41: Will NEW DNA From Heuermann Lead To More Murders?

In a recent episode of the acclaimed podcast "Hidden Killers,"
hosted by Tony Brueski, a deep dive was taken into the ongoing
investigations surrounding the infamous Rex Heuermann. With
insights from retired FBI Special Agent and Chief of the
Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program, Robin Dreeke,
the episode examined the controversial push to obtain new DNA
evidence from the suspect.
 
Heuermann, speculated to be the 'Long Island Serial Killer,' has
been a figure of intense scrutiny for law enforcement. "We're
talking about, uh, Rex Heuermann and the new DNA that, uh, is
going to be revealed shortly," Brueski began, setting the tone
for a riveting discussion. It was recently revealed that the
defense had fought against the submission of a cheek swab,
claiming that the case was not robust enough to warrant such a
procedure.
 
Drawing parallels from his time in counterintelligence, Dreeke
highlighted the complexities surrounding the escalation of
intrusive techniques. "You always use the least intrusive
technique you can first," he stated, emphasizing the beauty of
the Constitution that guards civil liberties and privacy. To
escalate investigative measures, "it has to be escalated with
bolted techniques," Dreeke added. He discussed the intense
scrutiny that goes into escalating to sophisticated DNA tests,
indicating that the mere fact that the case had reached this
stage meant that lower-level evidence had already been
extensively explored.
 
However, even in the face of mounting evidence, Dreeke was
mindful of the role of defense attorneys. "Again, we're going
back to a great defense attorney doing his job. Fight everything
tooth and nail," he remarked. This resilience from the defense
makes it all the more intriguing as to the depth and breadth of
evidence the prosecutors hold.
 
Tony, chiming in, mentioned the rigorous standards prosecutors
adhere to, stating, "Prosecutors don't like having any gaps. They
don't like anything but a hundred percent on everything." The
pursuit of the cheek swab, in this context, is seen as an attempt
to close potential gaps and solidify the case against
Heuermann.
 
But what remains alarming is the extent of Heuermann's suspected
crimes. Beyond the three murders he's currently linked with,
there's speculation of his involvement in several more. The
evidence, however, seems somewhat inconsistent. The use of burlap
sacks in some murders and the gruesome state of other bodies —
dismembered and missing parts — has led many to question whether
Heuermann's methods evolved or if multiple culprits are at
play.
 
Brueski posed a haunting question: "Is this a beach that just has
a lot of bodies from a lot of different killers? Uh, or did Rex
change his ways over time?" Dreeke responded with an insight into
the psychology of serial killers, noting that once they find a
method that provides gratification, it's rare for them to shift
radically. However, the central behaviors he pinpointed were
strangulation, positioning of the bodies, and a potential foot
fetish indicated by missing shoes from the crime scenes.
 
Despite the perplexing nature of the evidence and the varied
conjectures, both hosts agreed on the consistent pattern of
missing items, particularly shoes. However, as Dreeke cautioned,
much of this is still conjecture. The investigation is ongoing,
and until a clear conclusion is reached, the mysteries
surrounding the Long Island Serial Killer continue to captivate
the world.
 
With the new DNA revelations on the horizon, all eyes are on the
unfolding case, waiting for the puzzle pieces to fall into place
finally.
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