Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann gets three life sentences without parole
A New York court sentenced Rex Heuermann to three consecutive life terms on Wednesday for the murders of eight women whose remains were dumped along Gilgo Beach, closing a chapter on a 16-year investigation into one of Long Island's most notorious serial killings.
The sentencing
On June 17, 2026, Judge Timothy Mazzei handed down three consecutive life sentences without parole to 62-year-old architect Rex Heuermann at the Suffolk County court in Riverhead, New York. Heuermann was also given an additional 25 years to life on four second-degree murder charges. The sentence came after more than two hours of emotional victim impact statements, during which families confronted the man who killed their loved ones. Heuermann stood largely impassive, wearing two sets of handcuffs due to his large stature.
- First known victim Sandra Costilla strangled and left near Fish Cove Road.
- Karen Vergata murdered and dismembered; her legs found on Blue Point Beach.
- Four sets of remains discovered within a quarter mile on Gilgo Beach, triggering a major investigation.
- Investigators link a vehicle registered to Heuermann with one of the victims.
- Heuermann arrested outside his Manhattan office and charged with multiple murders.
- Heuermann pleads guilty to seven murders and admits to an eighth.
- Sentenced to three consecutive life terms without parole in Riverhead, New York.
Victims' families speak
Relatives of the eight victims delivered searing testimony. Amanda Funderburg, sister of Melissa Barthelemy, recounted the taunting phone calls Heuermann made to her family after the murder, describing how her sister's body was left to "rot".
Jasmine Robinson, cousin of Jessica Taylor, expressed her hatred directly to Heuermann.Save me a spot in hell because I'll see you there.
Others called him a "coward who preyed on vulnerable, innocent women" and a "monster without mercy".You fill me with so much repugnance that I can't stand you.
Decades-long investigation
The case known as the Gilgo Beach murders began in 2010 when investigators found the remains of four women within a quarter mile along a barrier beach on Long Island's south shore. Over time, the remains of 11 victims were discovered, though Heuermann was ultimately convicted for eight. Most of the victims, who ranged in age from 20 to 28, were sex workers contacted through Craigslist ads. The killings stretched from 1993 to 2010, but for more than a decade the case went cold. In 2022, detectives focused on Heuermann after linking his registered vehicle to one of the victims. He was arrested in July 2023 outside his Manhattan office.
Evidence and confession
A pizza box bearing Heuermann's DNA, cellphone data, and his internet searches (including "Why hasn't the Long Island serial killer been caught?") built the case against him. Under the weight of evidence, he pleaded guilty in April 2026 to seven murders and admitted to an eighth, Karen Vergata, whom he killed in 1996.
He waived his right to appeal as part of the plea deal.I am responsible for everything that has been said in this room.
Prosecutors and aftermath
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney thanked the families and called the sentence a form of closure.
The plea agreement spared survivors a lengthy trial and included Heuermann's agreement to be interviewed by the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit.I want them to get their revenge by going on to have wonderful lives...now it's time for them to heal.
