NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: New York City architect Rex Heuermann, 59, who was arrested for Long Island's Gilgo Beach murders, has been described as a “regular” individual by his neighbors, adding that they are having a difficult time thinking the suspect had been nearby for so long.
The Gilgo Beach murders have been one of the most notorious and unsolved serial killer cases until Heuermann's arrest on July 14. The wealthy builder was apprehended in connection with the first four murders who all worked as sex workers in their 20s. The victims were strangled to death and their lifeless bodies were discovered in burlap sacks along the beach in December 2010. Six more women and a young child were found in the following months. The authorities are currently probing if Heuermann has any role to play in those murders.
Heuermann 'looks regular, like an everyday guy'
Heuermann's neighbor Barry Auslander, 72, who lives down the block from the suspect's residence said, "I’ve seen him. He looks regular, like an everyday guy. I’ve seen him when I take my wife to the train — he takes the train to his office in the city. He seemed like a regular neighbor." The 59-year-old was taken into custody at his home on 1st Avenue in Massapequa Park early Friday. "He grew up here. I never thought he was anything but a businessman. Average guy who had a family and went to work", added Auslander, according to New York Post.
At least eight investigators dressed in forensic gear were lurking around Heuermann’s house shortly before 9.30 am. Heuermann, who worked as an architect at his firm in Manhattan, is married and has two children. “He’s an architect but has real estate interests. And the first review I saw said ‘If you’re going to hire him, be very careful, it’s a genuine risk,’” Auslander said.
Local residents break silence after Heuermann’s arrest
One unnamed neighbor whose name has not been disclosed, was left utterly stunned after hearing the news of Heuermann’s arrest. “You don’t expect something like this to happen in a town like Massapequa. This is as suburban as it gets,” he told the outlet.
“It’s a little scary. It can be anywhere. It could be your neighbor and you would never know,” Cheryl Lombardi, who lived across Heuermann’s address since 1989, agreed. “I never seen anyone come out that house. My daughter called me and told me to come out here and see what was going on,” she said, referring to Heuermann’s red-painted home. “We’ve walked past it for years and I always ask myself when is someone going to fix up that house.”
'I’m getting chills'
One woman who stayed in the area for more than three decades did not want to reveal her name but added that she was shocked by Heuermann’s possible connection to the notorious killings. “We could’ve been in the grocery with him and just never know. I’m getting chills,” she said. “My husband has seen him before sitting on his step. It’s a quiet neighborhood so it’s just surprising. All the victims families are living through it again. That’s who I feel bad for. It kind of makes sense — hot shot city guy. He has money. I’m not surprised.”
