Long Island police reportedly ignored a lead that could have led them to a suspected serial killer 13 years ago.
Rex Hermann was arrested on July 13th. The suspect, a 59-year-old architect, has been accused of killing three young women whose bodies were found in Gilgo Beach, Long Island. These were the bodies of three of four women found in the area from 2010 to 2011.
The 50-year-old pleaded not guilty to the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello. Rex Hermann is also the prime suspect in the 2007 disappearance and murder of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard Barnes. His DNA was found on the body of one of the women.
However, 13 years ago, the police had a general description of the suspect and his vehicle, without proceeding with the search, according to the “New York Post.” The new task force has re-examined the issue. It was discovered that during his police interview, Amber Lynn Costello’s pimp recognized Rex Heuermann’s car, a Chevrolet Avalanche, as well as describing the alleged serial killer as a large ogre.
This description did not prompt the police to investigate further.
It wasn’t until former New York City Police Department chief Rodney Harrison took over as Suffolk County Police Commissioner last year that information allowed the investigation to move forward, after it reopened. By correlating the information with other elements, the newly formed Homicide Investigation Task Force, March 2022, quickly has Heuermann in its sights.
Police confiscated a Chevrolet Avalanche from the suspect’s home last Friday. The pimp’s description matches the appearance of someone who is 2.01 meters tall. (6 ft 6 in) and weighs 122 kg (270 lb).
abused women
Prosecutors say Rex Heuermann used to date escorts. He allegedly used various phones to communicate with his victims, before disposing of the devices.
After his arrest, and while searching his electronic equipment, the police found pornographic videos of women being abused and tortured. They also got their hands on the photographs of raped and murdered women that were in the possession of Rex Huermann.
