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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 the ruling Tuesday, according to ABC 7 New York. The decision comes after Heuermann’s attorneys pushed to have the murders broken up into multiple cases, arguing that the first three murders should be a separate case from the rest.
Defense lawyer Michael Brown unsuccessfully argued that one trial for all seven murders would likely overwhelm the jury
“Ultimately, we do not make the decision, that’s up to the judge. The judge ruled against us, we don’t like the decision, we don’t agree with the decision, but in our system that’s the decision, and we have to move forward, that’s how the system works,” Brown said.
In July 2023, police arrested Heuermann in Manhattan for the 2009 and 2010 murders of Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; and Amber Lynn Costello, 27.
In January 2024, he was charged with Maureen Brainard-Barnes’ murder.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, officials said Brainard-Barnes and the three other victims were found wrapped in burlap and buried near each other at New York’s Gilgo Beach.
All four women were reportedly advertising as sex workers when they vanished.
In June 2024, Heuermann was charged with the murders of Sandra Costilla and Jessica Taylor. In December 2024, he was indicted for the murder of Valerie Mack.
“For a whole host of reasons, the court is not going to sever the trial. The indictment as well as the superseding indictments remain intact as to all victims and charges,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said 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
