The Sad, Lonely Life Of Rex Heuermann Behind Bars

In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony
Brueski spoke with Detective Jason Howe about the ongoing case
surrounding the Gilgo Beach Killer, where fingers are pointed
towards Rex Heuermann.
 
 Currently, Heuermann is isolated in a high-security housing
unit, where he partakes in all activities, from eating to
recreation, alone. Such treatment, though typical of high-profile
cases, raises a pertinent question: would a more relaxed
confinement strategy allow Heuermann to inadvertently volunteer
information?
 
 "Well, I can tell you from experience that we monitor quite
a bit of jail and prison communications. It's a very useful tool
in some criminal investigations," remarked Detective Howe.
However, he highlighted the need for the balance of security and
the mental well-being of the inmates. Being locked down for 23
hours daily with limited social interaction can be mentally
taxing.
 
 While Heuermann's solitary confinement may seem severe,
it's based on the primary objective of ensuring his safety.
Still, there are glimpses of interaction. For instance, Heuermann
has been granted limited religious services. A representative
from the Roman Catholic Church was allowed to see him, though
it's not clear if a confession transpired during their
conversation.
 
 This brings about another challenging dimension to the
discussion: how monitored are interactions between inmates and
priests? In most standard scenarios, conversations, especially
confessions, with religious figures remain confidential. However,
the lines get blurred within the prison walls.
 
 "And absolutely there is some contact there for religious
reasons and that wouldn't be monitored necessarily. There is some
kind of privilege there when it comes to confession," Detective
Howe explained. Such privileges, akin to attorney-client
privileges, signify that if Heuermann were to confess to a crime
during such a religious interaction, the priest isn't obliged to
disclose it. In some states, the only exception is if the
confession relates to child abuse.
 
 Brueski further probed, "But would a priest, is it up to
the priest to decide whether or not they want to share that
information?" Howe replied, "By any means he could share the
information that he heard, but he would probably run afoul of the
church and find himself in some predicament there." This means
that while legally, a priest might be able to come forward with
such information, doing so could have significant ramifications
for their standing within the church.
 
 Essentially, while the privileges of confession are
designed to protect sensitive information, they also present a
unique challenge within the criminal justice system. Especially
in a case as high profile as the Gilgo Beach Killer, where every
shred of information is vital.
 
 The discourse between Brueski and Detective Howe offers a
comprehensive look into the complexities of the criminal justice
system, especially when it intersects with other societal
institutions like the church. As the case unfolds, it remains to
be seen if such interactions will play any role in the overall
investigation.
 
 The bigger picture, however, remains. While Rex Heuermann's
confinement is typical of high-profile suspects, the delicate
balance between security, mental well-being, and the potential
for extracting information is a dance the authorities must
navigate carefully. It's a situation that underscores the
intricacies of the justice system, especially when pursuing the
truth behind some of its most challenging cases.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe
through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free:
https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases:
https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad &
Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan
Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony
Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline
Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at
https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com