Clues Podcast Episode Summary: "SERIAL KILLER: The Gilgo Beach Murders"

Release Date: June 25, 2025
Hosts: Morgan Abshur and Kayla Moore
Produced by: Crime House, Powered by PAVE Studios

Introduction to the Gilgo Beach Murders

In this gripping episode of Clues, hosts Morgan Abshur and Kayla Moore delve deep into one of America's most notorious and chilling serial killer cases—the Gilgo Beach Murders. The duo explores the intricate web of disappearances, the subsequent discoveries, and the eventual apprehension of the suspected killer, Rex Heuerman.

Early Disappearances: Maureen Brainerd Barnes

July 2007 marked the beginning of a troubling series of events with the disappearance of Maureen Brainerd Barnes, a 25-year-old single mother from Norwich, Connecticut, who was involved in sex work in Manhattan. Desperate to secure $3,000 for court-ordered expenses and potential custody hearings for her five-year-old son, Maureen, along with her friend Sarah, traveled to New York City.

On Monday, July 10, 2007, Maureen failed to appear for her court hearing, leading to growing concerns among her family. Despite exhaustive searches and multiple police reports, Maureen's case went cold due to the stigma associated with her profession and the authorities' reluctance to prioritize her disappearance.

Kayla Moore shares:
"No one recognizes her. Days go by, there's no sign of Maureen... authorities simply dismiss her case because she was a sex worker."
[Timestamp: 05:17]

Subsequent Missing Persons and Police Inaction

Two years later, in July 2009, Melissa Bartholome, a 24-year-old cosmetologist from Buffalo, disappeared under suspicious circumstances in Long Island. Despite her family's efforts, including the discovery of her phone and a threatening call from an unidentified man, police continued to overlook her case.

Similarly, other women such as Megan Waterman and Amberlynn Costello vanished between 2010 and 2011. Each disappearance highlighted a pattern: sex workers on the margins of society were targeted, and their cases were consistently dismissed by law enforcement.

Morgan Abshur emphasizes:
"Like this woman was just trying to keep a roof over her head... this is not something she would miss."
[Timestamp: 08:51]

Discovery of Victims and the Serial Killer Theory

In December 2010, a breakthrough occurred when a cadaver dog located skeletal remains on Gilgo Beach, leading investigators to identify four victims: Maureen Brainerd Barnes, Melissa Bartholomew, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. These remains were found bound and wrapped in burlap, suggesting foul play and pointing towards a single perpetrator—a potential serial killer.

Kayla Moore notes:
"All of these victims were probably killed by the same person... Long Island is dealing with a serial killer."
[Timestamp: 32:28]

Despite identifying these victims, Shannon Gilbert, the first missing woman discussed, remains unaccounted for, adding another layer of mystery to the case.

Police Missteps and Leadership Challenges

The investigation stalled due to ineffective leadership. In early 2012, Police Chief Jim Burke took over, dismissing the serial killer theory and hindering the investigation by refusing FBI assistance and neglecting critical clues like burner phone data.

Morgan Abshur laments:
"We have multiple murdered women. And, like, what?"
[Timestamp: 49:09]

Burke's tenure was marred by misconduct allegations, including snuff film inquiries and internal affairs complaints, further derailing the case.

Reinvigoration of the Case and Identification of Rex Heuerman

In 2022, under the new leadership of Commissioner Rodney Harrison, the investigation received renewed vigor. A dedicated task force was formed, leading to the pivotal identification of Rex Heuerman. By meticulously analyzing cell phone data and surveillance footage, investigators linked Heuerman to the murders.

A critical piece of evidence came from a pizza crust tossed by Heuerman, which allowed forensic teams to obtain his saliva, facilitating a DNA match with previously unattended hair samples from victims.

Kayla Moore reflects:
"It's so heartbreaking to see that that's all it took to put this together..."
[Timestamp: 54:45]

Arrest and Evidence Against Rex Heuerman

On July 13, 2023, Rex Heuerman was arrested and charged with the murders of three of the original Gilgo Four. Further investigations connected him to additional victims, including Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor, and Sandra Castilla, spanning incidents from 1996 to 2011. The discovery of a detailed manifesto and extensive digital evidence—including 350 electronic devices and 300 firearms—cemented the case against him.

Morgan Abshur states:
" DNA technology they used was actually pretty new... but it's pretty concrete for me."
[Timestamp: 66:33]

Despite the mounting evidence, Heuerman has pleaded not guilty, and debates around the admissibility of certain DNA technologies continue to loom over the impending trial.

Ongoing Investigations and Unresolved Questions

While Heuerman's arrest marked a significant milestone, Shannon Gilbert's fate remains unresolved. Found in December 2011 with ambiguous circumstances surrounding her death, her case continues to puzzle investigators and the public alike.

Moreover, additional victims, such as Tanya Denise Jackson and her daughter Tatiana Marie Dykes, have been identified, although connections to Heuerman remain inconclusive.

Kayla Moore highlights:
"Shannon has become a major focal point... she's the unintentional hero of this whole story."
[Timestamp: 73:39]

Conclusion and Call for Justice

As the episode concludes, Clues emphasizes the importance of persistent investigation and community support in solving such heinous crimes. Hosts Morgan Abshur and Kayla Moore express their commitment to following the case closely, urging listeners to contribute any information that might aid in achieving justice for the victims.

Kayla Moore asserts:
"There will always be someone out there who cares... we're all out here searching for the truth and justice."
[Timestamp: 76:03]

Notable Quotes

• Kayla Moore:

  • "No one recognizes her. Days go by, there's no sign of Maureen... authorities simply dismiss her case because she was a sex worker."
    [05:17]

• Morgan Abshur:

  • "Like this woman was just trying to keep a roof over her head... this is not something she would miss."
    [08:51]

• Morgan Abshur:

  • "We have multiple murdered women. And, like, what?"
    [49:09]

• Kayla Moore:

  • "All of these victims were probably killed by the same person... Long Island is dealing with a serial killer."
    [32:28]

• Morgan Abshur:

  • "DNA technology they used was actually pretty new... but it's pretty concrete for me."
    [66:33]

• Kayla Moore:

  • "Shannon has become a major focal point... she's the unintentional hero of this whole story."
    [73:39]

• Kayla Moore:

  • "There will always be someone out there who cares... we're all out here searching for the truth and justice."
    [76:03]

Final Thoughts

The Gilgo Beach Murders represent a haunting chapter in America's true crime history, highlighting systemic issues within law enforcement and the devastating consequences of societal neglect. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Clues sheds light on the relentless pursuit of justice for the victims and their families, serving as a testament to the enduring fight against unsolved crimes.

Listeners are encouraged to stay engaged with the case's developments and support ongoing efforts to uncover the full extent of Rex Heuerman's crimes.

For more updates and discussions, follow Clues Podcast on Instagram @CluesPodcast and YouTube @CluesPod. Submit any tips related to the Gilgo Beach Murders to 1-800-244-88477 or via Nassau County Crime Stoppers.