Gilgo Beach Serial Killings
Long Island Serial Killings
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Long Island, New York
TIME PERIOD
1993-2011
VICTIMS
11 confirmed
The Gilgo Beach serial killings involved the murders of at least 11 individuals, primarily sex workers, whose remains were discovered along Ocean Parkway in Suffolk County, New York, between December 2010 and April 2011. The investigation, which began with the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert in May 2010, has led to the arrest of suspect Rex Heuermann, who faces multiple charges including first-degree murder. The case is currently in the judicial process following his capture.
Theories surrounding the Gilgo Beach serial killings suggest that the murders may be linked to a single perpetrator, particularly given the discovery of multiple victims in close proximity to one another. Speculation also arises around the nature of the victims, as many were sex workers who advertised online, leading to theories about the killer's potential motivations and targeting preferences. Additionally, the case has prompted discussions about the police's handling of the investigation, particularly in relation to the initial disappearance of Shannan Gilbert and her eventual discovery far from the other victims.
The Gilgo Beach Serial Killings
Overview
The Gilgo Beach serial killings are a chilling American crime saga that unfolded on Long Island, New York, over nearly two decades, from 1993 to 2011. The case gained national attention after the remains of several victims were discovered along Ocean Parkway, a remote stretch of road near the beach town of Gilgo in southern Suffolk County. This harrowing series of events would uncover the tragic stories of more than a dozen victims, many of whom were women involved in sex work.
Quick Facts
- Location: Long Island, New York, USA
- Date Range: 1993–2011
- Victims: 11+
- Suspect: Rex Heuermann
- Charges:
- First-degree murder (3 counts)
- Second-degree murder (7 counts)
- Reward: $50,000
- Capture Status: Suspect in custody
The Discovery of Victims
The investigation began in December 2010 when police searching for Shannan Gilbert, a missing sex worker, stumbled upon the remains of four victims, later dubbed "The Gilgo Four." These bodies were found within a quarter of a mile of each other near Gilgo Beach. The victims were identified as:
- Maureen Brainard-Barnes
- Melissa Barthelemy
- Megan Waterman
- Amber Lynn Costello
The following year, in March and April 2011, six additional sets of remains were uncovered in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Investigators believe these remains predated the discovery of The Gilgo Four.
The Disappearance of Shannan Gilbert
The original search for Gilbert began when she vanished on May 1, 2010, while working as an escort in Oak Beach, a gated community. In a frantic 911 call, Gilbert claimed someone was after her, stating, "They’re trying to kill me." Tragically, her remains were found in December 2011, approximately nine miles from where the other victims were discovered. The cause of her death remains disputed, with authorities suggesting she may have drowned or succumbed to exposure after becoming lost in the marshland.
Rex Heuermann: The Arrest
In July 2023, a major breakthrough occurred when Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old architect from Massapequa Park, Long Island, was arrested in Midtown Manhattan. He was charged with the murders of three of the Gilgo Four—Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. As evidence mounted against him, Heuermann was linked to the deaths of additional victims, including:
- Maureen Brainard-Barnes (charged in January 2024)
- Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla (charged in June 2024)
- Valerie Mack (indicted in December 2024)
Heuermann has pleaded not guilty.
Evidence Against Heuermann
The investigation into Heuermann's involvement revealed several compelling pieces of evidence:
- Vehicle Link: A dark green Chevrolet Avalanche, registered to Heuermann, was linked to one of the killings through witness testimony.
- Cellphone Records: Investigators found that Heuermann's phone records showed contact with three of the four victims.
- Online Searches: Heuermann was found to have conducted internet searches related to the investigation’s progress, as well as searches for disturbing content, including sadistic materials and images of the victims.
- DNA Evidence: A mitochondrial DNA match was established between DNA recovered from a pizza crust discarded by Heuermann and hair found on burlap wrapping one of the victims. A potential match to Heuermann’s wife was also found in hair samples collected from the crime scene.
