Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer, is facing a new murder charge, bringing the total number of known victims to four. Prosecutors have lodged a murder complaint against Heuermann, accusing him of killing Maureen Brainard-Barnes, a woman who has long been connected to the Gilgo Beach case.
Maureen Brainard-Barnes disappeared in 2007, and her remains were found in 2010. She was the first of the Gilgo Four to be discovered, with the other three women being Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Melissa Barthelemy.
Heuermann had already been charged in connection to the murders of the other three women, and now he’s being charged with Brainard-Barnes’ murder as well. Investigators are currently looking into other outstanding women’s disappearances that may be linked to Heuermann.
The addition of the murder charge for Brainard-Barnes was expected, as investigators were waiting for DNA test results from hair recovered from her remains. Now, it seems they have enough evidence to link Heuermann to her murder. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and will have to face this new charge in court.
Heuermann’s defense lawyers have cast doubt on the DNA testing being conducted, arguing that the technology is faulty and that it only eliminates other possibilities rather than providing concrete evidence. They maintain that Heuermann has been falsely accused by the police.
The Gilgo Beach case has been an ongoing investigation for years, and the arrest and charges against Heuermann bring hope for justice for the victims and their families. As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what further developments will arise and if any additional victims will be connected to Heuermann.
