Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Suspect May Change Plea to Guilty

Rex Heuermann scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday amid reports he may admit to the murders.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:45pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a tattered piece of clothing or discarded item from a crime scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A haunting close-up of physical evidence from the Gilgo Beach serial killer case exposes the grim reality behind this long-unsolved mystery.NYC Today

Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann is reportedly considering changing his plea to guilty and admitting to the murders of seven women whose remains were found on New York's Long Island. Heuermann, a New York City architect, was arrested in 2023 and has pleaded not guilty, but sources say he may change his plea at his scheduled court appearance on Wednesday.

Why it matters

The Gilgo Beach murders have been one of the most high-profile unsolved serial killer cases in recent history. If Heuermann does plead guilty, it would bring a long-awaited resolution to the case and provide some closure for the victims' families.

The details

Heuermann is accused of killing seven women between 1993 and 2010, with the first victim being Sandra Costilla in 1993 and the last three being Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, and Amber Lynn Costello between 2009 and 2010. The victims' remains were found near Gilgo Beach on Long Island.

  • Heuermann is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • Heuermann was arrested in 2023 and has pleaded not guilty to the murders.
  • The first victim, Sandra Costilla, was killed in 1993.
  • Valerie Mack was killed in 2000 and Jessica Taylor was killed in 2003.
  • Maureen Brainard-Barnes was killed in 2007, and Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, and Amber Lynn Costello were killed between 2009 and 2010.

The players

Rex Heuermann

A New York City architect accused of being the Gilgo Beach serial killer, who is now reportedly considering changing his plea to guilty.

Michael Brown

Heuermann's attorney.

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What’s next

Heuermann's trial is currently scheduled for September, but if he does change his plea to guilty, the trial may be canceled.

The takeaway

The potential guilty plea from Heuermann would be a significant development in the long-running Gilgo Beach serial killer case, providing some closure for the victims' families and the community. However, the details of the crimes and Heuermann's motivations remain unclear, and the public will likely continue to have questions about this disturbing case.