Who is the Gilgo Beach Killer and what do we know about his crimes? Details explored shortly before Peacock docuseries

Peacock’s upcoming documentary series The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets has piqued the audience's interest in the titular serial killer’s life. Rex Heuermann, a man from Long Island, is accused of being the Gilgo Beach Killer.

Heuermann worked as an architect in Manhattan and lived a seemingly normal life until the police arrested him in 2023 after an over-decade-long investigation into a series of murders of seven women.

The accused is now in custody and awaiting trial, while his family members have come forward to share their side of the story in Peacock’s documentary. Here are some horrific details about the crimes that Rex Heuermann has been accused of.

Who is the Gilgo Beach Killer?

Rex Heuermann, an architect from the Massapequa Park village in Long Island, has been charged with being the Gilgo Beach Killer and murdering seven women between the 1990s and 2010s. His alleged victims were mostly sex workers whose bodies were found dumped along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach.

The case came to light in 2010 when bodies of four women were found in burlap sacks within a short distance of each other. These women were Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

Then, in 2011, remains belonging to Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla were discovered in the same area. Meanwhile, another victim, Valerie Mak’s partial remains, were found in Manorville in 2000 and in Gilgo Beach in 2011. All these murders were linked to Heuermann, who was finally charged in June 2024.

Authorities suspect that Heuermann targeted escorts. He tortured and killed them and then disposed of their bodies along the secluded beachfront parkway. However, Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The investigation into the case

The Gilgo Beach Killer case remained unsolved for over a decade due to several investigative setbacks, including mismanagement and a lack of coordination. It all started with the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert in May 2010. While searching for her, police stumbled upon multiple sets of human remains, which finally triggered a full investigation.

The case gained momentum in March 2022, when detectives linked a green Chevrolet Avalanche, registered to Rex Heuermann, to one of the murders. Investigators then built a profile using digital trails like burner phone data, emails, and suspicious search history.

Meanwhile, a hair found on one victim matched DNA taken from a pizza crust discarded by Heuermann. Additional hairs found on or near other victims matched DNA linked to his wife, which established his connection with the murders.

Heuermann was arrested on July 13, 2023, in Manhattan. Following his arrest, authorities searched his Long Island home and discovered over 200 weapons and disturbing materials in his basement, which suggested he may have tortured victims there. His wife filed for divorce soon after. Since then, Heuermann has been held without bail and currently awaits trial.

The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets showcases Rex Heuermann’s family’s perspective

The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets is set to debut on Peacock on June 10, 2025. Produced by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, the series promises never-before-seen footage and interviews with Heuermann’s wife, children, and friends.

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The show will take viewers inside his Massapequa Park home for the first time. The documentary aims to show how Heuermann seemed like a normal family man before reports of his crimes came out. It will also explore the emotional toll the incident had on the killer’s loved ones.

The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets will premiere on Peacock on June 10, 2025.

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