LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: In a chilling development related to the case of Gilgo Beach murders' suspect Rex Heuermann, investigators made a surprising discovery at his childhood home on Saturday, July 15. Investigators found a child-sized, blonde-haired doll kept inside a large wooden and glass case from his home. The doll was dressed in a red outfit, with its hair styled in multiple braids with a red bow on top of its head. It appeared to be deliberately posed inside the case, which featured flower carvings.
As the investigation unfolds at the Massapequa Park home, where Heuermann lived his entire life, it remains uncertain whether the child-sized doll was directly connected to the case. As law enforcement combed through the ramshackle home, they collected various items, including cat food and a cat scratch pole. Among the belongings were a framed picture and an empty bookcase. The discovery of these items added to the intrigue surrounding the case as investigators continued their thorough search of the Gilgo Beach murderers' suspect's home.
Authorities look for 'trophies' in Rex Heuermann's house
"We’re just going through his house looking to see if there’s any evidence," police sources told The NY Post, adding, "If he has any trophies." Clad in hazmat suits, gloves and head coverings, investigators meticulously sorted through the home, repeatedly filling blue bins with various items. These bins were then emptied into a waiting truck. Authorities adopted a meticulous and cautious approach as they sought to gather crucial evidence from the property.
'I did not do this'
Heuermann has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello, whose bodies were discovered wrapped in burlap near Gilgo Beach on Long Island's South Shore in December 2010. All three victims were in their 20s and worked as escorts. Their remains were found within a quarter-mile of one another. The murder of a fourth victim, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, was reportedly believed to be linked to the same case. Following his arrest, Heuermann, who pleaded not guilty during his court appearance on Friday, July 14, reportedly told his lawyer, "I did not do this."