'Truly Who This Monster Is': As Gilgo Beach Killer Heads To Sentencing, Sheriff Gives Inside Look Behind Bars

RIVERHEAD, NY — On Wednesday, Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann will face the judge for sentencing — and hours before that moment, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon spoke with Patch about the "monster" he'd grown to know behind bars over the past three years.

In a stunning turn of events after nearly three years of court proceedings, Heuermann pleaded guilty to killing seven women and took responsibility for the death of an eighth victim, Karen Vergata, in a Riverhead court in April.

During the allocution, Heuermann answered a series of questions posed by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, who was prosecuting the case.

Tierney asked, in succession, whether Heuermann had intended to murder his eight victims, including Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Jessica Taylor, Valerie Mack, Sandra Costilla, and now, Vergata.

"Yes," he said simply, in a voice devoid of emotion or remorse. "Yes." "Yes." "Yes." "Yes." "Yes." "Yes." "Yes."

As a condition of the plea agreement, Heuermann waived his right to appeal — and the plea agreement stated that there will be no more prosecutions related to the death of the eight women.

Also, a condition of the plea was that Heuermann must work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and their behavioral analysis unit.

Heuermann, 62, of Massapequa Park, pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and four counts of second-degree murder, after killing the seven victims previously referenced by the indictment, as well as admitting publicly, as part of his allocution, to killing the eighth victim, Karen Vergata, the DA said.

Heuermann is due back in court for sentencing on Wednesday, where he is expected to be sentenced to three consecutive sentences of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for killing Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello, the DA said.

Heuermann is also expected to be sentenced to a consecutive sentence of 100 years to life imprisonment for killing Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla, and Valerie Mack, Tierney said.

In exchange for Heuermann’s admission to the murder of Karen Vergata, the additional murder is covered by Heuermann’s plea to the murders of the seven charged victims, Tierney said.

"We wanted to make sure that justice is served in the courts — not in our jails"

Hours before the sentencing, Toulon spoke with Patch, lifting the veil on what the confessed killer's time behind bars looked like.

Toulon said it wasn't the first time he'd had a high-profile criminal under his watch.

"I've been in this line of work for almost 44 years, so it's not anything new — especially working on Rikers Island for 25 years," he said.

From the start, he said, he implemented "large-scale" security procedures at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility where Heuermann was housed.

Those measures included extra staff, an additional surveillance camera — and ensuring that no female correction officers worked in his housing area, Toulon said.

"Also, when he moves through our facility, we ensure that there's no inmate movement — it just stops. We wanted to make sure that justice is served in the courts — not in our jails."

Although Toulon said there were "no identifiable threats, we were just concerned that someone would either try and increase their street credibility," by attempting to harm Heuermann. "Or, that maybe someone who may have come in contact with sex workers, while they were not incarcerated, might want to do something to him. So we've implemented strict protocols with him."

Heuermann spent his time alone in a cell, in a housing unit with other prisoners, the sheriff said.

A typical day for Heuermann involved breakfast — and then, a trip out to the "yard," five or six days a week, he said.

"He doesn't really participate in any physical activities outside of jus walking around or getting some fresh air," he said.

Heuermann also had access to religious and social services.

And, Toulon said, Heuermann had visitors, including his ex-wife Asa Ellerup and daughter; those visits appeared to increase leading up to Heuermann's guilty plea, Toulon said.

"He is entitled to phone calls and can write letters," Toulon said. "So he's still communicating with everyone."

Recipients of those letters included Keith Hunter Jesperson, known as the "Happy Face Killer," Toulon said.

Jesperson, Toulon said, "wrote to Rex first, and Rex did respond. Keith did send several letters after that, but Rex has yet to respond to those," he said.

When asked about what contact he'd had with Heuerman, Toulon said, that when he first was arrested, he "went down to his housing area to speak with him and to introduce myself. I do this with many high-profile individuals – because it's very important that they know who the boss its."

After that initial meeting, the sheriff said he toured his housing area on occasion.

