FOLLOW US

  • facebook
  • twitter
Wed

March 10, 2026

America December 3, 2023

DNA testing led to the arrest in Gilgo Beach serial killer case

America ı By Jackie Allen

620 0 Comments

Asa Ellerup filed for divorce from Rex Heuermann,59, days after he was arrested. They had been married for 25 years. Heuerman was identified through DNA as the Gilgo Beach serial killer. He was charged with the murders of three sex workers in 2007, 2009, and 2010.  Prosecutors have cleared Ellerup of any wrongdoing. She was out of town at the time of the women’s disappearance and murders.  Police are certain she was not involved. Her alibi, confirmed with cellphone records, proved she was out of the country when the killings occurred. Heuermann, an architect and father of two, was charged with murdering Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello.  He pleaded not guilty to all charges. Sandra Day O’Connor: A Lasting Legacy on the Supreme Court - USA Herald Primary Wave Purchase on Hold: John Oates Can’t Sell Hall and Oates Shares - USA Herald Prison Attack: Former Gang Leader Stabs Derek Chauvin 22 Times - USA Herald Black Friday Gun Sales Set Record: Surge in Firearm Background Checks - USA Herald

Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect in 4 murders

In July, on the night Ellerup’s husband was arrested investigators obtained a cheek swab from her. According to recently unsealed court records in Suffolk County Criminal Court, the bodies were discovered in December 2010 along Ocean Parkway on Long Island's South Shore. The women's remains were found wrapped in burlap in a marshy area near Gilgo Beach. "Each of the four victims was found similarly positioned, bound in a similar fashion by either belts or tape," the court documents stated. Barthelemy disappeared in July 2009, Waterman disappeared in June 2010 and Costello was last seen in September 2010. The three women were in their 20’s. All of them worked as sex workers, according to court documents. A fourth victim, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, who vanished in July 2007, was believed to be killed by the same suspect. Heuermann is not currently charged but is the "prime suspect in her death." 

DNA matches

In 2010 when the bodies were discovered Mitochondrial DNA testing was not yet available. But all the evidence was collected and safely preserved.  Heuermann’s DNA was found on the bodies. Police were able to confirm that he was the primary suspect from a pizza box he discarded. The court documents outlined the evidence. A female hair was discovered on a belt used to tie Brainard-Barnes' legs together. There were two female hairs discovered on Waterman on the tape used to bind her body. And one hair was also found on a piece of tape used to bind Costello's body.
12

Previous Article

OPINION: Congress Was Right to Expel George Santos

Read More
Jackie Allen
3078 Posts

Jackie Allen

Jackie is a freelance journalist and technology geek. She worked as a telecom project director for AT&T and BellSouth. Before joining the USA Herald she has written books, articles, blogs and whitepapers. Her clients include Samsung and other technology companies.

Don’t Miss It
Arizona December 12, 2024
Arizona Bar Opens Investigation on Attorney Aaron Kelly
By – Paul O'Neal
Insurance News March 10, 2026
LIRG Agrees Delegated Underwriting Authority with Mandarin Re
By – Rochdi Rais
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift
By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor
By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation
By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Google and Tesla Power Grid Initiative Targets Lower Energy Costs
By – Rihem Akkouche
Arizona January 11, 2025
Kelly Warner Law Firm Blames USA Herald for Arizona Bar Investigation

In what appears as a desperate attempt to defend multiple allegations of fraud on the courts, the Kelly Warner Law…

By – USA Herald
Arizona January 4, 2025
Aaron Kelly Law Firm Resorts To Attacking Former Client Again On KellyWarnerLaw.com – Pattern Recognized

Attorney Aaron Kelly and his law partner Daniel Warner are currently under investigation by the Arizona Bar for legal misconduct.…

By – Jeff Watterson
Arizona December 12, 2024
Arizona Bar Opens Investigation on Attorney Aaron Kelly

USA Herald recently reported on a developing story involving Attorneys Daniel Warner and Aaron Kelly. Both Warner and Kelly have…

By – Paul O'Neal
Insurance News March 10, 2026
LIRG Agrees Delegated Underwriting Authority with Mandarin Re

   “Deal Covers Property Facultative, Treaty, and ILW contracts”   Miami, Florida – March 10, 2026: Algorithmic Insurance Services, Inc.…

By – Rochdi Rais
America March 10, 2026
Rhoda AI Secures $450M Funding to Power Next-Gen Industrial Robots

In a move set to electrify the robotics industry, Rhoda AI $450M funding marks one of the largest early-stage investments…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift

In a move that could reshape the corporate map of one of America’s most powerful energy companies, ExxonMobil to move…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
US Consulate Shooting in Toronto Triggers National Security Investigation

Authorities in Canada are investigating the US consulate shooting in Toronto after gunfire struck the diplomatic building early Monday morning…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor

In a rare act of clemency that halted an imminent execution, the Alabama man fatal shooting death sentence tied to…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation

A wave of cryptocurrency movement tied to the founders of the Gemini exchange is drawing fresh attention across the digital…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Rhoda AI Secures $450M Funding to Power Next-Gen Industrial Robots

In a move set to electrify the robotics industry, Rhoda AI $450M funding marks one of the largest early-stage investments…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift

In a move that could reshape the corporate map of one of America’s most powerful energy companies, ExxonMobil to move…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
US Consulate Shooting in Toronto Triggers National Security Investigation

Authorities in Canada are investigating the US consulate shooting in Toronto after gunfire struck the diplomatic building early Monday morning…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor

In a rare act of clemency that halted an imminent execution, the Alabama man fatal shooting death sentence tied to…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation

A wave of cryptocurrency movement tied to the founders of the Gemini exchange is drawing fresh attention across the digital…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Medtronic to Buy Scientia Vascular in $550 Million Neurovascular Deal

