17: Did Rex Heuermann Abuse His Family?

On the latest episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony
Brueski and forensic psychologist Kate Wallinga delve deeper into
the mind and environment of alleged Long Island serial killer,
Rex Heuermann, providing a perspective that humanizes the
individuals inadvertently trapped in the life of a supposed
murderer.
 
Wallinga suggests that while it's easy to assume that Heuermann's
family was abused or manipulated, it's crucial to distinguish
between abuse and family culture. Drawing on her personal
experiences, she shares that issues or problems within a family
may remain unspoken for generations, creating a culture of
silence that can prevent family members from recognizing
troubling signs in the case of Heuermann, his wife's swift
decision to file for divorce after his arrest suggests a similar
family culture, where unusual behaviors were overlooked or
normalized.
 
The topic of family culture is particularly resonant for
Wallinga, who reveals that she severed ties with her clinically
narcissistic mother only after she reached the age of 40. The
toxicity in their relationship was normalized to the point where
it was considered just "her being her." As such, the seemingly
'normal' behavior within families can often hide damaging actions
or attitudes, further complicating the detection of potential
criminal behaviors.
 
Speaking of the overall case, Wallinga shared her insights into
why the murders remained unsolved for so long. She believes that
the sex work aspect of the victims played a significant role in
the delayed resolution. Moreover, the challenges in obtaining
timely DNA results, especially in the past, contributed to the
extended investigation period. This delay, coupled with the
alleged killer's choice of victims less likely to attract
immediate attention, helped maintain his anonymity for a
prolonged period.
 
When discussing potential systematic failures, Wallinga
acknowledges the possibility of other victims in different states
based on Heuermann's travel history and potential mimicry of
infamous serial killer Israel Keyes's approach. Keyes was known
for his strategy of continuously changing his methods and
targeting victims that would not draw much attention.
 
By exploring the intricate dynamics within Rex Heuermann's family
and the broader systematic issues at play, Brueski and Wallinga's
discussion highlights the complex layers behind a serial killer
case. The podcast reminds listeners of the pervasive blindness
within families and communities and underscores the importance of
vigilance in spotting the abnormal within what seems to be
'normal.' Their discussion reminds us that understanding and
acknowledging these hidden killers is the first step in ensuring
justice for the victims and their families.
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