RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — After being charged with the murders of three sex workers on Gilgo Beach, New York, Rex Heuermann faces an additional charge in connection with the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, whose remains were found near Gilgo Beach. Heuermann, who was considered a prime suspect in her death, has already been charged in the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello, all found in high weeds near Gilgo Beach. He pleaded not guilty to the new charges, his attorney said.
The charges in the suspected serial killings were unsealed at the Suffolk County Courthouse in Riverhead on Long Island. Heuermann remained silent during Tuesday’s brief court appearance, while his estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, was in attendance. He’s being held without bail. Suffolk County DA Raymond A. Tierney described Brainard-Barnes as an “intellectual” and a writer who “cared deeply about the people she loved.” According to Tierney, Brainard-Barnes was an devoted sister, mother, and daughter who is sorely missed by those that loved her.
The remains of all four women — known as the “Gilgo Four” — were discovered in December 2010 when authorities were searching for Shannan Gilbert, a sex worker who vanished on May 1, 2010. Heuermann was connected to the deaths of Barthelemy, Waterman, and Costello in part through evidence found at the crime scenes, such as burlap sacks, tape, and his wife’s hair, officials said. Cellphone data and DNA obtained from a discarded slice of pizza were also used to link Heuermann to the deaths, authorities said.
The remains of Brainard-Barnes were discovered along Ocean Parkway on Dec. 13, 2010, according to authorities. Her remains were found along with the remains of Costello and Waterman. Barthelemy’s remains were found Dec. 11, 2010. All four women worked as Craigslist escorts and were last seen between July 2007 and September 2010, according to the case timeline. Heuermann is not suspected in all of the deaths and he has not been charged in the deaths of Gilbert, Taylor or Mack. His next court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 6.