In a shocking turn of events, more than 13 years since the infamous Gilgo Beach murders garnered widespread media attention, the Long Island community finally witnesses a breakthrough as the first arrests have been made in connection with the heinous crimes. Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old New York-based architect, finds himself at the center of this grim saga that has haunted the region since the early 2010s. Here In This Article, You Will Get To Know About Who Is Amber Costello?
Who Is Rex Heuermann?
Authorities apprehended Rex at his bustling Manhattan workplace, located in the heart of Middletown. It was within these very office walls where his daughter Victoria Heuermann, a vital member of a four-person team, had been diligently involved. The fateful day of Thursday, July 14, 2014, forever marks the day of the arrest. The charges brought against the suspect are nothing short of horrifying—three counts of first-degree murder and an additional three counts of third-degree murder. These accusations tie Rex to the brutal slayings of Melissa Barthelemy (24), Megan Waterman (22), and Amber Costello (27), all victims whose lives were abruptly stolen away. Furthermore, Rex emerges as a prime suspect in the tragic demise of 25-year-old Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Each of the victims shared the harrowing commonality of being sex workers, united by their tragically similar physical characteristics.
While Rex is portrayed as a family-oriented individual with two children, his daughter Victoria, who played a role within his architectural firm, has been thrust into the spotlight. Following her brother’s arrest on that ill-fated Thursday, the company’s website swiftly removed all traces of the team members, concealing their identities from the prying eyes of the public. One photograph, however, captured Victoria’s radiant smile and stylish spectacles, reflecting the joy she exuded in that moment.
Victoria, an artist who earned her degree in animation from the New York Institute of Technology, possesses a vivacious spirit and is actively seeking employment opportunities in her chosen field. On her LinkedIn profile, she proudly declares her recent graduation with a BFA in Fine Arts, showcasing her proficiency in various animation techniques such as 3D/2D animation, modeling and sculpting, and software tools like Autodesk Maya/Mudbox ZBrush, ToonBoom Harmony, Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, and Premier. Prior to her studies, she graced the halls of Macy’s between July 2017 and December 2019. Notably, Victoria dedicated three years as a caring volunteer in Bideawee’s animal care field, leaving an indelible mark on both the organization and the creatures it serves. Those intrigued by her artistic prowess can explore a captivating collection of her work on her LinkedIn portfolio.
Besides Victoria, Rex is also the father of a son, described by their neighbors as a “partially disabled child,” according to the New York Post. Though the boy’s name remains undisclosed, neighbors speculate that he may be Rex’s stepson. Etienne DeVilliers, a neighbor who spoke to various news outlets, described the child as “very nice” and emphasized his special needs, painting a picture of a kind-hearted youngster. DeVilliers further shared with CBS News, “We spoke frequently, each day. And his son is a lovely kid who has special needs,” shining a light on the compassionate side of this troubled family.
During a press conference held on July 13, 2014, Suffolk County Police Commission Rodney Harrison didn’t mince words when he denounced Rex Heuermann, branding him a demon who lurks among us, a predator capable of tearing families apart. Harrison, as reported by PEOPLE magazine, sternly stated, “If it wasn’t for the officers from this group, he is still out in the open today. Even after his arrest, we’re not finished.” Such chilling remarks underscore the magnitude of the investigation and the urgency to bring justice to the victims and their grieving families. It has come to light that Rex’s compulsive behavior led him to incessantly search for details about the families and victims of the Gilgo Beach killings through online channels, using his cell phones as a tool to satisfy his disturbing curiosity.
The long-awaited arrest of Rex Heuermann marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for the Gilgo Beach murders, providing a glimmer of hope to a community haunted by the heinous crimes that unfolded over a decade ago. As the investigation progresses, the true extent of the horror that transpired during those dark days slowly unravels, promising a path toward closure for the victim’s loved ones and a renewed sense of security for the resilient Long Island area.