34: Rex Heuermann's House Of Horrors, What Was Found?

In the most recent episode of the acclaimed podcast "Hidden
Killers," host Tony Brueski discussed the harrowing case of Rex
Erman, a man suspected of being a serial killer, with retired FBI
Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer. The duo dissected the clues
and potential evidence found at the suspect's home following an
exhaustive 12-day investigation by law enforcement.
 
Coffindaffer initially reflected on the scale and duration of the
evidence recovery process, noting that it was unusually extensive
for a residence of its size. "That house was not that large, and
it just told me there was so much information for them to
collect. For them to catalog and properly handle that, it took
that extensive amount of time," Coffindaffer explained. She
anticipates the emergence of a "huge amount of information dating
back, possibly even to childhood," shedding light on Erman's past
and potentially his criminal trajectory.
 
Brueski conjectured that Erman was a hoarder, basing this on
visual evidence such as the immense volume of items inside the
house and the 200-plus guns reportedly found. The sheer abundance
of clutter and the disordered state of the house might have
contributed to the protracted nature of the FBI raid. Brueski
drew parallels with serial killers such as Dennis Rader, known
for keeping trophies from his victims, which raises the
likelihood of Erman having kept similar mementos.
 
Coffindaffer agreed, sharing her interest in the seemingly
incongruous items taken from the house, including a doll. "I
found it very interesting. They took that doll. It always made me
wonder if that doll wasn't dressed in something that would've
been a trophy, possibly from one of his victims." In her expert
opinion, the FBI wouldn't have taken any item they didn't deem
crucial to the investigation.
 
Another unsettling detail pertained to the animal cages found at
the property. Coffindaffer speculated on the chilling possibility
that these could have been used to keep victims alive, pointing
out that this tactic is not uncommon among serial killers. "I
wonder how long he had those women possibly alive in that house,
and if indeed they're going to be able to show that is where they
were murdered," she contemplated.
 
Brueski and Coffindaffer discussed the doll's significance, the
placement of which might have influenced the FBI's decision to
seize it as evidence. Coffindaffer suggested that Erman may have
maintained a private area within the house for his illicit
activities. This, she hypothesized, could explain why his family
remained unaware of his actions, as he likely had "total and
absolute control" over the house.
 
In a chilling conjecture, Brueski speculated on the possibility
that the doll may bear physical evidence from the victims, such
as hair. Coffindaffer concurred, noting, "Any part or piece from
the victim... any amount of clothing. And then I could also see.
That doll being used as in his fantasy." She affirmed the gravity
of the situation, saying, "It's those sort of absolutely gory,
creepy details that I think all of us are just wondering what
really happened behind those closed doors."
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