In addition, there's a chain of command in place to address any issues a prisoner has in custody, although Heuermann had none, Toulon said, and was "respectful" to staff.

When asked about his impression of Heuermann, Toulon reflected, saying that during his career, he's had many convicted criminals in his custody, including John Gotti, Robert Chambers, and Joel Steinberg.

Heuermann, "by far, has shown the least amount of emotion," Toulon said. "From the day he came to us, in July, 2023, right up until his plea deal. It's very unusual for someone that's never been incarcerated, to show the lack of emotion that I've seen from him."

In his opinion, Heuermann is not "a tough guy. I don't think that he would challenge a male — wouldn't do to them what he has done to those poor women."

The families of the victims have left a deep impression on Toulon. "After the plea, I had a real opportunity to sit down and speak to the family members. Just to really hear their voices, look into their eyes, and hear the feelings, the emotions that they had — you know, you really understand the ramifications of his actions. And the pain that they're going through."

When asked if he believed the victims' families would speak Wednesday after the sentencing, Toulon said he was sure some of them would share their thoughts.

The sheriff also wanted to commend Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and his team, thanking them for their transparency. "He kept me readily informed as it was moving forward," he said. "You could see not only his leadership but his collaboration."

It was a transformation, Toulon said, from 2012 to 2014, when he worked as Deputy County Executive for Public Safety under then-Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

"I saw a lot of what was not happening," in regard to the Gilgo case, "and it was very discouraging," he said. "But working with Ray (Tierney),Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine has been great."

After Wednesday's sentencing, Heuermann will be transferred to a prison in upstate New York, Toulon said; which facility has not yet been determined, and it may not be the facility that he ultimately ends up in, he said.

When asked if Heuermann would be released into the general population, Toulon said his classification would be determined after observation of his physical and mental health.

"The state is going to look at all factors," he said.

If Heuermann ends up in general population, "it could be a concern," Toulon said. "If someone wants to do something to Rex, they're not going to do it the first week or even the year. They'll wait until his guard is down — they'll be in the laundry or commissary, or waiting as he's walking down the corridor. 
That's where it could possibly happen."

But, he added, there are many incarcerated individuals found guilty of committing crimes against women and children, "and the state has a good protocol to deal with that."

As for the condition of Heuermann's plea concerning the FBI's behavioral analysis unit, Toulon explained that the FBI will likely interview him. "They probably just want to understand his mindset, because if the FBI is investigating other jurisdictions and cases similar to serial killers', then they can have a better understanding of a particular mindset."

Heuermann will likely be asked, in question-and-answer format, about his background and upbringing. "And then, of course, why he committed these crimes. Why did he choose certain times, days — particular women? Because he didn't engage with other sex workers out of those he killed — and he didn't kill the others."

He added: "They would want to understand as much as possible to get background information and probably use it in their database when dealing with other serial killers throughout the country."

Heuermann, Toulon said, throughout his time in the Suffolk County Correctional Facility — and even now, with sentencing looming — has never shown signs that he might be suicidal.

"Our mental health staff visited him and talked to him to ensure that there were no suicidal ideations. They felt that he was pretty much as stable can be considering the circumstances he's facing," he said.

Similarly, his demeanor has remained unchanged, Toulon said.

"There's been no change, nothing at all. It's not like he's lost his appetite or he's sleeping more. There's nothing unusual."

After the sentencing, within the next seven to 10 days, his cell will be packed up as he readies for transfer to state prison.

"And then Suffolk County will be done with Rex Heuermann," Toulon said.

Heuermann, inside his cell, has mainly clothing, notepads, and commissary items, including chips, cookies and candy, Toulon said.

Snacks are important to prisoners, he said. "We only feed incarcerated individuals three times a day. And it's not like there's a choice on the menu. It's very challenging for many to adjust to life in jail, especially the food," he said.

One thing that Heuermann amassed during his stay was a collection of chilling books, many crime novels, Toulon said.

