RIVERHEAD, NY – Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann is due back in court Tuesday morning on Long Island, and prosecutors are promising a major development in the case.
The hearing starts after 9:30 am. A press conference is expected shortly afterward at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office. We will bring that press conference to you live on CBS News New York.
The judge previously indicated that he wanted to set a trial date during today’s hearing.
Heuermann’s last court appearance was in October.
Heuermann accused of killing six women so far
Heuermann, 61, has pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the deaths of six women between 1993 and 2011. During that period, the remains of eleven people were discovered around Gilgo Beach, and investigators believe Heuermann may be connected to other murders. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office has said charges could come in the future.
Four of the victims had their bodies discarded near Gilgo Beach. Two others were murdered in 2003 and 1993. They were all involved in sex work.
Prosecutors say Heuermann has been linked to the killings through DNA, phone records from the burner, a description of his truck, Internet searches and what they call a blueprint for how to get away with murder.
Lawyers argue about DNA and the amount of evidence
An important point of contention in the new DNA evidence is called SNP, which prosecutors say links victims’ hair to Heuermann. The defense has called a third-party genetic testing laboratory’s methods unproven and “magical.”
Another obstacle for prosecutors is the enormous amount of evidence. Prosecutors say they are struggling to keep up with the costs of processing the 120 terabytes of data and 400 electronic devices seized.
Heuermann’s attorney says his client is looking forward to his day in court and will continue to do so pursue a change of locationclaiming that the jury pool in Suffolk is “poisoned.”
Heuermann is still in isolation in prison.
Natalie Duddridge
