Gilgo Beach Victim's Family Speaks: 'Evil Exists In This World'

LONG ISLAND, NY — Nicolette Brainard-Barnes was only 7 years old when her mother Maureen was murdered. On Tuesday, as accused Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann was charged with her death — he's also facing charges in relation to three other Gilgo Beach victims — Nicolette spoke for the first time about the mother she lost.

"First, I'd like to thank law enforcement who have been dedicated to working on this case," she said. "I very much appreciate your efforts on behalf of these vulnerable victims."

Of her mother's death, Nicolette said: "Her loss drastically changed the trajectory of my life. There are countless times I needed her, and she was not there. I remember she read to me every night, and now I can no longer remember the sound of her voice. I wish she was here today — but she was taken from us."

For years, she said, it seemed there might not be charges filed against anyone for her mother's murder. "While the loss of my mom has been extremely painful for me, the indictment by the grand jury has brought hope for justice for my mom and my family."

She added: "I owe so much to my mom, and I know that she would want me to speak out for her in this process and let everyone know who she really was. Even though it is difficult for me, I am doing it because I want her to be remembered as the loving mother that she was."

Melissa Cann, Brainard-Barnes' sister, wiped away tears as Nicolette spoke. She, too, spoke, remembering the dark day 13 years ago that her sister was found murdered after she'd been missing for three-and-a-half years.

"Throughout those years, I had continued to hold onto hope that one day, there would be justice for Maureen, and that whoever took Maureen's life would be held accountable," she said.

Her husband by her side, Cann reflected on the years gone by, time lost with the sister she loved. "Today is another important chapter in the long pursuit of justice for Maureen," she said. "It has been 16 years since the last time I saw my sister and 16 years since I heard her voice because, 16 years ago, she was silenced. Losing Maureen became a wound that never truly heals. It remains a part of me."

Her sister, she said, her voice breaking with emotion, was the mother of two "amazing children, and they will forever be without their mother. Maureen was my older sister, who was always there for me when I needed her. Maureen was inspired to be a writer and she loved reading books. She was only 25 years old. She had her whole life ahead of her. Maureen would never get the chance to show the world how talented she was. My family will never get the chance to know who Maureen would have been because her life was tragically taken."

And, Cann said, during the past 13 years, her family has had to endure her sister's being "judged and marginalized." Her sister, she said, was "more than how she has been portrayed. She was first and foremost a loving mother, a caring sister, and a giving friend."

Reflecting on how her sister's loss shaped her own life, Cann spoke with candor. "With the loss of Maureen came unimaginable pain and panic," she said. "My life shattered with the confirmation of Maureen's death."

Due to her sister's disappearance and death, Cann said she suffered from PTSD, overthinking every situation. "Every situation I deemed a threat, because the worst possible thing in my life happened."

She became guarded, she said. Overprotective of her loved ones. "I knew firsthand that evil exists in this world."

Cann asked that all the victims be remembered. "These victims had families, and they were human beings, with aspirations and hope for a better future for themselves. They have families who love and miss them. . . .I support them because they knew their loved ones best — and they miss them more than anyone will ever know."

Gloria Allred, attorney for the families, added: "It is long overdue to provide justice for vulnerable women who are missing and murdered. It will be for the jury to decide if this defendant will be found guilty of the murder of Maureen and the murder of other women for whom the defendant has been indicted. We look forward to a fair trial for the defendant — and justice for Maureen."