"Some of the books that he's read while in our custody include The Devil's Banker, Pretty Girls, Nowhere to Run, Sinister, Blood on the Beach, Gentlemen Sinner, Portrait in Death, The Dead Girl, Sharp Objects, Picture Me Dead, Chosen to Die, and Sleep No More," Toulon said.

During the entire incarceration period, Toulon said: "From our perspective, we understood who Rex Heuermann really was. Everything that he does, we've watched very closely. We were able to put in trends and understand data to see who this guy is while he's incarcerated.
You know, it's totally different from when he's in the community prior to him being arrested, but now once he's with us, we see him every single day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days, for almost three years. And have gotten to get a better understanding. And, you know, regarding his disposition — if you think about, for almost three years, he's been able to hold the same disposition, which means this is truly who this monster truly is."

Toulon also commended his staff who, he said, has continued to treat Heuermann and all incarcerated prisoners with respect. "There's no different treatment of him that anyone else," he said.

Looking to the future, Heuermann needs to "start exercising, taking care of himself."

Once in the state system, Heuermann will have a wider array of activities to "keep him busy, " he said.

Right now, he added, "there are no windows in his cell area. So in the future he'll probably be in a place where there's light, and he's able to move around. And also, he'll have to accept that this is his life until he leaves this earth."

When asked if he believed Heuermann might ever repent or show some degree of remorse, Toulon responded: "I hope that any remorse is related to the family members, because they're the ones that are ultimately suffering. They're the ones that we've been fighting for, for years to get justice for. 
And, whether he finds God or not, I hope that he at some point apologizes to them. Whether he finds up in heaven or hell, that's for our Maker to decide, but while he's still on this earth, I hope that the family members can at least see that he has some remorse for the crimes that he has committed."

Toulon said he has no idea if Heuermann plans to address the families on Wednesday.

When asked if the Gilgo Beach case has impacted him, Toulon said for him, personally "it's extremely sad for the family members — I have tremendous empathy for their loss. As a professional, unfortunately, you become very used to dealing with individuals like this. And, so you know, Rex Heuermann will go and, unfortunately, in a few months or a few years, we're going to have another horrific incident. And we'll have that person in our custody. And, you know, the wheels of justice just continues to move."

Reflecting on how he is able to sustain professionalism in light of all the horrors he's witnessed, Toulon said. "I'm very prideful in the job that I currently do. I think it all stems from my dad, who was a warden on Rikers Island for 36 years. And I watched what he did. I take great pride in leading this organization. And,we're really working to keep our county safe. So for me, it's truly a matter of pride that we do the best job possible and not have any hiccups along the road. "

Heuermann's plea

On the day of the plea, his voice emotionless, Heuermann admitted to strangulating all the women and wrapping their bodies in burlap.

Heuermann also admitted to a "common scheme of plan," using burner phones, luring each victim with the promise of money, and wrapping the women's bodies "in the same manner — using burlap" to bind their midsections and legs.

He also admitted to dismembering the victims.

Heuermann pleaded guilty voluntarily.

In July 2023, Heuermann was indicted on three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of sex workers Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello, whose remains were found along Ocean Parkway in 2010.

Heuermann was also charged with the murder of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, the DA said. New DNA evidence helped connect Heuermann to all four of the deaths, said Tierney.

Heuermann was next slapped with new second-degree murder charges in the deaths of two additional women, Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla, the DA said. Heuermann was also later charged with the death of a seventh victim, Valerie Mack, the DA said.

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Heuermann's attorney Michael Brown spoke after the court appearance, noting that while he pleaded not guilty for years, a client has a right to change his plea.

"When Rex decided that he wanted to accept responsibility and didn't want to proceed to trial, from a defense standpoint we then pivoted and did our best to protect his interests," Brown said.

That included the fact that he's going to cooperate with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, in the behavioral analysis unit, Brown said.

He commended the DA's office for doing a "great job."

"This was an unprecedented case," Brown said.

He added that he hoped the day "brought some peace and some closure to the family members. This case is over, from our standpoint."

