Timeline of the Gilgo Beach Murders and the Investigation Leading to Rex Heuermann's Confession

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:10:00 +0200

The Gilgo Beach murders, spanning over two decades, left a community in fear and baffled investigators. Starting with the 2010 disappearance of Shannan Gilbert, the case eventually led to the discovery of at least 10 sets of remains along Ocean Parkway, Long Island. The investigation remained dormant for years until a breakthrough came in July 2023 when Rex Heuermann, a New York architect, was arrested for the murder of three women known as the 'Gilgo Four.' He was later charged with more murders dating back to 1993. Forensic evidence, including DNA from Heuermann's family, linked him to the victims. On April 9, 2026, Heuermann pleaded guilty to the deaths of eight women, revealing that he strangled his victims and discarded their bodies in remote areas. The case, which involved a lengthy investigation with a task force formed in 2022, highlights the challenges of solving cold cases. Heuermann is expected to be sentenced to life in prison without parole, marking the end of a years-long