Law and Order
The families of seven victims spoke to the court about the hell Heuermann put them through — some finding peace, others vowing revenge
After nearly two hours of testimony from the families of Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Megan Waterman, 22, Amber Costello, 27, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, Jessica Taylor, 20, Valerie Mack, 24, and Sandra Costilla, 28, Rex Heuermann was given three life sentences for their murders, to be served consecutively. He was also 25 years to life on four additional second-degree murder charges. Heuermann, also known at the Long Island Serial Killer, remained largely impassive during victim impact statements.
The 62-year-old Massapequa, Long Island, resident pleaded guilty to seven murders on April 8, 2026 in exchange for several life sentences with no possibility of parole. He also admitted to killing 34-year-old Karen Vergata, but was not charged with her death, due to the plea deal. Heuermann gave up his right to appeal in exchange for no further prosecution for the eight victims. He also agreed to be interviewed by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit.
Judge Timothy Mazzei brought the sentencing proceedings to order at 9:30 a.m. this morning at the Arthur M. Cromarty Court Complex in Suffolk County, New York. Heuermann entered the room wearing two sets of handcuffs, given his stature, according to documentarian Josh Zeman.
