What are forensic teams searching for in Rex Heuermann's backyard? Drone footage reveals investigators extracting further evidence
SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK: The grip over Rex Heuermann, the prime suspect in the Gilgo Beach serial murders is tightening with each passing day. As the investigation continues, the authorities were seen thoroughly combing the backyard of his Massapequa Park home, which seem to be in a shambolic condition. As the police were trailing him and piling up evidence methodically, the fear that he may strike again led to his arrest on Thursday night, July 13. He is currently charged with three homicides that are connected to the infamous ‘Gilgo Four’ murders dating back to 2010. The bodies of young prostitutes were found on the coastline and after almost 13 years since the first body was recovered, an arrest has been made. Heuermann is being linked to the killing of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello.
According to an expert in forensic psychology, the number of killings linked to the Manhattan-based architect may rise during the investigation, “[We] 'don't know' if he ever stopped killing, adding that 'all we know is what he's a suspect in right now,” said Katherine Ramsland. On being asked by NewsNation why the suspect’s name isn’t attached to other killings, she suggested a theory, "The other (murders) don't seem to have been handled in the same way. Serial killers don't always do the same thing all the time. There's a lot of differences in the way some of those victims were treated and then left. So, I'm not sure that he's attached to them. I couldn't rule it out, but they don't look like the same kinds of things that we're seeing with the four victims we're talking about.”
What are forensic teams searching for in Rex Heuermann's backyard?
The latest drone images reveal forensic investigators trying to extract further evidence in the decade-old case. Equipped with their modern equipment, the officials descended on his property with tarpaulin sheets dilapidating at the edges. It is also believed that the suspect may have lived in this home since his childhood. One local pointed out, “He's an architect but his house looks like garbage' as drone footage of the search revealed the yard to hold almost no grass or manicuring,” reports Daily Mail.
'He has a very large safe in which guns are kept'
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, in his media briefing shared, “As we worked through the case and got closer and closer, suddenly the balance tips in favor of public safety,” explaining how Heuermann has been on their radar for quite some time. He further shared that the suspect "continued to patronize sex workers" and was using false IDs and burner phones and also carrying a whopping 92 firearms legally. However, the DA informed that these firearms are still ‘unaccounted for.' “He has a very large safe in which guns are kept. We're continuing to execute search warrants, so I'm sure we'll have that answer shortly.”