Rex Heuermann, the suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer, now faces charges for a seventh murder following new developments in the long-running investigation into a series of unsolved killings on Long Island. Suffolk County prosecutors announce Heuermann’s indictment for the murder of Valerie Mack, a sex worker who disappeared in 2000. Mack’s remains were discovered years later in two locations — Gilgo Beach and Manorville — further connecting her case to the larger pattern of victims attributed to the alleged serial killer.
In court today in Suffolk County, prosecutors reveal that hair evidence collected from Mack’s remains has been matched to Heuermann using advanced DNA analysis. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney says this evidence marks a critical breakthrough in linking Heuermann to Mack’s death, adding weight to the charges against him. The investigation into Mack’s disappearance had remained cold for over two decades until advances in forensic technology allowed investigators to establish the DNA connection.
Heuermann, a 60-year-old architect from Massapequa Park, pleads not guilty to the new charges, maintaining his innocence as he has for the previous six murder accusations. His defense team continues to deny any wrongdoing, arguing the evidence is circumstantial. However, prosecutors insist that Heuermann’s pattern of alleged behavior, combined with physical evidence, strengthens their case.
Valerie Mack, whose identity was initially unknown when her remains were found, was a mother and a Philadelphia native. Her family endured years of uncertainty until forensic breakthroughs confirmed her identity in 2020. Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney confirms that he has spoken with Mack’s family, who are now one step closer to justice after years of unanswered questions.
Suffolk County with those victims.
Attorney Gloria Allred, representing family members of other alleged Heuermann victims, attends the proceedings in Suffolk County alongside several relatives of victims. Allred commends the continued efforts of law enforcement to bring closure to grieving families and calls for investigators to press forward in identifying additional victims who may be connected to the Gilgo Beach case.
The Gilgo Beach killings have haunted Long Island for more than a decade after the discovery of multiple victims’ remains along a desolate stretch of Ocean Parkway in 2010 and 2011. Most of the victims were sex workers, and their disappearances date back to the early 2000s. Investigators are still exploring the possibility that Heuermann is connected to other unsolved killings across Suffolk County and beyond.
Heuermann’s arrest in 2023 marked a major turning point in the investigation, which had frustrated authorities and shocked the nation for years. His alleged involvement in the deaths of the “Gilgo Four” — Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, and Amber Costello — first placed him at the center of the case. Since then, investigators have worked tirelessly to link him to additional victims, including Mack.
As the case against Heuermann grows, the families of victims hope the ongoing investigation will provide answers and justice for all those lost. Suffolk County officials remain focused on pursuing every lead, emphasizing that the search for other potential victims will continue.
