Gilgo Beach Killer Pleads Guilty, Linked to Victim by Paper Towel

Rex Heuermann admits to murdering 8 women over 17 years, with key evidence tying him to one victim

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, stained Bounty paper towel against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing a crucial piece of evidence in the Gilgo Beach serial killer case.A key piece of evidence that linked the Gilgo Beach killer to one of his victims was a distinct paper towel pattern, highlighting the obsessive and meticulous nature of his crimes.NYC Today

Rex A. Heuermann, a New York City architect, has pleaded guilty to the murders of eight women during a 17-year killing spree on Long Island's Gilgo Beach. Prosecutors say a distinct pattern on a Bounty paper towel recovered from one victim's mouth was a key piece of evidence that linked Heuermann to the crime.

Why it matters

The Gilgo Beach murders have been one of the most high-profile unsolved serial killer cases in recent history. Heuermann's guilty plea and the revelation of the paper towel evidence provide long-awaited closure for the victims' families and the local community, while also offering insights that could aid future investigations of similar crimes.

The details

Heuermann admitted to killing Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, Sandra Costilla, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor, Maureen Brainard-Barnes and Karen Vergata between 1993 and 2010. Prosecutors say he targeted sex workers, strangled them, and dumped their bodies near Gilgo Beach. The key piece of evidence was a Bounty paper towel recovered from Waterman's mouth, which had a distinct pattern that was only in circulation in 2010 and matched a towel purchased by Heuermann that year.

  • Waterman went missing in June 2010 and her remains were found in December 2010.
  • Heuermann was arrested in 2023 and initially pleaded not guilty.
  • Heuermann changed his plea to guilty on April 8, 2026.

The players

Rex A. Heuermann

A 62-year-old New York City architect who has pleaded guilty to the murders of eight women during a 17-year killing spree on Long Island's Gilgo Beach.

Ray Tierney

The Suffolk County District Attorney who prosecuted the case against Heuermann.

Liliana Waterman

The daughter of victim Megan Waterman, who said she accepts Heuermann's guilty plea and is 'very, very thankful.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This was his obsession. With his internet searches and his thought process, this was what was driving him.”

— Ray Tierney, Suffolk County District Attorney

“I think he was done. He wanted this to come to a conclusion — that's just my impression.”

— Ray Tierney, Suffolk County District Attorney

“I accept the guilty plea and I'm very, very thankful.”

— Liliana Waterman

What’s next

Heuermann's sentencing is set for June 17, 2026. As part of the plea arrangement, he is required to cooperate with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit to provide insight into his motivations and psychology.

The takeaway

The Gilgo Beach murders case has been a long-standing mystery, and Heuermann's guilty plea and the paper towel evidence provide crucial closure. However, the case also highlights the need for continued research and understanding of the psychology behind serial killers in order to prevent such tragedies in the future.