When asked about Heuermann's decision to plead guilty, Brown said: "There came a point in this defense where Rex said, 'I want to plead guilty.' It was at that point that we had an objective of protecting his interests."

He added if Heuermann was sorry, Brown responded, "I would hope so."

He said he expected that at sentencing, Heuermann "would have something to say."

Also, Brown agreed his client likely had a sense of relief. "I think by admitting it, it's cathartic to some extent," he said.

Heuermann, he went on, pleaded guilty because "he wanted to save the families of the victims the ordeal" of a trial — and spare his own family the same ordeal, Brown said.

At a press event after the court proceeding, Tierney spoke.

"This defendant walked among us, playacting as a normal suburban dad," he said, all the while plotting to lure them to Nassau County, murder them, and leave their bodies in Suffolk County.

"He thought that by killing them, he could silence them forever — but he was wrong," Tierney said.

The women's families continued over years and decades to advocate for them — and the evidence found on the women's bodies, themselves, told their stories, and "proved to be the defendant's undoing," Tierney said.

"While we mourn the loss of of these victims we're grateful to them, because without them the defendant would never have been brought to justice. He would still be walking among us, portraying himself as harmless father next door instead of what he was —a convicted killer," Tierney said.

Tierney thanked the family members of each of the victims and said, "I'm sorry."

He then thanked everyone involved in the investigation and lauded their hard work and dedication.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina also spoke, describing Heuermann's "almost grandfatherly image," which, he said, "was a lie — and an insult to law enforcement and the families. Today he was exposed for exactly what he was — a sadistic, soulless, murderous monster. Thankfully, today, everyone got to see that."

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon noted, in jail, "how ordinary Heuermann has been. It's a chilling reminder of how those capable of horrific acts can go unnoticed."

Gloria Allred, attorney for many of the victims' families, also spoke about Heuermann, who "thought he had the perfect blueprint and plan for serial murders."

She added: "What he thought was his perfect blueprint did not take into account the courage and persistence of the victims' family members, who refused to give up until the murderer was found, convicted and sent to jail for rest of his life without the possibility of parole. Many became the voices, crying out for them not to be ignored and forgotten —and demanding justice."

And, she said: "It's bittersweet for them to be in court and hear him plead guilty to the murder of their loved ones and the manner of their deaths, but the truth was important to them — and they heard it today."

The victims, she said, were all too often just young mothers aiming to make money to support their children, their parents, their loved ones, or just " trying to survive."

Each of the family members were asked if they would accept a "guilty" plea from Heuermann in lieu of a trial. One by one, the family members spoke to the crowd, accepting the plea.

"The guilty plea brings solace," Melissa Kahn, sister of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, said in an emotional statement. She thanked Allred and the media, "for continuing to keep this in the public eye."

She added: "Today is about the women's lives who were stolen, their voices, their families, their futures," she said.

For 19 years, Kahn said she has lived in a state between "heartbreak and hope," searching for answers, for truth, for justice. "At times, the weight was unbearable. But I never gave up. Maureen, we've never forgotten you. Not for a single moment or breath."

Kahn also noted the strong bonds that have developed between the family members, forged in deep love and understanding, bonds that did not form from "friendship or blood, but from trying to pick up the pieces of our worlds, shattered in tragedy."

To other families still waiting for their own answers, Kahn said, "Don't give up. When it seem impossible, keep going."

And to her beloved sister, she added, through tears: "I made a promise to you, long ago, that I would never stop searching for justice for you. Every year, every step, I carried you with me. And I kept that promise — today, justice has finally found its way to you. Your voice was never silenced. And your life will always mean more than the tragedy that took you. This moment is not the end — but a reminder that even in the darkest moment, justice will find its way."

Heuermann's ex-wife speak publicly for first time at court

Robert Macedonio, attorney for Asa Ellerup, Heuermann's ex-wife, and their daughter, Victoria Heuermann, also spoke about the "emotional" proceedings after the plea.

