Gilgo Beach murders suspect Rex Heuermann, Requested for DNA swab

Rex Heuermann, a well-known New York City architect who is now a suspect in the Gilgo Beach murders, is being asked to provide a DNA sample.

A DNA sample from acclaimed New York City architect Rex Heuermann, who is currently a suspect in the Gilgo Beach killings, is being requested. (Photo: CNN)

Accused of killing women

According to the Suffolk County district attorney’s office, Heuermann is accused of killing Melissa Barthelemy in 2009 and Megan Waterman and Amber Costello in 2010 on three counts of first-degree murder, reports from CNN.

Based on a court filing from the prosecution, he is also the main suspect in the 2007 disappearance and death of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

The letter states that although Heuermann has not been charged in relation to the fourth homicide, the inquiry is anticipated to be finished soon.

Heuermann has denied the accusations leveled against him through his counsel.

According to Michael Brown, Heuermann’s court-appointed lawyer, Heuermann said, “I did not do this,” after being apprehended.

A DA’s office representative confirmed on Thursday that the office had filed a court request to get a DNA sample from Heuermann. A copy of the document seeking a DNA sample is being sought by CNN.

READ ALSO: Former Escort’s Disturbing Encounter With Rex Heuermann: “I Had Dinner With The Gilgo Beach Killer”

Killing may have been at suspect’s residence

The Gilgo Beach killings frightened New Yorkers for years and gave rise to contrasting views about whether a serial killer was to blame. For over ten years, nothing was done about the situation.

The recovery of Heuermann’s DNA from pizza crust that was thrown away in a Manhattan trash can in January this year provided a crucial breakthrough in the investigation.

An attorney for Heuermann’s wife earlier on Thursday told CNN that neither he nor his client had received any calls from investigators or requests for DNA samples from the district attorney.

However, Asa Ellerup, the suspect’s wife, has previously provided the authorities with DNA samples. They were discovered in bottles inside a garbage can outside the couple’s shared residence, and mitochondrial DNA testing connected them to hairs discovered on or nearby three of the murdered people.

According to evidence, Heuermann’s wife and kids were out of the country at the time the three ladies are allegedly killed, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney stated last month, reports from MEAWW.

The suspect’s residence in Massapequa Park, New York, may have been the scene of the killings, according to investigators.

READ ALSO: Gilgo Beach Murders Suspect Captured On Google Street View A Year Before Arrest