Live Reporting
Edited by Oliver O’Connell in New York, with Madeline Halpert reporting from Riverhead, Long Island
Heuermann faces multiple life sentences without parole
Image source: Reuters
Rex Heuermann has pleaded guilty to murdering seven women in a Suffolk County Court. He also admitted to causing the death of an eighth woman, Karen Vergata, and transporting her body.
- Court proceedings began shortly after 11:00 ET with Judge Timothy Mazzei presiding
- Victims’ families were present in the court room along with Heuermann’s ex-wife and his daughter
- Heuermann told Judge Mazzei he is pleading guilty to killing each woman and is waiving his right to any future appeals
- As part of a deal with prosecutors, he has agreed to punishment amounting to several life sentences without parole
- Prosecutors say he should be sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without parole for the killings of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello
- For killing Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla, and Valerie Mack, he should receive an additional 100-year sentence
- Heuermann will also cooperate with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit to better understand criminal behavior
We’re concluding our live coverage of today’s hearing but you can read more here: Serial killer pleads guilty to eight murders in case that haunted Long Island, New York
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