Rex Heuermann: Gilgo Beach Monster Flips To Guilty Plea?

Rex Heuermann, a respected architect, stands accused of being the Gilgo Beach serial killer. He is a classic case of how a sheen of respectability can hide a depravity beyond imagination to the average true crime follower. Well, the latest update is that he might consider flipping, rolling over, and going with a guilty plea. Read on for more details.

Going For Guilty?

The 62-year-old, behind bars for close to two years, always claimed his innocence. However, per AP, he changed his mind and considers pleading guilty. Apparently, he’s not just thinking about it, and he might be actually talking about it. But, as the outlet noted, according to Newsday, he could, of course, change his mind.

Plus, the court would need to accept a plea in the first place. So, it’s not carved in stone just yet. In any event, if he does take a plea, he’s still staying inside, probably for the rest of his life.

Naturally, if it happens, then the families of his alleged victims might breathe a collective sigh of relief. Notably for true crime followers, it seemed rather startling news. Not that they bought into his claims of innocence, but that it might see a shocking saga of murders reach resolution much sooner than expected.

A Long List of Murders  

Rex Heuermann, from Massapequa Park, ended up arrested in July 2023. Currently, he faces first and second-degree murder charges for at least seven women. However, true crime fans believe there may be more. The known victims include:

• Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello (charged July 2023)
• Maureen Brainard-Barnes (charged January 2024)
• Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla (charged June 2024)
• Valerie Mack (indicted December 2024)

With his not guilty stance so far, Rex Heuermann ended up held without bail at the Riverhead Correctional Facility. While he sits in jail, investigations have been ongoing, and as you can see from the list, the names grew in number. Of course, his detention gives investigators more time to accumulate evidence.

The Evidence Thus Far

So far, detectives found tons of evidence linking Heuermann to the “Gilgo Four” and more. Forensics helped establish a link when DNA from an old pizza box matched genetic material found on a wrapper used for disposal of one victim.

Meanwhile, phone records also helped and then witnesses spotted a Chevrolet Avalanche which stood out for them. Note to self, drive a bland and dreary old car if you want to become a serial killer.

Initially reported by a roommate of Amber Costello, the dark green coloring led to a check of those vehicles in the Massapequa Park area, and one of them belonged to Rex Heuermann.

More reasons for the arrest came because detectives recovered a document that Heuermann allegedly wrote. In it, he apparently outlined “methods” for packaging bodies and evading capture.

His Wife Got The Heck Out

Nobody feels sorry that the personal life of the accused Gilgo Beach serial killer saw his personal life crumble while behind bars. Unsurprisingly, his wife, Asa Ellerup, filed for divorce shortly after his arrest and that was finalized in March 2024.

These days, Heuermann lost his swanky office, his reputation for things architectural, his friends, and any sympathy that true crime fans might have ever had for him. Mind you, you can scratch hard and not find that.

Reactions To The Update

When Grizzly True Crime updated on YouTube about the possible guilty plea, many viewers had an opportunity to comment on it. Mostly, the reactions seemed of the sentiment that they hope he rots in Hell.

One viewer opined, “Good!! He’s a gutless psychopath.”

Here are a few more responses from the discussion about Rex Heuermann:

• Wow, I thought he’d fight right till the end . May he rot in Hell.
• Woah!! Did not expect this. Best case scenario for his family. 
• How many more woman did he harm that have not been found?? Hard to believe someone like this would ever stop his activities…
• Dear God, please don’t ever release this Evil Monster! May there be Total Justice  for Every Victim and their Family!
• WOW. Well, that is unexpected, but quite welcoming.

What Happens Next?

There was already a special hearing scheduled about whether the DNA evidence could be used. But, if he does plead guilty then that falls away. For now, it remains to be seen if Heuermann actually goes with the plea.

That will also depend on the court, but he’d probably need to come clean on any other unrecovered victims. It remains up in the air for now, but you can bet your last dollar that true crime followers keep a sharp eye on future developments.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below, and remember to come back here for all your true crime news and updates. Also, remember you can follow our crime channel on TikTok.