MINEOLA, N.Y. – An architect accused in the infamous Gilgo Beach serial killings was charged Tuesday with the murder of a fourth woman, a Connecticut mother of two who disappeared in 2007 and whose remains were found years later along a highway in New York.
Rex Heuermann, the prime suspect in the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, was previously arrested in connection with the deaths of three other women. He pleaded not guilty in Brainard-Barnes’ death, as he had done in the other cases, and is facing several life sentences without parole if convicted.
Heuermann’s arrest in July stirred up hope for justice for families of the victims. Nicolette Brainard-Barnes, the daughter of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, expressed gratitude toward law enforcement for their efforts in the case.
Maureen Brainard-Barnes, who worked at the Foxwoods Resort Casino, left her hometown of Norwich, Connecticut in 2007 and never returned, prompting concern from friends when she stopped using her phone. She was the first of the four women to disappear, and their remains were later found in the same area.
Heuermann’s lawyer has stated that he denies committing the crimes and investigators have suggested that he may not be responsible for all of the deaths. Police have focused on Heuermann after running a tip about a vehicle through a records database.
After Heuermann’s arrest, investigators spent nearly two weeks combing through his home, digging up the yard, dismantling a porch and a greenhouse, and collecting contents of the house for testing. The indictment also reportedly clears Heuermann’s ex-wife and children, showing that they were away when each of the victims was killed.
The case of the Gilgo Beach serial killings continues to unfold, shedding light on the stories of the victims and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to their families.