In a move poised to reshape the future of stroke treatment technology, Medtronic to buy Scientia Vascular marks a major…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 10, 2026
Rhoda AI Secures $450M Funding to Power Next-Gen Industrial Robots

In a move set to electrify the robotics industry, Rhoda AI $450M funding marks one of the largest early-stage investments…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift

In a move that could reshape the corporate map of one of America’s most powerful energy companies, ExxonMobil to move…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
US Consulate Shooting in Toronto Triggers National Security Investigation

Authorities in Canada are investigating the US consulate shooting in Toronto after gunfire struck the diplomatic building early Monday morning…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor

In a rare act of clemency that halted an imminent execution, the Alabama man fatal shooting death sentence tied to…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation

A wave of cryptocurrency movement tied to the founders of the Gemini exchange is drawing fresh attention across the digital…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Medtronic to Buy Scientia Vascular in $550 Million Neurovascular Deal

In a move poised to reshape the future of stroke treatment technology, Medtronic to buy Scientia Vascular marks a major…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 8, 2026
The Northern Lights Return

The Northern Lights have a chance to be visible from several northern U.S. states on Tuesday night, forecasters at the…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
February Unemployment Up as Job Losses Surprise Economists

February Unemployment Up as the latest labor market data revealed weaker-than-expected job growth and a slight increase in the national…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Late-Night Attack by Venezuelan National at Florida Beach

A Late-night attack by a Venezuelan National has left a Florida community shaken after authorities say a 26-year-old man ambushed…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Trump’s War in Iran: Congress Confronts Escalation After U.S. Strikes

Trump’s War in Iran  was triggered open conflict, casualties, and renewed constitutional debate in Washington. The crisis intensified following reports…

By – Jackie Allen
America February 28, 2026
U.S. And Israel Launch Major Strikes On Iran — What It Means For America

TEHRAN, Iran – In a dramatic escalation of global tensions, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 26, 2026
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Overturns $8M Asbestos Verdict Against BNSF Railway Co.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has thrown out an $8 million jury verdict against BNSF Railway…

By – Tyler Brooks
America March 10, 2026
Rhoda AI Secures $450M Funding to Power Next-Gen Industrial Robots

In a move set to electrify the robotics industry, Rhoda AI $450M funding marks one of the largest early-stage investments…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift

In a move that could reshape the corporate map of one of America’s most powerful energy companies, ExxonMobil to move…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
US Consulate Shooting in Toronto Triggers National Security Investigation

Authorities in Canada are investigating the US consulate shooting in Toronto after gunfire struck the diplomatic building early Monday morning…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor

In a rare act of clemency that halted an imminent execution, the Alabama man fatal shooting death sentence tied to…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation

A wave of cryptocurrency movement tied to the founders of the Gemini exchange is drawing fresh attention across the digital…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Medtronic to Buy Scientia Vascular in $550 Million Neurovascular Deal

In a move poised to reshape the future of stroke treatment technology, Medtronic to buy Scientia Vascular marks a major…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America February 21, 2026
When The Files Are Finally Unsealed The Most Mind-Bending Truth May Not Be What We Expect

[USA HERALD] – There is a widespread assumption that if governments release their most highly classified files related to unidentified…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 17, 2026
Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84 As President Trump Issues Personal Tribute

[USA HERALD] — The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure of the American civil rights movement whose career spanned more than…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 13, 2026
Clues to Savannah Guthrie Missing Mom’s Disappearance Found on Security System

The disappearance of the mother of Savannah Guthrie has taken a dramatic turn as investigators focus on digital clues tied…

By – Jackie Allen
America February 8, 2026
Mike Tyson Urges Americans to ‘Eat Real Food’ in Emotional Super Bowl Ad Highlighting Health Risks

Boxing legend Mike Tyson is using his platform ahead of Super Bowl 60 to address a personal and national health…

By – Tyler Brooks
America February 7, 2026
Deadly “Death Cap” Mushrooms in California Cause Multiple Deaths and Liver Transplants Amid Rare Super Bloom

California health officials are warning the public after four deaths and three liver transplants linked to the highly toxic death…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 7, 2026
From Migraines to Miracles: How Becca Valle Survived a Glioblastoma Diagnosis Against the Odds

Becca Valle, 41, thought her headaches were just migraines—until a sudden, unbearable pain revealed something far more serious. In September…

By – Tyler Brooks
America March 8, 2026
February Unemployment Up as Job Losses Surprise Economists

February Unemployment Up as the latest labor market data revealed weaker-than-expected job growth and a slight increase in the national…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Late-Night Attack by Venezuelan National at Florida Beach

A Late-night attack by a Venezuelan National has left a Florida community shaken after authorities say a 26-year-old man ambushed…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Trump’s War in Iran: Congress Confronts Escalation After U.S. Strikes

Trump’s War in Iran  was triggered open conflict, casualties, and renewed constitutional debate in Washington. The crisis intensified following reports…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 1, 2026
Cadillac Names Inaugural Formula 1 Car MAC-26 in Tribute to Mario Andretti Ahead of 2026 Australian Grand Prix Debut

Cadillac has officially revealed the name of its first Formula 1 challenger, confirming that its 2026 car will be called…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 20, 2026
Norway Tops Medal Table After Day 13 at 2026 Winter Olympics as Team USA Surges Into Second Place

With 13 days complete at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Norway sits atop the overall medal standings, collecting 34…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 18, 2026
Olympic Science Explained: How Figure Skaters Spin at Blinding Speeds Without Getting Dizzy

When Amber Glenn finishes her routine, the arena usually rises with her. The music builds, her blades carve a tight…

By – Tyler Brooks

No posts found.

No posts found.

No comments No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Signup for the USA Herald
exclusive Newsletter