The Victims
Sandra Costilla
Sandra Costilla, 28, from Trinidad and Tobago, was last seen in November 1993. In December 2024, Heuermann was charged with her murder after DNA from hair found on her body matched his. Costilla's remains were discovered in North Sea, Long Island, indicating he may have begun killing before 1993.
The Gilgo Four
Maureen Brainard-Barnes
Brainard-Barnes, 25, disappeared on July 9, 2007. A mother of two, she turned to sex work to support her family. Her body was found in December 2010, restrained with leather belts, one of which contained DNA matching that of Heuermann’s wife.
Melissa Barthelemy
Barthelemy, 24, went missing on July 12, 2009. After her disappearance, her sister received disturbing calls from someone using Melissa's phone, taunting her about her sister's fate. Barthelemy's remains were among the first discovered in December 2010.
Megan Waterman
Waterman, 22, was last seen on June 6, 2010, after placing escort ads online. Her body was recovered in December 2010, and she was reportedly a victim of sex trafficking.
Amber Lynn Costello
Costello, 27, was last seen on September 2, 2010, after meeting an unknown client promising a lucrative payment. Her remains were discovered in December 2010.
Additional Victims
In March and April 2011, more victims were found, bringing the total to 11+:
- Jessica Taylor (identified through DNA from remains found in Manorville in 2003)
- Valerie Mack (whose torso was initially found in 2000)
- Tanya Jackson and her daughter Tatiana Dykes, identified in April 2025
Other unidentified victims include "Asian Doe", a victim found wearing women's clothing, and Karen Vergata, whose remains were identified in 2023 after being missing since 1996.
Investigative Challenges
The investigation faced numerous hurdles, including law enforcement mismanagement and lack of cooperation between agencies. In 2015, the FBI officially joined the investigation, marking a turning point in the case.
Shannan Gilbert's Case
The controversy surrounding Gilbert's death led to multiple independent investigations, including an examination by forensic pathologist Michael Baden, who suggested foul play might have been involved. Despite this, her death was ruled an accidental drowning, a conclusion contested by her family.
Media Coverage
The Gilgo Beach murders have been the subject of numerous documentaries, films, and podcasts, highlighting the enduring fascination and horror surrounding this case. Notable mentions include:
- Lost Girls (2020), a Netflix film
- The Killing Season (2016), a docuseries
- Unraveled: The Long Island Serial Killer (2021), a podcast series
Timeline of Events
Here's a brief overview of the key events in the Gilgo Beach case, from the first known victim to the latest developments in the investigation.
- 1993: Sandra Costilla last seen; remains found later that year.
- 2003: Jessica Taylor goes missing; remains found in 2003.
- 2007: Maureen Brainard-Barnes disappears; body found in 2010.
- 2009: Melissa Barthelemy goes missing; remains found in 2010.
- 2010: Shannan Gilbert disappears; remains found in 2011.
- 2023: Rex Heuermann arrested and charged.
- 2024: Additional indictments and victim identifications occur.
Conclusion
The Gilgo Beach serial killings case remains one of the most haunting and complex serial murder investigations in American history. With a suspect in custody and ongoing investigations into additional victims, the quest for justice continues for the families of those lost to this unspeakable tragedy.
Sources
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Sandra Costilla Last Seen
Sandra Costilla, a sex worker, was last seen in New York City.
Shannan Gilbert Disappears
Shannan Gilbert makes a 911 call claiming someone is after her before disappearing.
First Victim Found
Remains of Melissa Barthelemy are discovered along Ocean Parkway, marking the start of the Gilgo Beach investigation.
The Gilgo Four Discovered
Three more bodies, including those of Megan Waterman and Amber Costello, are found near the first victim.
Additional Remains Found
Partial remains of Jessica Taylor are discovered, expanding the investigation.
Rex Heuermann Arrested
Architect Rex Heuermann is arrested and charged with the murders of three women linked to the Gilgo Beach case.
Heuermann Indicted
Rex Heuermann is indicted for the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.
Further Charges Filed
Heuermann is indicted for the murders of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla, expanding the scope of the case.
Indictment for Valerie Mack
Heuermann is charged with the murder of Valerie Mack, bringing the total to seven victims.
