Rex Heuermann Charged with Second-Degree Murder of Valerie Mack in 2000 Gilgo Beach Case

Dec 17, 2024, 03:52 PM

Rex Heuermann, a New York architect accused in the Gilgo Beach serial killings, has been charged with second-degree murder in the 2000 slaying of a seventh woman, Valerie Mack. Heuermann, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, was previously charged with the murders of six other women whose remains were found on Long Island. Mack, a 24-year-old from New Jersey known initially as 'Jane Doe #6', was working as an escort in Philadelphia when she disappeared in 2000. Her partial remains were discovered in Manorville, New York, that year, with more remains found on Gilgo Beach over a decade later. Suffolk County DA Raymond Tierney announced the new charge, linking Heuermann to Mack's murder through DNA evidence, including a hair found with Mack's remains that matched the genetic profile of Heuermann's daughter. Heuermann's estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, was also linked to the case through DNA. Prosecutors found pornographic images of sexual torture on Heuermann's devices, showing bindings similar to those on Mack's remains. Additionally, a 'planning document' recovered from Heuermann's home referenced the dumping site near Mill Road where Mack's body parts were found. The document also mentioned tattoo removal, which prosecutors allege was done to Mack to thwart identification efforts. Heuermann's defense has questioned the reliability of the DNA methods used by prosecutors.