A New York judge ruled that accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heueremann will face a single trial for all seven murders he is accused of.
Judge Timothy Mazzei made a decision on Tuesday, according to ABC 7 New York. He ruled on the request from Heuermann’s legal team to split murder accusations into different trials, suggesting that the first three killings should be handled separately from the others.
Defense lawyer Michael Brown unsuccessfully argued that one trial for all seven murders would likely overwhelm the jury
“Ultimately, the judge has the final say. Although we disagree with the ruling and aren’t in favor of it, we must respect and continue with the process,” stated Brown.
In July 2023, law enforcement arrested Heuermann in Manhattan for the murders committed in 2009 and 2010 of Melissa Barthelemy, who was 24; Megan Waterman, aged 22; and Amber Lynn Costello, who was 27.
In January 2024, he was charged with Maureen Brainard-Barnes’ murder.
According to information from CrimeOnline, it was reported that Brainard-Barnes along with three other victims were discovered wrapped in burlap and buried closely on Gilgo Beach in New York.
All four women were reportedly advertising as sex workers when they vanished.
In June 2024, Heuermann faced charges for the murders of Sandra Costilla and Jessica Taylor. By December 2024, he was also indicted for killing Valerie Mack.
“The court has decided not to separate the trials for several reasons. All indictments and additional charges remain connected to each victim,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney on Tuesday.
“And then we had a very productive conference. Defense asserts they have a number of motions they wish to file. The judge gave the defense time to do that. As prosecutors, we anticipate those motions being fairly extensive.”
On Tuesday, the judge also “admitted the genetic findings” that allegedly connected Heuermann to the seven murders, according to The New York Times.
Heuermann, who denies the allegations, remains behind bars without bail.
A trial date has not yet been set. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Rex Heuermann/Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office via AP
