RIVERHEAD, N.Y. – Accused of being the Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex A. Heuermann finds himself in a starkly different environment. Once accustomed to the Manhattan skyline views from his office, Heuermann now spends most of his days in a cramped, windowless cell in the Riverhead jail, where he awaits trial for the alleged murder of four women.
As a protective measure, Heuermann has minimal interaction with other inmates, as jail officials believe he is at high risk for harm from fellow inmates eager to enhance their reputations. According to Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. ToulonJr., there has been intelligence indicating that other inmates consider Heuermann a prime target due to the high-profile nature of his case.
Despite his secluded life, Heuermann does maintain some glimpses of normalcy. He is allowed one-hour visits from his estranged wife and another visitor, and he engages in preparing his defense daily, reviewing documents provided by prosecutors.
Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and continues to receive visits from his attorneys. Though acclimated to his new living conditions, Heuermann’s next court date is approaching, shedding light on the challenges of being an inmate awaiting trial in such a high-profile case.
With his life drastically changed, Heuermann’s days are now spent in relative isolation, a far cry from his former routine in Manhattan. As the weight of the allegations against him continues to weigh heavily, he awaits his day in court, navigating the challenges of life behind bars.