"Today is an extremely difficult day for everyone involved," he said, commending the DA and the Gilgo Beach task force for the "amazing job they did — in solving these crimes that have been traumatizing Long Island for well over three decades."

He added: "First and foremost, our hearts are with the victims and their families. They have suffered unimaginable loss and nothing said here today can lessen that pain."

Discussing his clients, Macedonio said: "Let me be absolutely clear: Rex Heuermann, and Rex Heuermann alone, is responsible for these horrific crimes. Any suggestion that Asa Ellerup or Victoria Heuermann were involved is irresponsible. They had no knowledge, no involvement, or any connection to these heinous acts."

Ellerup and Victoria "accept today's outcome without question," Macedonio said. "She and her family have cooperated, fully, since Day 1 with law enforcement. This situation is deeply personal and profoundly painful for Ms. Ellerup and her family. She never wanted to believe the man she was married to for 27 years, the father of Victoria, could be capable of committing such heinous acts. Like so many others, she is still trying to process what was revealed inside that courtroom and she has to remain strong for her family. On behalf of her family she's asking for privacy, compassion and understanding as she now navigates these circumstances, which nobody could have anticipated a little more than three years ago."

He added: "Today is not about Asa. It's not about Victoria. It's about the victim and their families who have suffered unimaginable loss."

Ellerup then addressed the crowd: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," she said. "Their loss is immeasurable. And the focus should be on them. I ask that you give some privacy to my family as they navigate through this very difficult time."

A reporter asked: "How did you not see what he had done? You were living with him."

Macedonio said the DA's office had "thoroughly investigated these crimes."

"You were living in the same house with him," the reporter said.

"She was away," Macedonio said, as Ellerup and her daughter walked from the scene.

DA Tierney has repeatedly stated that Ellerup and her children were away at the times the murders were committed and they were not involved.

A total of 11 sets of remains were found in the Gilgo Beach murders, which rocked Long Island. The remains included that of a toddler and an Asian male.

Heuermann had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The victims

The remains of Vergata, 34, were first found on Fire Island on April 20, 1996, officials have said: Human remains were located in Davis Park, Suffolk County police said. DNA later linked the remains to a second set of remains found April 11, 2011, at Tobay Beach in Nassau County.

Her skull was found the same day as law enforcement discovered the remains of "Jane Doe No. 3," also known as "Peaches." The skull of Vergata, who lived in New York City, was also found just weeks after the remains of Jessica Taylor were found March 29, 2011, near Ocean Parkway, Tierney has said.

.According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on or about and in between November 19, 1993 and November 20, 1993, Heuermann met with Sandra Costilla, the DA said.

After picking up Costilla, Heuermann subsequently strangled her, causing her death, the DA said.

Subsequently, he transported and left the remains of Costilla in the vicinity of Fish Cove Road, in North Sea, until she was ultimately discovered by hunters on November 20, 1993, the DA said.

At the time of her death, Costilla was just 28 years old and survived by her son, who was about five years old, Tierney said.

In April 1996, Heuermann met with Karen Vergata; after picking up Ms. Vergata, Heuermann subsequently strangled her, causing her death, the DA said. Prior to her identification in 2023 via genetic genealogy, Vergata had been referred to as “Fire Island Jane Doe," the DA said. At the time of her death, Vergata was just 34 years old and left behind two sons, Tierney said.

On or about and between September 1, 2000 and November 19, 2000, Heuermann met with Valerie Mack, the DA said.

After picking up Mack, Heuermann subsequently strangled her, causing her death, the DA said.

Following her death, Mack was dismembered by Heuermann, who then transported her remains to two locations, i.e., Manorville and Ocean Parkway, Gilgo Beach, the DA said.

On November 19, 2000, three hunters discovered a black plastic bag about one mile west of Halsey Manor Road and north of Mill Road in Manorville, the DA said.

Inside, they observed a decapitated set of human remains, which were later identified as those of Valerie Mack, the DA said.

