Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann sentenced to life in prison without parole
Manhattan architect Rex Heuermann, who murdered eight women over 17 years on Long Island, was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Rex Heuermann, the Manhattan architect who methodically planned and carried out the murders of eight women over at least 17 years on Long Island, was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without parole. The sentence, the maximum allowed under New York law, was handed down by Judge Timothy Mazzei after a morning of emotional victim impact statements.
Heuermann, 62, pleaded guilty in April to murdering seven women and admitted to an eighth killing. Victims' relatives addressed the court, describing the lasting trauma. Jasmine Robinson, cousin of victim Jessica Taylor, said, "A million years isn't enough. Nothing will ever make this right." JoAnn Mack, mother of victim Valerie Mack, stated, "Justice has been done, but it can't replace what has been taken." Liliana Waterman, who was 3 when her mother Megan Waterman disappeared, recalled: "In an instant, my world was shattered. Was she in pain? Was she scared?"
Heuermann admitted to the murders of Taylor, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Mack, Sandra Costilla, and the uncharged 1996 killing of Karen Vergata. All were young sex workers who had made appointments to meet with Heuermann.
The case came to light in 2011 when the body of 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 dismembered, dating back to 1993. He admitted to the eighth murder as part of a plea deal.
Police identified Heuermann from a distinctive green pickup truck seen by a roommate of Costello in 2010, who described an "ogre-like" man. However, the match was not made until 2022. Investigators later used DNA from a pizza box Heuermann discarded to match hair found on victims, as well as cellphone records.
Heuermann was given an opportunity to address the court. His ex-wife, Asa Ellerup, who recently revealed she sleeps in the basement where the torture and killings took place, did not attend the sentencing. Through her attorney, she said she stayed away "out of respect for those who endured unimaginable loss and suffering." Attorney Robert Macedonio added: "Her thoughts remain with the victims and their loved ones as they continue their pursuit of justice, healing and closure."
