Summary
Highlights
Shannon Gilbert, an escort, disappears after a late-night outcall in Oak Beach, Long Island. Her 911 call reveals her paranoia and distrust of those around her, including her driver Michael Pack. While she vanishes, her disappearance sets off a search that uncovers a string of bodies. She was working without the protection of an agency.
John Malia and his cadaver dog, Blue, discover four bodies along Ocean Parkway; now known as the Gilgo Four. The bodies are all young women, petite, strangled and wrapped in burlap sacks. Subsequent searches over the next few months reveal more bodies, including dismembered remains, a toddler, and an Asian male. The discovery sparks widespread fear and awareness of a possible active serial killer.
The families of the victims receive taunting phone calls from a man claiming responsibility for the murders. Melissa Barthelemy's sister, Amanda, is tormented by these calls, which are traced to Midtown Manhattan during rush hour without success.
Several individuals are suspected of being the Long Island Serial Killer, including Joseph Brewer (Shannon Gilbert's client), Joe Fod (a retired corrections officer), Peter Hackett (who was connected to Shannon Gilbert), Joel Rifkin (a serial killer who was already incarcerated,) James Bisset who had ties to burlaps, and James Burke (the former police chief of Suffolk County). These individuals were looked at and investigated, but ultimately not charged.
Rex Heuermann, an architect from Massapequa Park in Long Island and who had a firm in Midtown Manhattan is arrested in connection to the Gilgo Beach murders. Neighbors are shocked as he had a wife, two kids, and was someone they grew up with/knew. Searches of his home reveal a large number of unregistered guns and disturbing internet searches. Marine Bole Hpetit remembers sending sweet love notes back in high school. Rex was characterized as a gentle giant in stature.
Evidence against Heuermann includes DNA found on a pizza crust matching hairs found with the victims, his connection to a Chevrolet Avalanche seen by an eyewitness at one of the early victim location, American Express and phone records tracking his movements to the victims and his disturbing internet searches. Authorities utilized his IP address to his home to follow his digital activity.
The video highlights the stories of the Gilgo Four victims: Megan Waterman, Marine Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, and Amber Lynn Costello, emphasizing their difficult lives and the impact of their loss on their families. The Gilgo 4 seem to have a link that ties Rex Heuermann to their deaths. Jessica Taylor, Valerie Mack, Peaches, and a asian male are added to the list of victims.
Shannon Gilbert's death remains a separate case, though her disappearance is what leads to the discovery of the other bodies. Authorities speculate the possibility of mental health/drugs in her death, but her body was found in Oak Beach a year after the initial Gilgo Beach 4. Despite authorities saying its more of a mental health issue, it is believed that Shannon could have been strangled. Gilbert's sister becomes charged with murdering their mother in 2016. The neighbors are coming to terms with the new arrest and Rex's life as a family man.