Families of Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann confront him at sentencing: 'Save a spot in hell'
Rex Heuermann, who murdered eight women, was sentenced to life in prison without parole. During the hearing, victims' relatives delivered emotional statements, demanding justice and expressing their pain.
In Riverhead, New York, on Wednesday, Rex Heuermann—the 62-year-old architect known as the Gilgo Beach killer—was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to murdering seven women and admitting to an eighth killing.
Before the sentence was handed down, Heuermann offered a weak apology, saying, "There are no words I can say." Judge Timothy Mazzei responded harshly, calling him a "disgusting and pathetic, small man" and a "coward."
Family members of the victims confronted Heuermann in court. Kimberly Overstreet, sister of Amber Costello, described him as a "raging, murdering sex addict." Liliana Waterman, daughter of Megan Waterman, who was three when her mother was killed, recalled the pain of learning the truth and years of feeling like she didn't belong.
Jasmine Robinson, cousin of Jessica Taylor, told Heuermann: "You fill me with so much repugnance, I can't stand it. A million years isn't enough." Melissa Cann, sister of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, spoke of carrying "survivor's guilt" for decades, but said that guilt now belongs to Heuermann alone.
One of the most powerful moments came when Amanda Funderburg, sister of Melissa Barthelemy, demanded that Heuermann look at her while she spoke. "I hope you suffer in the way my sister suffered. Save a spot in hell, I'll see you there," she said.
During the hearing, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney revealed that Heuermann had been trying to profit from and manipulate his ex-wife through a documentary. Tierney also mentioned that Heuermann had called Funderburg using her sister's phone to taunt her.
Attorney John Ray, representing the family of Shannan Gilbert, stated that Heuermann likely killed in other states as well. He cited evidence of stalking in Florida, Virginia, Philadelphia, and possibly Anchorage, Alaska.
The investigation began in 2011 when the remains of four women, known as the Gilgo Four, were found along Long Island's South Shore. For years, the Suffolk County police faced criticism for incompetence and corruption. In 2022, a change in leadership led to a task force and FBI involvement. Heuermann was arrested in 2023 on a Manhattan street after being linked to a dark Chevrolet Avalanche and through DNA and cellphone records.
