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In a significant development in the Gilgo Beach serial killings case, suspect Rex Heuermann was charged Thursday with the murders of two additional women, Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla. This brings the total number of his alleged killings to six. The charges, announced by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney, extend the timeline of Heuermann’s alleged criminal activities, with the first murder now dated back to 1993.

According to court documents, Heuermann was charged with the 2003 murder of Jessica Taylor, whose remains were discovered in Gilgo Beach and Manorville, and accused of the 1993 murder of Sandra Costilla, whose remains were found in North Sea, Long Island. "The architect and father meticulously planned and executed six separate murders," said Tierney during a news conference on Thursday.

A significant breakthrough in the case came from a digital "planning document" found on one of 350 electronic devices seized from Heuermann's home in Massapequa Park, New York. This document contained a checklist detailing how to package a body for transport, avoid leaving DNA traces, and other steps to ensure the success of his gruesome acts. There were notes indicating steps to take "next time," such as considering a hit to the face or neck and using heavier rope for the neck.

"Heuermann wrote about the importance of sleep to avoid 'PROBLEMS' and to increase what he referred to as 'PLAY TIME,' believed to reference sexual and mutilation acts on victims," court documents reveal. The planning document also included a "post-event" checklist with tasks to avoid apprehension, such as "BURN GLOVES," "DISPOSE OF PICS," and "HAVE STORY SET."

Jessica Taylor, a sex worker in midtown Manhattan, was last seen in the same area where Heuermann worked. Taylor was decapitated and dismembered, with her remains discovered in stages over several years. DNA from hair found on a surgical drape underneath her body helped link Heuermann to her death.

Sandra Costilla, 28, was found in a wooded area in North Sea, Long Island, in 1993. DNA evidence also connected Heuermann to her murder. "Pornographic images accessed by Heuermann notably and largely coincide with how the remains of Taylor and Costilla were found," prosecutors noted.

Heuermann was initially arrested in July and charged with the murders of Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Melissa Barthelemy, all escorts whose remains were found in desolate spots near Gilgo Beach in 2010. He was later charged with the murder of a fourth escort, Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Six additional sets of remains were also found in the area.

In court on Thursday, Heuermann pleaded not guilty to the new charges. His defense attorney reiterated his innocence. Heuermann remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to return to court on July 30.

District Attorney Tierney stated that Heuermann is now the leading suspect in the death of Valerie Mack, whose remains were found in Manorville near Jessica Taylor’s. Investigators will continue to review over 30 years of crimes in Suffolk County and beyond to see what else might be connected to Heuermann.

This case continues to unfold as authorities piece together the extent of Heuermann's alleged crimes, bringing some measure of closure to the families of the victims. The investigation remains ongoing, with the hope that further evidence will emerge to solidify the case against Heuermann.

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Steph

In the latest development in the Karen Read murder trial, Massachusetts State Police Sergeant Yuriy Bukhenik took the stand to present crucial evidence to the jury. Read, 44, from Mansfield, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.  Sergeant Bukhenik, who supervised the investigation, brought O’Keefe’s shirt, belt, and other clothing items to show the jury. Bukhenik, who worked alongside Trooper Michael Proctor, testified about their initial interview with Read at her parents’ home in Dighton.

The jury viewed video footage showing Read and her father arriving at the Dighton home and inspecting the rear of Read’s Lexus, which had damage to the right rear taillight. Bukhenik explained that this damage occurred when Read backed out of O’Keefe’s driveway, inadvertently bumping into his vehicle. This video provided the jury with the defense's explanation of how the taillight was damaged.

The prosecution highlighted Read’s activities before the incident, showing video from a Canton bar where Read had six drinks before heading to another bar.  

This footage aimed to establish her level of intoxication. ADA Lally further detailed Read’s actions through the night, showing her backing out of O’Keefe’s driveway at around 5 a.m. on January 29th.

In a more somber part of the proceedings, the jury saw autopsy photos of O’Keefe, which caused his mother to leave the courtroom briefly. Sergeant Bukhenik described O’Keefe’s injuries, noting the linear abrasions on his right arm and other trauma.  Despite objections from the defense, the descriptions were admitted into evidence. 
Forensic scientists Ashley Vallier and Christina Hanley provided insights into the evidence handling and analysis. 
Hanley testified about the broken cocktail glass found on Read’s bumper, confirming it matched the glass collected at the scene. Vallier explained the structural match of the taillight pieces, showing a partial reconstruction of the broken taillight from different pieces.In cross-examination, the defense questioned the chain of custody and integrity of the evidence, with Attorney Yannetti probing the timeline and handling of O’Keefe’s clothing and other critical pieces of evidence.  

Sergeant Bukhenik’s testimony also covered his discussions with other key figures in the investigation. He recounted interviewing witnesses at the McCabe residence and finding O’Keefe’s clothing at the hospital emergency room, noting traces of vomit on the items.

Throughout the day, the court saw a detailed recounting of the investigation process. From the snow-covered morning when the investigation began to the forensic analysis conducted weeks later, every step was scrutinized. Bukhenik confirmed the meticulous steps taken to preserve and analyze evidence, although he admitted certain limitations in his access to the evidence room.

As the trial progresses, more details will emerge from further testimonies and evidence presentations. Sergeant Bukhenik is expected to return to the stand, providing additional insights into the case.

This complex and emotionally charged trial continues to unfold, with the prosecution and defense meticulously presenting their arguments to uncover the truth behind John O’Keefe’s tragic death.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! L

Welcome to a special episode of "The Trial of Karen Read," where today, we find ourselves inside the courtroom of the case against Karen Read. As we set the stage, let's briefly summarize the case that has gripped the public's attention.
 
 Karen Read is facing charges related to the death of John O'Keefe, whose unexpected passing under mysterious circumstances led to intense police scrutiny. The case hinges on a combination of forensic evidence, alleged motives, and Karen's own statements to the police. Prosecutors argue that Karen had both the means and opportunity to commit the crime, citing contentious relationships and financial disputes as possible motives. The defense counters that the evidence is circumstantial and that Karen's connection to John's death is being misconstrued.
 
 Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Welcome to a special episode of "The Trial of Karen Read," where today, we find ourselves inside the courtroom of the case against Karen Read. As we set the stage, let's briefly summarize the case that has gripped the public's attention.
 
 Karen Read is facing charges related to the death of John O'Keefe, whose unexpected passing under mysterious circumstances led to intense police scrutiny. The case hinges on a combination of forensic evidence, alleged motives, and Karen's own statements to the police. Prosecutors argue that Karen had both the means and opportunity to commit the crime, citing contentious relationships and financial disputes as possible motives. The defense counters that the evidence is circumstantial and that Karen's connection to John's death is being misconstrued.
 
 Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Welcome to a special episode of "The Trial of Karen Read," where today, we find ourselves inside the courtroom of the case against Karen Read. As we set the stage, let's briefly summarize the case that has gripped the public's attention.
 
 Karen Read is facing charges related to the death of John O'Keefe, whose unexpected passing under mysterious circumstances led to intense police scrutiny. The case hinges on a combination of forensic evidence, alleged motives, and Karen's own statements to the police. Prosecutors argue that Karen had both the means and opportunity to commit the crime, citing contentious relationships and financial disputes as possible motives. The defense counters that the evidence is circumstantial and that Karen's connection to John's death is being misconstrued.
 
 Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com