A suspect was arrested in the investigation of a string of murders on Long Island’s South Shore more than a decade after the bodies were discovered.
(Bloomberg) — A suspect was arrested in the investigation of a string of murders on Long Island’s South Shore more than a decade after the bodies were discovered.
The New York Post identified Rex Heuermann, an architect, as the suspect who will appear in court later Friday. He’s being looked at in connection to the murders of four women whose remains were found near Gilgo Beach in 2010, according to the Post, which cited unnamed sources.
The Post said that Heuermann founded Manhattan architecture firm RH Consultants and Associates. A call to his offices wasn’t answered.
Fears about a serial killer on Long Island have gripped the New York area since the so-called “Gilgo Four” were discovered after police began investigating the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert in May 2010. Several more sets of remains were discovered in 2011, including the body of a toddler, as well as those of Gilbert.
Last year, the Suffolk County Police Commissioner announced the creation of a task force to solve the case and identify four of the remaining unidentified victims. It’s unclear how many of the murders are connected, and some of the remains associated with the case first appeared in the 90s.
A 911 call made by Gilbert, a sex worker, was released last year, in which she claimed people were trying to kill her. Still, Suffolk Police have said her death was likely not a murder and not part of the broader serial killer case. Her body was found in a marsh.
Multiple sources first confirmed the arrest to News 12 Long Island, which said that First Avenue in Massapequa Park was “flooded with police.” Massapequa is north of Jones Beach Island, a popular beach destination for New Yorkers, and where Gilgo Beach is located.
There will be a court proceeding today in Riverhead, and the Suffolk County District Attorney will hold a press conference at 4pm “to announce a significant development in the investigation”. The local police department declined to comment.
(Updates with name of suspect in second paragraph.)
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