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Will Rex Heuermann get death penalty? Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer is looking at multiple life sentences without parole

Rex Heuermann was indicted by a Suffolk County Grand Jury on three counts of both first and second degree murder

LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: Rex Heuermann, the primary suspect in the infamous Gilgo Beach serial murder case, was arrested on late Thursday, July 13. The investigators made a breakthrough after spending years collecting detailed evidence about the incident when an unnamed witness provided vital information to them that led to the arrest of the Long Island architect. Now, it is a totally different conjecture whether or not Heuermann expected to get arrested outside his midtown Manhattan office, the fact that Suffolk County prosecutors have given an application to keep the alleged serial killer behind bars clearly shows the enormity of the case. 

Heuermann, also known as the “Manorville Butcher” and “Craigslist Ripper” in the media, was indicted by a Suffolk County Grand Jury on three counts of both first and second degree murder for the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy on or about July 10, 2009, Megan Waterman on or about June 6, 2010, and Amber Costello on or about September 2, 2010. As of July 17, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A Tierney has not charged the 59-year-old architect with the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes or other murders believed to be connected to Heuermann, reported New York Criminal Lawyer blog.

How was Rex Heuermann caught?

According to the bail application, Suffolk County prosecutors teamed up with the Suffolk County Police and Sherriff’s Office, New York State Police, and the FBI to identify and arrest Heuermann after years of investigation. The “Gilgo Four” killer was apprehended by law enforcement based upon examining the evidence they had collected to date which included the burlap wraps and duct tape used on the women, the issuance and review of over 300 subpoenas, search warrants, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence. 

Will Rex Heuermann get death penalty?

Unfortunately, the state of New York does not have death penalty which is why the father-of-two is basically looking at multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole. The law mandates a mandatory minimum of 15 years incarceration and up to 25 years to life for second-degree murder, first degree murder allows for life without parole. In simple words, an individual found guilty of the former offense could one day be paroled, while the latter crime does not allow that luxury. This means that even if Heuermann is acquitted of murder in the first degree, a judge could “stack” the convictions with consecutive sentences. 

The aftermath of Heuermann's arrest

The case is far from over and it is likely that the accused will face tough times in the upcoming few days if not years. Heuermann is scheduled to be back in court on August 1 while the prosecutors are reviewing evidence retrieved from his home after detectives carried out a search warrant at his place. It is not yet known if he is going to take a plea or exercise his right to a trial, even after being aware of its consequences.