Identification of Victims
Police announce the identification of Tanya Jackson and her daughter Tatiana Dykes as victims.
The Gilgo Beach serial killings involved the murders of at least 11 individuals, primarily sex workers, whose remains were discovered along Ocean Parkway in Suffolk County, New York, between December 2010 and April 2011. The investigation, which began with the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert in May 2010, has led to the arrest of suspect Rex Heuermann, who faces multiple charges including first-degree murder. The case is currently in the judicial process following his capture.
Theories surrounding the Gilgo Beach serial killings suggest that the murders may be linked to a single perpetrator, particularly given the discovery of multiple victims in close proximity to one another. Speculation also arises around the nature of the victims, as many were sex workers who advertised online, leading to theories about the killer's potential motivations and targeting preferences. Additionally, the case has prompted discussions about the police's handling of the investigation, particularly in relation to the initial disappearance of Shannan Gilbert and her eventual discovery far from the other victims.
The Gilgo Beach Serial Killings
Overview
The Gilgo Beach serial killings are a chilling American crime saga that unfolded on Long Island, New York, over nearly two decades, from 1993 to 2011. The case gained national attention after the remains of several victims were discovered along Ocean Parkway, a remote stretch of road near the beach town of Gilgo in southern Suffolk County. This harrowing series of events would uncover the tragic stories of more than a dozen victims, many of whom were women involved in sex work.
Quick Facts
- Location: Long Island, New York, USA
- Date Range: 1993–2011
- Victims: 11+
- Suspect: Rex Heuermann
- Charges:
- First-degree murder (3 counts)
- Second-degree murder (7 counts)
- Reward: $50,000
- Capture Status: Suspect in custody
The Discovery of Victims
The investigation began in December 2010 when police searching for Shannan Gilbert, a missing sex worker, stumbled upon the remains of four victims, later dubbed "The Gilgo Four." These bodies were found within a quarter of a mile of each other near Gilgo Beach. The victims were identified as:
- Maureen Brainard-Barnes
- Melissa Barthelemy
- Megan Waterman
- Amber Lynn Costello
The following year, in March and April 2011, six additional sets of remains were uncovered in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Investigators believe these remains predated the discovery of The Gilgo Four.
The Disappearance of Shannan Gilbert
The original search for Gilbert began when she vanished on May 1, 2010, while working as an escort in Oak Beach, a gated community. In a frantic 911 call, Gilbert claimed someone was after her, stating, "They’re trying to kill me." Tragically, her remains were found in December 2011, approximately nine miles from where the other victims were discovered. The cause of her death remains disputed, with authorities suggesting she may have drowned or succumbed to exposure after becoming lost in the marshland.
Rex Heuermann: The Arrest
In July 2023, a major breakthrough occurred when Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old architect from Massapequa Park, Long Island, was arrested in Midtown Manhattan. He was charged with the murders of three of the Gilgo Four—Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. As evidence mounted against him, Heuermann was linked to the deaths of additional victims, including:
- Maureen Brainard-Barnes (charged in January 2024)
- Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla (charged in June 2024)
- Valerie Mack (indicted in December 2024)
Heuermann has pleaded not guilty.
Evidence Against Heuermann
The investigation into Heuermann's involvement revealed several compelling pieces of evidence:
- Vehicle Link: A dark green Chevrolet Avalanche, registered to Heuermann, was linked to one of the killings through witness testimony.
- Cellphone Records: Investigators found that Heuermann's phone records showed contact with three of the four victims.
- Online Searches: Heuermann was found to have conducted internet searches related to the investigation’s progress, as well as searches for disturbing content, including sadistic materials and images of the victims.
- DNA Evidence: A mitochondrial DNA match was established between DNA recovered from a pizza crust discarded by Heuermann and hair found on burlap wrapping one of the victims. A potential match to Heuermann’s wife was also found in hair samples collected from the crime scene.
The Victims
Sandra Costilla
Sandra Costilla, 28, from Trinidad and Tobago, was last seen in November 1993. In December 2024, Heuermann was charged with her murder after DNA from hair found on her body matched his. Costilla's remains were discovered in North Sea, Long Island, indicating he may have begun killing before 1993.
