Amidst the ongoing investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders, law enforcement has conducted a surprise search of the residence of Rex Heuermann, a prime suspect in the case. Disturbing revelations have come to light, including the discovery of a gruesome photo album at the home.
Investigators descended upon the Long Island home of Rex Heuermann, a suspect in the Gilgo Beach murders investigation. This latest search comes shortly after police made a previous visit to the residence, inventorying various items. One startling discovery, according to a knowledgeable source, was a macabre photo album containing "strange and gruesome" crime scene photographs.
The album, titled "Death Scenes: A Homicide Detective's Scrapbook," allegedly belonged to California detective Jack Huddleston. It was reportedly spotted on a kitchen table in the home where Heuermann's estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, resides with their two adult children. Ellerup's lawyer, Bob Macedonio, denied any knowledge of the book.
Investigators have previously stated that Heuermann exhibited a pattern of searching for gruesome images on the internet. They seized a burner phone and email account under the false name "Thomas Hawk," which revealed numerous searches, including terms such as "torture redhead porn" and "chubby 10 year old girl crying."
Heuermann stands accused of killing four women whose remains were found at Gilgo Beach in 2010. The victims are Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. In addition to these four, seven other bodies have been discovered scattered along a stretch of highway near Gilgo Beach, but no charges have been filed in their cases.
Two of the remaining victims, Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack, were dismembered and dumped in Manorville in 2000 and 2003. Police K-9s were recently seen searching the forest in Manorville. Experts believe that the search in Manorville could be directly linked to the latest raid on Heuermann's home.
Amidst the search, police officers were seen removing bags and boxes of evidence from Heuermann's residence. Former NYPD sergeant Joseph Giacalone speculates that the new evidence may be more substantial than the photo album. He notes that the search included the previously unexcavated basement.
Asa Ellerup and her children were out of town during the police search. Her attorney confirmed that she is cooperating with investigators and does not face any suspicion of involvement in her husband's alleged crimes.
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office declined to comment on the photo album or any other specific details of the investigation, citing their policy. The investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders remains active.
Defense attorney David Gelman suggests that the return to Heuermann's home may indicate new DNA evidence or a possible connection to the victims found in Manorville. He also acknowledges the potential contamination of the crime scene.
Rex Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges and is currently held without bail at the Suffolk County Jail. The case has not yet gone to trial.
