New York police recently made a surprise return to the Long Island home of suspected serial killer Rex Heuermann, where they discovered a gruesome album of crime scene photos. The book, titled “Death Scenes: A Homicide Detective’s Scrapbook,” contained strange and gruesome images taken by California detective Jack Huddleston. Despite being spotted on a kitchen table in the home where Heuermann’s estranged wife and two adult children live, the family’s attorney claimed to have no knowledge of the book. It was revealed that the book had been initially inventoried by detectives during their first search of Heuermann’s home and later returned to his family.
Investigators found that Heuermann frequently searched the internet for disturbing images using various search terms such as “torture redhead porn” and “chubby 10-year-old girl crying.” They also discovered more than 200 searches related to other known serial killers and the Gilgo Beach case, where four women’s remains were found near Heuermann’s Massapequa Park home. While it remains unclear why police returned to Heuermann’s residence after weeks of investigating following his arrest in connection with three cold case murders, there were ongoing concerns regarding additional victims and evidence related to the case.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office refused to comment on the photo booklet and maintained a policy against discussing ongoing investigations. In addition to the Gilgo victims, including Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes, seven other bodies have been found west of the same location. Notably, two of the remaining victims, Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack, were dismembered and dumped in separate locations. There is an active investigation into those cases, and no charges have been filed.
Former NYPD sergeant and cold case expert, Joseph Giacalone, suggested that police returning to Heuermann’s home with command vehicles indicated significant developments rather than mere curiosity. It was speculated that new evidence led to the search, possibly connected to a recent discovery in the forests of Manorville, where additional remains were uncovered. Heuermann’s wife and adult children were not home during the police visit and are cooperating with investigators. Despite filing for divorce following his arrest, she expressed disbelief in the accusations against him.
Speculations suggest that police may have received a tip related to another potential victim, leading to the revisit to Heuermann’s home for DNA or other evidence. Additionally, they could be comparing DNA found in Manorville to evidence within the house, though concerns about contamination of the crime scene remain. Heuermann, who pleaded not guilty to murder charges in connection with the Gilgo Four, is currently held without bail at the Suffolk County Jail. The investigation is ongoing, and the case is yet to go to trial, with regular visits from Heuermann’s family and legal representation.
