How Many DNA Links Are There To Rex Heuermann?

In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast with host
Tony Brueski, Detective Jason Howe discussed the mounting case
against Rex Heuermann. Heuermann, suspected in a series of
gruesome murders, is under investigation, and the revelations
could have far-reaching implications for numerous cold
cases.
 
 The Las Vegas Police Department's DNA lab is presently
conducting a direct comparison between Heuermann's DNA and
samples recovered from a murdered New Jersey woman. Detective
Howe stated, "results expected six to eight weeks down the road
but could likely open the floodgates for at least four other
unsolved murders in Las Vegas."
 
 The crucial question arises: Is this comparison merely
standard protocol or is there a stronger lead linking Heuermann
to these other murders? Howe hinted at a bit of both. While due
diligence remains vital in a criminal investigation, there are
systems like VIA cap, or the Violent Criminal Apprehension
Program, that identify similarities between cases. "It's quite
possible that people can travel freely and commit crimes in other
jurisdictions," he added.
 
 The case presents several intriguing challenges. Notably,
there's an almost decade-long gap between the last known victim
in 2011 and the present day. The detective mused on the motive
behind the suspect's actions: "I would just, you know, question
what caused him to stop. If he is, you know, responsible for
these murders, what caused him to stop?"
 
 Another layer of complexity is the collaboration between
different jurisdictions. These cases span across various states,
each with its procedures, rules, and personnel. Thankfully,
forensic evidence databases, such as CODIS, are national and can
assist in matching DNA efficiently. Yet when it comes to
eyewitness accounts, detectives need to sift through records and
collaborate closely with other agencies.
 
 The Heuermann family, notably his wife and children, have
yet to be questioned by the police. Brueski remarked on this
oversight, "It strikes me as rather odd that this far into a
case, someone who's accused of this heinous of crimes that there
has not been a sit down with the wife and a sit down with the
kids." Detective Howe conceded that interviewing the family could
provide essential insights into Heuermann's methods and
behaviors.
 
 As to why this hasn't happened yet, Howe mentioned the
sheer magnitude of the ongoing investigation, which includes
tracking countless leads, such as identifying similar vehicles.
However, he emphasized the potential benefits of interviewing
Heuermann's wife: "The fact that she wasn't present when these
murders allegedly happened...she could be helpful."
 
 Brueski further probed the idea of law enforcement
surveilling the suspect's close contacts rather than directly
interrogating them. To this, Howe mentioned the tricky balance
between building a strong case and ensuring public safety,
especially when the suspect might be a serial offender.
 
 He highlighted the dilemma with an example from his
experience, where they had to surveil a suspect for an
out-of-state murder while waiting for a warrant. "You know, they
could have had a team... trailing them, following 'em around
collecting the partially eating pizza and to secure the evidence
they needed to obtain a warrant," he elaborated.
 
 While the story of Rex Heuermann continues to unravel, it
stands as a poignant reminder of the intricate web law
enforcement has to navigate. Balancing between public safety, due
diligence, and the quest for justice, every piece of evidence can
be a step closer to solving haunting cold 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