Gilgo Beach serial killing suspect Rex Heuermann (Right) and victim Valerie Mack (Left)
Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer, has been charged with a seventh murder: the death of Valerie Mack, according to a superseding indictment unsealed on Tuesday.
Mack’s remains were first discovered 24 years ago, marking another development in the infamous case.
On November 19, 2000, a hunter’s dog discovered Mack’s decapitated body in a wooded area in Manorville, Long Island.
According to a bail application accompanying the new indictment, her remains were bound with rope and placed inside a black plastic bag wrapped with duct tape.
Mack’s hands and one leg had been severed from her body, the document revealed.
The remaining parts of her remains were discovered over a decade later, in April 2011, near Ocean Parkway along Gilgo Beach.
Prosecutors stated that mitochondrial DNA analysis played a pivotal role in linking Heuermann to Mack’s death.
A female hair found on Mack’s remains matched DNA profiles belonging to Heuermann’s wife and daughter.
At the time of Mack’s murder, Heuermann’s daughter would have been between 3 and 4 years old.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, speaking at Tuesday’s news conference, said Mack’s parents “are very grateful for the small bit of closure.”
Authorities uncovered significant evidence connecting Heuermann to Mack’s killing on some of the 350 electronic devices seized from his home.
Investigators discovered an extensive collection of violent, bondage, and torture pornography dating back to at least 1994.
Prosecutors noted that the images included depictions of mutilation and women bound with ropes—details consistent with Mack’s injuries.
Among the evidence was a document investigators believe Heuermann used to “plan out” his murders.
Created in 2000—the year of Mack’s death—the document included sections labeled “supplies” and “dump site.” Listed under “supplies” were items such as “rope/cord,” “saw/cutting tools,” and “foam drain cleaner.”
Under “dump site,” investigators noted that Heuermann listed one of the locations where Mack’s remains were eventually found.
A chilling “body prep” section instructed to “remove head and hands,” according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors revealed that Heuermann allegedly kept newspaper and magazine clippings related to the Gilgo Beach serial killings in his Massapequa Park home.
This included a 2003 New York Post edition with the headline, “Serial Killer Eyed in LI Slay,” and a 1993 Newsday article titled, “Body Discovered in Woods.”
“Rex A. Heuermann sought, purchased, and kept these publications as souvenirs or mementos of his crimes,” prosecutors in the Gilgo beach case stated.
Heuermann, 61, appeared in court on Tuesday, shackled but wearing a suit. Addressing the judge, he stated, “Your honor, I am not guilty of any of these charges.”
Judge Timothy Mazzei ordered Heuermann to remain held without bail.
The defense has been given until next month to file motions regarding evidence.
Heuermann’s legal team has questioned the DNA methods used by prosecutors and may challenge the admissibility of such evidence during the trial.
The defense is also exploring whether to request severance of individual murder charges.
Heuermann, a New York architect, was initially arrested in July 2023 regarding the Gilgo Beach serial killing case.
He has pleaded not guilty to the murders of six other women: Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Costello, Jessica Taylor, and Sandra Costilla.
The earliest victim was discovered in 1993, while the last set of remains was found in 2010.
With this latest indictment, authorities continue to unravel the complexities surrounding the Gilgo Beach murders.
Prosecutors remain committed to seeking justice for Valerie Mack and the other victims tied to this chilling case.
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