Judge scolds alleged Gilgo Beach killer's defense, vows trial will begin ‘come hell or high water'
Share and Follow

A New York judge issued a sharp warning to the defense team of accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann.

Judge Tim Mazzei voiced his exasperation with Heuermann’s attorneys during a Tuesday hearing, as the case has languished in the Long Island courts for more than two years, as reported by the New York Post.

“This trial will commence after Labor Day, no matter the circumstances,” he declared, according to the Post.

The reprimand followed the submission of a fresh batch of motions by Heuermann’s lawyer, Michael Brown, on Monday night, which further contested the evidence in the high-profile murder case, the Post noted.

Rex Heuermann appears in court

Rex Heuermann appeared alongside his attorney, Michael Brown, in Judge Tim Mazzei’s courtroom at the Suffolk County Court in Riverhead, New York, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (James Carbone/Newsday via Pool)

The new defense filings reportedly challenge roughly 20 search warrants carried out by authorities throughout the investigation, with Heuermann’s attorneys asking to suppress some of the DNA evidence – including a discarded pizza crust and energy drink thrown in the trash – while citing constitutional grounds. 

“If our government can go into our garbage can and take our DNA and learn everything about us, what’s the purpose of having a Fourth Amendment anymore?” Brown told reporters, according to the Post. 

In a September ruling, the judge determined the prosecution could use the DNA evidence in the case. 

gilgo victims map

A map created by Suffolk County Police shows the locations of the bodies found on Gilgo Beach between 2010 and 2011. (Suffolk County Police)

Brown went on to insist his team was not stalling while working on the case, according to the Post.

“We’ve been working hard on this case,” he said. “We will be prepared to try the case come Labor Day.”

On Tuesday, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney continued to assert that his office would not consider a plea deal for Heuermann, while adding that his team is prepared to go to trial, the Post reported.

Rex Heuermann appears in court

Rex Heuermann appears in Judge Tim Mazzei’s courtroom with his attorney Michael Brown at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead, New York, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (James Carbone/Newsday via Pool)

“The judge was very explicit, and we are ready,” Tierney said.

However, Tierney reportedly added that he does not believe Brown is intentionally trying to delay the proceedings, insisting that the flurry of new court motions are “the nature of the business.” 

Prosecutors allege Heuermann, 62, was behind the brutal killings of seven sex workers between 1993 and 2010, whose bodies were found throughout remote areas around Long Island. 

Valerie Mack, 24, Megan Waterman, 22, Jessica Taylor, 20, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, Amber Lynn Costello, 27, Sandra Costilla, 28, and Melissa Barthelemy, 24, have all been named as victims in the murders, with Tierney alleging Heuermann is responsible for their deaths. 

SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER

The cases remained unsolved for decades as the sleepy Long Island community reeled over the possibility of a serial killer lurking in their midst. Heuermann was later arrested outside his Manhattan architecture office in July 2023.

Heuermann’s defense team did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB

Prosecutors initially charged Heuermann with three of the murders, with DNA evidence later allegedly linking him to four additional bodies. 

Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the murders and faces a single trial for the seven alleged killings. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Saint Paul file lawsuit to stop ICE's 'federal invasion'

Unveiling Legal Battle: Minnesota’s Stand Against ICE’s Federal Overreach Sparks Nationwide Attention

Minnesota, together with the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, has launched…
Florida Sex Money Murder gang leader convicted, faces up to 5 life sentences

Florida Gang Leader of ‘Sex Money Murder’ Convicted, Could Receive Five Life Sentences

Officials report that the gang leader skillfully orchestrated operations while steering clear…
Nathan Chasing Horse, right, talks to his attorney Craig Mueller during his trial on charges of sexually abusing Indigenous women and girls Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

Trial Date Approaches for ‘Dances with Wolves’ Actor Nathan Chasing Horse in Child Sexual Abuse Case

The trial of Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in “Dances…
Mansion worth $1m is completely destroyed by fire

Devastating Blaze Reduces $1 Million Mansion to Ashes: A Tragic Tale of Luxury Lost

A grand residence in Maryland was reduced to ashes overnight, with investigators…
Congressman Randy Fine introduces bill to allow Greenland annexation and statehood

Congressman Randy Fine Proposes Bold Move for Greenland to Join the U.S. as a New State

A Republican congressman from Florida has put forward the Greenland Annexation and…
Minnesota sues Trump admin over sweeping immigration raids in Twin Cities

Minnesota Takes Legal Action Against Trump Administration Over Twin Cities Immigration Raids

Minnesota, along with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, filed a…
FBI 'is investigating ICE shooting victim's links to activist groups'

FBI Probes Possible Activist Connections of ICE Shooting Victim Amid Controversy

Federal investigators have recently turned their attention to examining potential ties between…
Dilbert creator 'has DAYS to live' as ex-wife shares health update

Urgent Health Update: ‘Dilbert’ Creator Scott Adams Faces Critical Prognosis, Ex-Wife Reveals

Scott Adams, the renowned creator of the Dilbert comic strip, is facing…