More than 10 years later, on April 4, 2011, as part of the expanded search of the Gilgo Beach area, the skull, hands, and right foot of Valerie Mack were discovered along Ocean Parkway, just east of Gilgo Beach, Tierney said.

Prior to her identification in 2020 via genetic genealogy, Mack had been referred to as “Jane Doe #6," the DA said. At the time of her death, Mack was just 24 years old and survived by her adoptive parents and her son, whose name was tattooed near her right ankle, he added.

On or about and between July 21, 2003 and July 26, 2003, Heuermann met with Jessica Taylor, the DA said. After picking up Taylor, Heuermann subsequently strangled her, causing her death, the DA said.

Following her death, Taylor was dismembered by Heuermann, who then transported her remains to two locations, Manorville and Ocean Parkway, the DA said. On July 26, 2003, Taylor’s remains were discovered just west of Halsey Manor Road in Manorville, the DA said.

Notably, the victim’s arms, hands, and head had been severed from her body and were missing from the remains recovered at the scene, he said. Nearly eight years later, on March 29, 2011, as part of the expanded search of the Gilgo Beach area, the victim’s skull, hands, and forearm were discovered along Ocean Parkway, just east of Gilgo Beach, the DA said.

At the time of her death, Taylor was just 20 years old and survived by her mother, he said.

In July 2007, after seeing an online advertisement, Heuermann utilized a “burner phone” to arrange to meet with Maureen Brainard-Barnes, the DA said. On the night of July 9, 2007, Heuermann picked up Brainard-Barnes and subsequently strangled her, causing her death, he said.

Following her death, Heuermann secured the remains of Brainard-Barnes with three belts and transported the victim to Ocean Parkway, Gilgo Beach, the DA said. More than three years later, on December 13, 2010, Brainard Barnes’ remains were discovered on the north side of Ocean Parkway, near Gilgo Beach, the DA said.

At the time of her death, Brainard-Barnes was just 25 years old and survived by her two children, her sister and brother, as well as her mother, the DA said.

On July 10, 2009, after seeing an online advertisement for her services, Heuermann utilized a “burner phone” to arrange to meet with Melissa Barthelemy, Tierney said. That evening, Heuermann picked up Barthelemy and ultimately strangled her, causing her death, the DA said.

Following her death, Heuermann tied up the remains of Barthelemy with tape and burlap, the DA said.

Subsequently, he transported her remains to Ocean Parkway, Gilgo Beach, Tierney said. More than a year later, on December 11, 2010, Barthelemy’s remains were discovered on the north side of Ocean Parkway, near Gilgo Beach, Tierney said.

At the time of her death, Barthelemy was just 24 years old and survived by her sister, her mother, and stepfather, the DA said.

On June 6, 2010, Heuermann utilized a “burner phone” to arrange to meet with Megan Waterman, the DA said. That evening, Heuermann picked up Waterman from the Holiday Inn in Hauppauge and subsequently strangled her, causing her death, he said.

Following her death, Heuermann tied up the remains of Waterman with tape and burlap and then transported her remains to Ocean Parkway, Gilgo Beach, the DA said.

Just over six months later, on December 13, 2010, Waterman’s remains were discovered on the north side of Ocean Parkway, near Gilgo Beach, the DA said.

At the time of her death, Waterman was just 22 years old and survived by her daughter, mother, and grandmother, the DA said.

Finally, on September 2, 2010, after a “ruse” that occurred the night prior had disrupted Heuermann’s encounter with Costello, Heuermann utilized a “burner phone” to arrange to once again meet with Amber Costello, the DA said.

That evening, Heuermann picked up Costello from her residence in West Babylon and subsequently strangled her, causing her death, Tierney said.

Following her death, Heuermann tied up the remains of Costello with tape and burlap and then transported her remains to Ocean Parkway, he said.

On December 13, 2010, Costello’s remains were discovered on the north side of Ocean Parkway, near Gilgo Beach, Tierney said. At the time of her death, Costello was just 27 years old and survived by her sister, the DA said.

Following a long-term investigation, Heuermann was arrested on July 13, 2023.