Accused Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann charged with two additional murders, including previously unidentified victim

Architect accused of serial killings pleads not guilty to new charges after planning document found at home. Families seek justice.

The New York City architect, Rex Heuermann, who was arrested last year in connection with a series of cold case bodies found on Long Island's Gilgo Beach, has been charged with murder in the deaths of two additional victims. These victims include Jessica Taylor, whose remains were found in different locations, and Sandra Costilla, who allegedly died a violent death in 1993. Heuermann pleaded not guilty to these new charges, which are part of a superseding indictment unsealed recently.

The bodies of several women, including Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, and Megan Waterman, were discovered during a search for a missing escort, Shannan Gilbert. Gilbert's case was ruled an accidental drowning, but investigators believe it is not connected to the other murders. Additional remains were found in the search for Gilbert, leading to the discovery of Jessica Taylor's remains, who was also an escort.

Recent searches tied to the case led investigators to Heuermann's home, where a planning document for the alleged kills was seized. This document prompted a new search of the woods, but nothing was found. Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney expressed hope that the families of the victims had received some measure of justice, and he emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.

Heuermann's attorney, Michael Brown, entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf and stated that he could not comment on the new charges without reviewing the evidence. The new charges stem from the murders of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla, who were found in different locations with signs of violence.

Sandra Costilla's remains were found in 1993 in Southampton, showing signs of sexual assault and sharp-force injuries. DNA evidence excluded another suspect, and Heuermann's DNA was not excluded. Jessica Taylor, who went missing in 2003, was found decapitated with attempts to conceal her identity. Investigators believe Heuermann was involved in her murder based on evidence linking him to the crime scene.

Heuermann's family was out of state during the disappearances of both victims, giving him the opportunity to carry out the alleged killings without fear of being caught. If the charges are true, Sandra Costilla would be the first known victim of Heuermann's crimes. Family members of the victims and Heuermann's own children are awaiting further developments in the case.

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