Serial killer who murdered eight women in Long Island town imprisoned for life

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. 'Get him out of here': Judge sends Gilgo Beach killer to prison for rest of life9 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleSakshi VenkatramanLong IslandGetty ImagesRex Heuermann appears in court in February 2025Rex Heuermann, known as the Gilgo Beach serial killer, who admitted to brutally murdering eight women, received the maximum sentence on Wednesday. He will serve three life sentences for first-degree murder, plus 25 years to life on four second-degree murder charges, all running consecutively. The sentencing followed a series of angry, poignant statements on Wednesday, as victims' family members described how the brutal losses created "lifelong devastation" for them.

In April, Heuermann confirmed that he strangled and bound his victims before scattering their remains along Long Island's remote beaches. "You are a disgusting and despicable, small man, if you're a man at all. And you're a coward," said Judge Timothy Mazzei as he handed down the maximum sentence in a Riverhead, Long Island courtroom.

The Details

"Get him out of here. "The courtroom erupted in cheers. Heuermann, who appeared in a dark suit, blue shirt and grey tie, gave a brief statement before the sentence, claiming responsibility, then acknowledged that at this point, his words had "no meaning.

" When asked by the judge if he was "a little bit sorry", he replied, "yes". The murders took place between 1993 and 2010, but the case took over a decade to solve. After initially pleading not guilty, Heuermann ultimately admitted to the murders of: Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; and Amber Costello, 27; Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25; Jessica Taylor, 20; Valerie Mack, 24; Sandra Costilla, 28; and Karen Vergata, 34.

After the hearing, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney gave credit to the families of the victims. "I want them to get their revenge by going on to have wonderful lives…now it's time for them to heal," he said. NewsSuffolk County District Attoney speaks after the sentencing of Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann.

What Experts Say

The hearing started with fiery statements from victims' family members. Amanda, sister of Melissa Barthelemy, described to the court the phone calls Heuermann made to her family after killing her sister, detailing how he was letting her sister's body "rot" and how he raped her. "I was 15," she said.

She addressed him directly: "You can look at me when I'm talking to you. It's been 17 years since we last spoke. "For the first time, Heuermann, who had been staring straight ahead blankly, turned towards the podium, then immediately back.

"The things I'd do to you are worse than what you've ever done to anyone," she said as gasps were heard in the court. "Save me a spot in hell because I'll see you there. "Taylor's cousin told the court on Wednesday that she will never forget getting calls that parts of her cousin's body had been found on Gilgo Beach.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.