New Netflix Docuseries Explores Gilgo Beach Murders and Rex Heuermann’s Arrest

MASSAPEQUA PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The chilling Gilgo Beach murders and the arrest of suspect Rex Heuermann are at the forefront of Netflix‘s new docuseries, “Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer,” which premiered on Monday. Directed by Liz Garbus, the three-part series delves into the unsolved killings that haunted the Long Island beach town, featuring interviews with journalists, law enforcement, and families of the victims.

The docuseries serves as a follow-up to the 2020 film “Lost Girls,” which focused on the mother of one victim and her relentless search for justice. Garbus remarked, “These family members were never going to give up. These women knew that there was a need to shake up the establishment to get attention for this case.” She emphasized the importance of their voices and the system’s failure to protect them.

Rex Heuermann, an architect from nearby Massapequa Park, was arrested in 2023 and charged with the murders of seven women, all of whom were connected to the sex industry. His alleged victims include Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, and four others whose remains were discovered along a secluded highway near Gilgo Beach.

The documentary provides insights into the lives of these women and the desperate searches conducted by their families. It highlights the societal neglect towards the victims, who often worked as sex workers. Heuermann, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, was apprehended after DNA evidence reportedly linked him to the crimes.

Heuermann spent summers in the 1980s working at Jones Beach, familiarizing himself with the area where the remains were found. Prosecutors revealed that DNA analysis linked a hair found at a crime scene to Heuermann’s family. His attorney, Michael Brown, criticized the methodology used for the DNA testing, arguing for the suppression of the evidence in court.

Investigators discovered that Heuermann maintained a collection of media clippings about the Long Island serial killer case, which authorities have labeled as “souvenirs” of his alleged crimes. The case continues to unfold as Heuermann faces trial, with potential life sentences if convicted.

The docuseries aims to shed light on the broader implications of the case and the stigma surrounding the victims. As Garbus stated, “Of course, they shouldn’t have had to work so hard. The system should work to protect them.” Heuermann is expected back in court on Wednesday for a hearing concerning the evidence against him.