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

Rex Heuermann admits to murdering 8 women over 17 years, will serve multiple life sentences

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, partially blood-stained paper towel, capturing the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of this crime story.A key piece of evidence linking the Gilgo Beach killer to one of his victims was a distinctive Bounty paper towel found in the victim's mouth, which investigators traced back to the killer's home.NYC Today

Rex A. Heuermann, a New York City architect, pleaded guilty to the murders of eight women during a 17-year killing spree on Long Island's Gilgo Beach. Prosecutors say Heuermann targeted sex workers, strangling them and dumping their bodies near the beach from 1993 to 2010. A key piece of evidence linking Heuermann to one of the victims, Megan Waterman, was a Bounty paper towel recovered from her mouth that matched a specific pattern only in circulation in 2010, the same year Waterman went missing.

Why it matters

The Gilgo Beach murders have haunted Long Island for over a decade, with the killer evading capture until Heuermann's arrest in 2023. This case highlights the challenges in solving serial killings, especially those targeting marginalized victims like sex workers. Heuermann's guilty plea and cooperation with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit may provide valuable insights to help prevent and solve similar crimes in the future.

The details

Prosecutors say Heuermann targeted sex workers, strangling them and dumping their bodies near Gilgo Beach. A key piece of evidence linking him to victim Megan Waterman was a Bounty paper towel recovered from her mouth that matched a specific pattern only in circulation in 2010, the same year Waterman went missing. Investigators found a BJ's receipt for Bounty paper towels with the same SKU number in Heuermann's home, as well as a square of the matching paper towel kept in his desk drawer as a 'memento'.

  • Waterman went missing in June 2010.
  • Waterman's remains were found in December 2010.
  • Heuermann was arrested in 2023.
  • Heuermann pleaded guilty on April 8, 2026.
  • Heuermann's sentencing is set for June 17, 2026.

The players

Rex A. Heuermann

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

Megan Waterman

A 22-year-old victim whose remains were found in Gilgo Beach in December 2010, and who was linked to Heuermann through a distinctive Bounty paper towel found in her mouth.

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 it's very important. This is clinical. So I think they're going to, hopefully, gain insight into him, his motivations, you know, what created this need or desire in him. And hopefully we'll gain insight, you know, for cases going forward.”

— Ray Tierney, Suffolk County District Attorney

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

— Liliana Waterman, Daughter of victim Megan Waterman

What’s next

Heuermann's sentencing is set for June 17, 2026, where he will receive three consecutive life sentences followed by four consecutive sentences of 25 years-to-life. As part of the plea agreement, Heuermann will also be required to cooperate with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit to provide insight into his motivations and actions.

The takeaway

The Gilgo Beach murders have haunted Long Island for over a decade, and this case highlights the challenges in solving serial killings, especially those targeting marginalized victims like sex workers. Heuermann's guilty plea and cooperation with authorities may provide valuable insights to help prevent and solve similar crimes in the future.