Patchogue, New York – In a recent symposium, attorney John Ray shared testimony from multiple women, including a woman known as Alice Poe, who claimed to have had a disturbing encounter with alleged Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann and disgraced ex-Long Island police chief James Burke back in 1993.
According to the sworn affidavit presented by Ray, a woman identified as Alice Poe alleged that she attended a party hosted by James Burke at a Budget Inn in Patchogue, New York, where she met Heuermann. At that time, Burke was a young police officer who later became the Chief of Suffolk County Police, holding the position for three years until his arrest on federal charges.
The affidavit from Alice Poe details her experience at the party, where she claims to have been in the presence of James Burke and Rex Heuermann, who allegedly engaged in drug-fueled activities. She describes the encounter as frightening and unsettling, citing instances where she felt pressured and intimidated by the men.
The affidavit also reveals interactions with Heuermann, who she initially found pleasant until he began to exhibit behaviors that made her feel uncomfortable and fearful. This encounter with Heuermann took place in 1993, and years later in July 2023, upon seeing news reports of Heuermann’s arrest, Poe recognized him as the man from the party decades earlier.
The testimony from Alice Poe is significant as it sheds light on a broader conspiracy in Suffolk County. John Ray, representing the family of another victim found near Gilgo Beach, Shannan Gilbert, believes that a social link between Heuermann and Burke may have impacted the initial stages of the Gilgo Beach investigation.
Burke’s scandal-ridden reign as police chief has been marred by allegations of corruption, obstructing the Gilgo Beach investigation, and his subsequent arrest and conviction on federal charges. Additionally, revelations from retired Suffolk County detective Rob Trotta about Burke’s troubling past and behaviors have added to the scrutiny surrounding his tenure as police chief.
The recent arrest of Heuermann has brought renewed attention to the Gilgo Beach case, with calls for a wider investigation outside of Suffolk County’s jurisdiction. John Ray emphasized the need for federal involvement and a broader approach to investigating the multi-state cases linked to Heuermann.