Law enforcement officials have launched a fresh search at the home of Rex Heuermann, the primary suspect in the unsolved Gilgo Beach murders. The operation marks the latest development in the ongoing investigation into the gruesome killings that have haunted Long Island for over a decade.
MASSAPEQUA PARK, N.Y. - In a significant development in the ongoing Gilgo Beach murder investigation, law enforcement officials have returned to the home of Rex Heuermann, the prime suspect in the case. The latest search comes weeks after police K-9s were spotted digging through a forest in Manorville, about 40 miles away.
Investigators from both the New York State Police and Suffolk County were seen at Heuermann's residence in Massapequa Park on Monday. At least a half dozen law enforcement agents were observed in the driveway, some wearing gloves and carrying document boxes into the house.
Heuermann, a local resident, was arrested last summer and charged with the murders of four women whose skeletal remains were found along Ocean Parkway in 2010, known as the "Gilgo Four." The victims have been identified as Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; Amber Costello, 27; and Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25. Police are also investigating the deaths of two other women, Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack, whose dismembered remains were discovered in Manorville in 2000 and 2003, respectively.
Investigators believe they have obtained a new search warrant for Heuermann's home, where they previously conducted an extensive search for nearly two weeks last year. The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held without bail. His wife, Asa Ellerup, and their adult children were not present at the home during the search. Ellerup's attorney, Bob Macedonio, confirmed that she had not been asked for permission to search the property.
Speculation has emerged that something may have been brought into the house after Heuermann's arrest. However, last year, District Attorney Raymond Tierney stated that Ellerup was out of town during the murders and investigators do not believe she assisted her husband.
The latest search comes amid increased media attention and public interest in the case. Police vehicles and news agencies have swarmed the streets around Heuermann's home, while helicopters have been hovering overhead. Neighbors have expressed mixed reactions, with some expressing annoyance at the disruption to their community and others hoping for answers in the long-unsolved murders.
The investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders has been ongoing for over a decade, prompting multiple searches at different locations. The latest search at Heuermann's home indicates that law enforcement officials remain committed to uncovering the truth and bringing justice to the victims and their families.
