PHILADELPHIA – In a significant development in one of the most notorious serial murder cases in recent U.S. history, Rex Heuermann, the primary suspect in the Gilgo Beach murders, has now been charged with the murder of a seventh victim, Valerie Mack, from Philadelphia. This charge brings the total count of murder allegations against Heuermann to seven, unfolding over two decades of mystery and investigation.
The Seventh Victim - Valerie Mack
Valerie Mack, a 24-year-old working as an escort in Philadelphia, was last seen by her family in New Jersey before her disappearance, which investigators date back to the year 2000. The partial skeletal remains of Mack were initially discovered by hunters in a secluded, wooded area in Manorville, Long Island, in October of that year. This grim discovery was one of many linked to the Gilgo Beach murder spree, which had remained unsolved until recent years.
The connection between Heuermann and Mack's murder was established through forensic evidence. Specifically, human hair found with Mack's remains was subjected to DNA analysis earlier this year. This testing revealed a likely match to the genetic profile of Heuermann's daughter. It's crucial to note that Heuermann's daughter, who would have been just 3 or 4 years old at the time of Mack's death, is not accused of any involvement in the crime.
The Gilgo Beach Murders Overview
The saga of the Gilgo Beach murders began to unravel in May 2010 with the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert, a 24-year-old sex worker from Jersey City. While searching for Gilbert, a police officer with a cadaver dog stumbled upon the remains of another woman in the dense underbrush along Ocean Parkway. This discovery was the tip of an iceberg; within days, three more bodies were found in close proximity, forming what would later be known as the 'Gilgo Four'.
These findings led to an extensive investigation that uncovered the remains of nearly a dozen victims, many of whom were sex workers or had connections to the sex trade. The victims included:
- The Gilgo Four: Four women whose remains were found near each other in late 2010.
- Other Victims: Including Valerie Mack, whose remains were found separately but linked to the same investigation due to the manner of disposal and location.
The Investigation and Charges Against Heuermann
Rex Heuermann, a New York architect, was not immediately identified in connection with these murders. It was only in July 2023, after years of cold case investigation, that Heuermann was arrested, initially charged with the murders of three of the 'Gilgo Four' - Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. Over time, the charges expanded to include three additional victims, bringing the total to six before the recent charge for Mack's murder.
Heuermann's connection to these crimes was facilitated by advanced DNA technology, cellphone data, and other forensic evidence. His arrest came after meticulous work by a task force that included local law enforcement and the FBI, employing state-of-the-art investigative techniques.
Legal Proceedings and Heuermann's Defense
On Tuesday, Heuermann faced a judge in Suffolk County, where he was formally charged with second-degree murder in connection with Valerie Mack's death. Despite the mounting evidence against him, Heuermann has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. His defense has questioned some of the forensic methods used, particularly the DNA analysis, indicating potential challenges in court regarding the admissibility of evidence.
Impact on the Community and Future Implications
The case has had a profound impact on the community, particularly in areas like Philadelphia and Long Island where the victims lived or were found. The resolution, or lack thereof, of such cases can affect public trust in law enforcement and the judicial system. With Heuermann's charges, there's a sense of closure for the families of the victims, yet many questions persist about how such crimes could go unnoticed for so long and if there might be more victims yet to be linked to Heuermann.
