Why Did Police Make An Enemy Out Of Heuermann's Wife?

In a recent episode of the widely-followed podcast "Hidden
Killers", host Tony Brueski sits down with retired FBI Special
Agent and Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis
Program, Robin Dreeke, to dive deep into the enigmatic Rex
Heuermann case. The discussion provides fresh insights into a
story that has garnered nationwide attention, particularly
regarding the treatment and involvement of Heuermann's family in
the aftermath of his arrest.
 
 For those unfamiliar with the backdrop, Rex Heuermann was
recently arrested under allegations that were both shocking and
controversial. Some accusations have been presented by John Ray,
an attorney representing victims of the infamous Gilgo Beach
incident. Brueski opened up the conversation, pointing to the
abundant "talk and speculation about the family themselves",
highlighting concerns about Heuermann's children and soon-to-be
ex-wife.
 
 John Ray's position suggests a more in-depth investigation
into the family's potential involvement. Brueski paraphrases
Ray's sentiments: "there should be a closer look at this family,
not just immediately wiping them away." However, the
counter-argument from the family's legal counsel implies such
claims are unwarranted: "these allegations shouldn't even be
dignified with a response."
 
 But Dreeke, drawing upon his years of experience, shares a
critical viewpoint on the matter. "You know, as investigators,
you investigate everything," he emphasizes. It's not just about
suspecting the family's involvement but recognizing their
potential value as witnesses. He further elaborates, "the stats
are... the probabilities of them being witting of anything. Slim
to none." Yet, having lived with Heuermann for years, their
testimonies could offer new dimensions into the man's activities
and patterns.
 
 Dreeke refers to the BTK killer's case, suggesting the
importance of having open dialogues with family members who can
shed light on overlooked details. "Because they might be aware of
trips he took during time periods that might coincide with other
murders, with other missing people and things like that," he
notes, stressing the importance of not disregarding the family as
invaluable resources.
 
 However, the narrative isn't just about law enforcement
missing potential leads. It delves into the alleged mistreatment
of the family during investigations. Brueski points out how the
family's house was "ripped up and destroyed" and even their pets
faced dire consequences. Dreeke identifies this as a significant
shortcoming, stating, "Almost making an enemy out of your
possible allies and resources in this."
 
 The crux of the conversation then shifts to the potential
reasons for this oversight. For Dreeke, it always comes down to
one thing: "Leadership." Drawing from recent events, like escapes
from Pennsylvania prisons, Dreeke believes that poor decisions or
practices often root back to inadequate leadership at the helm.
Brueski chimes in with his observation, "I think the thing that
tainted this years ago was that chief. That is now been arrested
and that it starts there."
 
 Beyond the specifics of the Heuermann case, the discussion
opens up broader issues about the human side of law enforcement.
Dreeke addresses the challenging confirmation bias that can
plague officers, given their consistent exposure to the darker
sides of humanity. "Your first inclination a lot of times is not,
'Hey, let's partner with these people'", he remarks, referring to
potential witnesses or family members of the accused.
 
 In closing, both Brueski and Dreeke emphasize the need for
a holistic approach to investigations, one that takes into
account not just the collection of evidence but the human
elements involved. Dreeke's call for a "point person dedicated
towards creating a relationship with the family" underscores the
broader ethos of the discussion: law enforcement must prioritize
the larger picture, ensuring that investigations are both
comprehensive and compassionate.
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