Return to the Horror: Police Raid Suspect's Home in Gilgo Murders Investigation

Law enforcement has conducted a second search of the residence of Rex Heuermann, a prime suspect in the infamous Gilgo Beach murders. According to sources, a gruesome album containing disturbing crime scene photos has been found at the property, raising further questions about Heuermann's involvement in the chilling case.

MASSAPEQUA PARK, N.Y. – A shocking discovery has unfolded in the ongoing Gilgo Beach murders investigation as police have returned to the Long Island home of suspect Rex Heuermann. This second search, conducted on Monday, May 20th, 2024, comes months after Heuermann's initial arrest in connection with three cold case murders.

Shortly before the raid, sources with knowledge of the incident revealed that a chilling album of gruesome crime scene photos was in the possession of Heuermann's family. The book, titled "Death Scenes: A Homicide Detective's Scrapbook," contains disturbing images allegedly taken by California detective Jack Huddleston. It was reportedly spotted on a kitchen table in the home where Heuermann's estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, resides with their adult children.

Ellerup's attorney, Bob Macedonio, has denied any knowledge of the scrapbook's existence. Investigators, however, had previously inventoried the book during an initial search of Heuermann's home and returned it to his family.

Detectives have uncovered disturbing patterns in Heuermann's online activities, tracing dozens of search terms – including "torture redhead porn," "girl with face beat up," "chubby 10 year old girl crying," and "Asian twink tied up" – on a burner phone under the alias "Thomas Hawk." Additionally, over 200 searches related to known serial killers and the Gilgo Beach case itself have been identified.

The return to Heuermann's home follows his arrest in July 2023 for the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. These victims, known collectively as the "Gilgo Four," were discovered along Ocean Parkway, approximately 20 minutes from Heuermann's Massapequa Park residence.

Investigators have declined to comment on the significance of the newly discovered scrapbook, citing their policy against discussing ongoing investigations. The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office has emphasized that the Gilgo Beach Homicide Task Force is actively pursuing leads.

In addition to the Gilgo victims, police have unearthed seven other bodies in the surrounding area. Two of these remaining victims, Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack, were dismembered and dumped in separate locations. Their partial remains were initially discovered in Manorville in 2000 and 2003, with additional remains found near the Gilgo victims.

In April 2024, police K-9s were observed searching a forest in Manorville, approximately 40 miles from Gilgo Beach. Former NYPD sergeant and cold case expert Joseph Giacalone believes the current search of Heuermann's home is "directly tied" to this previous investigation, stating, "I don't believe in coincidences."

Giacalone suggests that the recent evidence found inside Heuermann's home could be more substantial than the scrapbook, noting that investigators had not previously searched the basement. He finds it suspicious that Ellerup and her children departed the home with bags just before the police raid.

Ellerup's attorney has confirmed that she and her family were out of town on a pre-planned trip. She is reportedly cooperating with the investigation and has not been implicated in her husband's alleged crimes.

Defense attorney David Gelman speculates that the new search may be prompted by a tip regarding another victim or by a DNA match between evidence found in Manorville and the Heuermann residence. He acknowledges that the crime scene may be contaminated due to prior searches.

Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to murder charges in connection with the Gilgo Four and is currently held without bail at the Suffolk County Jail in Riverhead, New York. The case remains pending trial.