The windswept shoreline of Gilgo Beach has long held secrets—secrets that began to unravel in 2010 when a missing person’s search led investigators to something far more horrifying than anyone expected.
Over the past decade, the remains of more than 10 individuals have been discovered in the area. Among them, seven women have now been directly linked to one man: Rex Heuermann, a New York architect who now faces multiple murder charges. Though he maintains his innocence, prosecutors believe he could be responsible for even more deaths.
Heuermann was first arrested in July 2023, after DNA from a slice of discarded pizza connected him to the murders of three women: Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. As the investigation continued, additional evidence tied him to four other victims: Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, and Valerie Mack.
Each of the seven women had been working as escorts when they vanished, their disappearances stretching over a chilling timeline from 1993 to 2010. The first four—Waterman, Barthelemy, Costello, and Brainard-Barnes—were found in the same remote area of Gilgo Beach during the search for another missing woman, Shannan Gilbert. Gilbert’s own remains were discovered nearby the following year. Though initially thought to have died by accidental drowning, a noted forensic pathologist later suggested she may have been strangled.
While Heuermann faces charges in the deaths of the seven women, four other victims found in the area remain largely unidentified—highlighting the haunting uncertainty that still surrounds this case.
The Women Whose Lives Were Taken
Sandra Costilla (1993)
The earliest known victim linked to Heuermann, 28-year-old Sandra Costilla, was found in a wooded Long Island area in November 1993. DNA evidence eventually ruled out a previously suspected killer, instead pointing to Heuermann. He was formally charged with her murder in June 2024.
Melissa Barthelemy (2009)
Melissa was 24 when she vanished after leaving her Bronx apartment. Her remains were discovered in December 2010. Her family endured a torment few can imagine—after her disappearance, they received taunting phone calls from an unknown man. Investigators later traced the calls to midtown Manhattan, where Heuermann worked. He was charged with her murder in 2023.
Maureen Brainard-Barnes (2007)
The 25-year-old mother and escort disappeared while working in New York City. Her remains were found wrapped in burlap, as were three others. DNA eventually linked Heuermann to her case, leading to a second-degree murder charge in 2023.
Megan Waterman (2010)
At just 22, Megan disappeared after leaving a Long Island hotel. Like Brainard-Barnes and others, she had been wrapped in burlap. She was a daughter, a niece, and deeply loved. Her aunt, speaking in the Netflix series Gone Girls, shared, “This affected a lot of lives.” Heuermann was charged in July 2023.
Amber Costello (2010)
Amber, 27, went missing after leaving her West Babylon home to meet a client. Witnesses recalled a man in a Chevrolet Avalanche—the same vehicle Heuermann owned. Her remains were found later that year. Friends described her as quirky, kind, and always ready to help. Heuermann was charged with her murder in July 2023.
Jessica Taylor (2003)
Jessica was 20 when she went missing. Her partial remains were found shortly after, but more were uncovered years later along Ocean Parkway. She had called her mother just before her disappearance, planning to visit for a birthday. Heuermann was charged in her death in June 2024.
Valerie Mack (2000)
Also known as Melissa Taylor, 24-year-old Valerie worked as an escort in Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Her dismembered remains were scattered and found years apart. DNA from a trash bag holding some of her remains matched Heuermann’s wife and daughter. He was charged with her murder in December 2024.
Other Victims, Still Unanswered Questions
In addition to the seven women Heuermann has been charged with killing, four more individuals were found in the same area. Only one—Karen Vergata—has been identified. She disappeared in 1996, and her remains were discovered in separate locations years apart. Her identity wasn’t confirmed until 2023 through genetic genealogy.
The three remaining victims include a woman of Asian descent, possibly transgender or cross-dressing, estimated to be between 17 and 23 years old; an unidentified Black woman; and her toddler. Heuermann has not been charged in any of their deaths.
A Case Far From Over
The Gilgo Beach murders have haunted families, communities, and investigators for years. While charges against Rex Heuermann mark a significant step toward justice, the story remains incomplete. Too many names are still unknown, and too many questions remain unanswered.
The Netflix docuseries Gone Girls has brought renewed attention to the victims, highlighting their humanity beyond the headlines—and reminding us that this case is not just about a suspected killer, but about the lives that were tragically cut short.
