in the Gilgo Beach serial killings case. Over the weekend, authorities utilized a police dog and ground-penetrating radar to aid in their search, according to CNN affiliate News 12 Long Island. The news station reported that on Sunday, a crew witnessed the deployment of the dog and radar, followed by authorities beginning to dig in Heuermann’s backyard using a backhoe.
As of now, it remains undisclosed whether any significant findings have been made over the weekend. CNN has made inquiries to the police and district attorney regarding the home search, but has not received a response as of yet. Police estimate that it will take two to three more days to complete the search of Heuermann’s home, as they have finished searching the basement but still need to search the attic and garage.
Investigators are also considering conducting technical work in the backyard to determine if anything was buried there. Despite the presence of police dogs on the premises, no discoveries have been made thus far. Heuermann was arrested in New York City more than a week ago and has been charged with the murder of three of the “Gilgo Four” women, whose remains were discovered on Gilgo Beach in 2010. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges involving Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello. He is also suspected in the disappearance and murder of the fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, but has not been charged in that particular case.
Since the spring, investigators have been operating under the theory that Heuermann committed the killings in his Massapequa Park home. This assumption is based on the fact that the disappearances occurred when Heuermann’s family was out of town, suggesting he may have enticed victims to his home. Heuermann lived in the residence with his wife, daughter, and stepson. Authorities believe that committing the killings at home would have given Heuermann control of the environment and access to materials found at the crime scene, such as tape and burlap bags.
Investigations into Heuermann have also expanded to other parts of the country. In Las Vegas, police are examining unsolved cases to determine if Heuermann may have been involved. Records show that Heuermann and his wife purchased two timeshare condos in Las Vegas between 2003 and 2005. They sold the first property, but it remains uncertain if they still own the second. In South Carolina’s Chester County, where Heuermann owns four large parcels of land, the sheriff’s office has been gathering evidence even before Heuermann’s arrest. A search warrant has been issued for the property in South Carolina, seeking potential “trophies” and other items related to the killings. The warrant includes a list of items such as phones, clothing, jewelry, identification, notebooks, and personal effects that may have originated from the victims.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities hope that the search of Heuermann’s home and other properties will provide crucial evidence in the case.