Rex Heuermann, the suspect in the Gilgo Beach serial killer case, has been charged with the death of a seventh woman, Valerie Mack, 24, who went missing in 2000. Suffolk County police found her partial remains in Manorville, New York, after a group of hunters stumbled upon a suspicious black bag.
Heuermann, a 60-year-old New York City architect, is already facing charges in the murders of six other women, including Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Megan Waterman, 22, Amber Costello, 27, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, Jessica Taylor, 20, and Sandra Costilla, 28. The latest charges come as investigators continue to examine DNA evidence using state-of-the-art techniques that the defense plans to challenge.
Prosecutors believe Heuermann kept news articles and conducted internet searches regarding his victims, and that he has a history of abusing sex workers. Heuermann’s estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, has denied any involvement in the crimes and maintains that she does not believe her husband is capable of committing them.
Heuermann is being held without bail at the Suffolk County Jail and is due back in court on January 15 for another hearing.