The Gilgo Four
Maureen Brainard-Barnes
Brainard-Barnes, 25, disappeared on July 9, 2007. A mother of two, she turned to sex work to support her family. Her body was found in December 2010, restrained with leather belts, one of which contained DNA matching that of Heuermann’s wife.
Melissa Barthelemy
Barthelemy, 24, went missing on July 12, 2009. After her disappearance, her sister received disturbing calls from someone using Melissa's phone, taunting her about her sister's fate. Barthelemy's remains were among the first discovered in December 2010.
Megan Waterman
Waterman, 22, was last seen on June 6, 2010, after placing escort ads online. Her body was recovered in December 2010, and she was reportedly a victim of sex trafficking.
Amber Lynn Costello
Costello, 27, was last seen on September 2, 2010, after meeting an unknown client promising a lucrative payment. Her remains were discovered in December 2010.
Additional Victims
In March and April 2011, more victims were found, bringing the total to 11+:
- Jessica Taylor (identified through DNA from remains found in Manorville in 2003)
- Valerie Mack (whose torso was initially found in 2000)
- Tanya Jackson and her daughter Tatiana Dykes, identified in April 2025
Other unidentified victims include "Asian Doe", a victim found wearing women's clothing, and Karen Vergata, whose remains were identified in 2023 after being missing since 1996.
Investigative Challenges
The investigation faced numerous hurdles, including law enforcement mismanagement and lack of cooperation between agencies. In 2015, the FBI officially joined the investigation, marking a turning point in the case.
Shannan Gilbert's Case
The controversy surrounding Gilbert's death led to multiple independent investigations, including an examination by forensic pathologist Michael Baden, who suggested foul play might have been involved. Despite this, her death was ruled an accidental drowning, a conclusion contested by her family.
Media Coverage
The Gilgo Beach murders have been the subject of numerous documentaries, films, and podcasts, highlighting the enduring fascination and horror surrounding this case. Notable mentions include:
- Lost Girls (2020), a Netflix film
- The Killing Season (2016), a docuseries
- Unraveled: The Long Island Serial Killer (2021), a podcast series
Timeline of Events
Here's a brief overview of the key events in the Gilgo Beach case, from the first known victim to the latest developments in the investigation.
- 1993: Sandra Costilla last seen; remains found later that year.
- 2003: Jessica Taylor goes missing; remains found in 2003.
- 2007: Maureen Brainard-Barnes disappears; body found in 2010.
- 2009: Melissa Barthelemy goes missing; remains found in 2010.
- 2010: Shannan Gilbert disappears; remains found in 2011.
- 2023: Rex Heuermann arrested and charged.
- 2024: Additional indictments and victim identifications occur.
Conclusion
The Gilgo Beach serial killings case remains one of the most haunting and complex serial murder investigations in American history. With a suspect in custody and ongoing investigations into additional victims, the quest for justice continues for the families of those lost to this unspeakable tragedy.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Sandra Costilla Last Seen
Sandra Costilla, a sex worker, was last seen in New York City.
Shannan Gilbert Disappears
Shannan Gilbert makes a 911 call claiming someone is after her before disappearing.
First Victim Found
Remains of Melissa Barthelemy are discovered along Ocean Parkway, marking the start of the Gilgo Beach investigation.
The Gilgo Four Discovered
Three more bodies, including those of Megan Waterman and Amber Costello, are found near the first victim.
Additional Remains Found
Partial remains of Jessica Taylor are discovered, expanding the investigation.
Rex Heuermann Arrested
Architect Rex Heuermann is arrested and charged with the murders of three women linked to the Gilgo Beach case.
Heuermann Indicted
Rex Heuermann is indicted for the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.
Further Charges Filed
Heuermann is indicted for the murders of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla, expanding the scope of the case.
Indictment for Valerie Mack
Heuermann is charged with the murder of Valerie Mack, bringing the total to seven victims.
Identification of Victims
Police announce the identification of Tanya Jackson and her daughter Tatiana Dykes as victims.