No Rest for the Weary [12]

Summary

Podcast Summary: Monster: Hunting the Long Island Serial Killer

Episode 12: "No Rest for the Weary"

Release Date: July 6, 2026
Host: Josh Zieman (iHeartPodcasts & Tenderfoot TV)

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Episode Overview

This deeply emotional episode documents the sentencing of Rex Heuermann, the accused Long Island Serial Killer, in a courtroom packed with victims’ families, law enforcement, and observers. After over a decade of investigation, frustration, and public scrutiny, the episode captures the release of years of pain and anticipation as families finally address the man responsible for their losses. The host, Josh Zieman, reflects on the journey to this moment, explores the trauma still rippling through the victims' loved ones, and questions what true justice and closure look like in a case so marked by horror, failures, and unresolved questions.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Sentencing: Justice and What It Means

• Sentencing as Ceremony Not Legal Outcome:
  • The courtroom's legal outcome was predetermined by Heuermann's guilty plea—what remained was for families to speak and for Heuermann to potentially respond ([03:15]–[05:01]).
  • “The sentencing really isn’t about the legal outcome. That part had already been decided when Rex surprised everyone by pleading guilty, robbing many, especially the families, of a trial.” – Josh Zieman ([03:23])
• Victim Impact Statements:
  • Families are provided the platform to share their trauma, loss, and anger with Heuermann directly.
  • _"Today was about the victims’ families... they would speak to him directly. And he would have to listen." – Josh Zieman ([04:20])
• Heuermann’s Control and Loss Thereof:
  • By pleading guilty, Heuermann tried to maintain control, keeping the full details from coming out at trial.
  • However, sentencing takes control away. “Rex had shown us that even behind bars, he could still wield what he coveted the most: control. ...But today was different. Rex wasn’t in control anymore.” – Josh Zieman ([03:45])

2. Grief and Rage: Voices from the Families

• Valerie Mack’s Family—Fire that Can’t Be Snuffed Out:
  • “He doesn’t have the humanity to feel remorse... My sister was not in a good place when she met Mr. Heuermann. And he took advantage of that… the fires they lit roar inside each and every one of us...” – Danielle Mack ([08:45])
• Jessica Taylor’s Cousins—From Horror to Defiance:
  • Raw descriptions of learning their loved one was found dismembered ([10:24]–[11:58]), and direct insults to Heuermann’s “sloppiness” as a killer:
    • “For someone who spent so much time perfecting his skill, you certainly were sloppy... You’re boring. You’re not prolific. You couldn’t even be top five. You’re a nobody.” – Jasmine Robinson ([11:41]–[12:55])
• Maureen Brainard Barnes’ Sister—Lasting Trauma:
  • “What once felt normal now feels unpredictable and unsafe... When Rex chose to take Maureen’s life, he didn’t just take her from us. He took my sense of safety.” – Melissa Cann ([13:28])
• Maureen’s Son—The Lost Child:
  • “My earliest memories are defined by anxiety, fear, and sadness... I never had my mom to see me on my first days of school.” – Dylan ([15:23])
• Megan Waterman’s Aunt—Systemic Failures:
  • Calls out law enforcement corruption and the marginalization of victims ([16:35]):
    • “Because of the corruption of the former Suffolk County District Attorney... key evidence was never even looked at, so that light would not be shown on their corruption.”
• Amanda Bartholomew—A Direct Confrontation:
  • Recalls being taunted by the killer as a teen, and uses the moment to confront Heuermann directly.
    • “I was forced to live with crippling anxiety, depression, PTSD... I've missed out on so many memories made with her... Justice in my eyes is our families inflicting the same pain that you inflicted on our girls.” ([19:59]–[24:41])
    • Forces Heuermann to look her in the eyes; a rare moment where the killer reacts ([22:15]–[22:50]).

3. The Legal Closure and What Remains Unresolved

• Heuermann's Minimal Words, No Remorse:
  • When pressed by Judge Maisie, Heuermann mutters a minimal expression of responsibility, offers no meaningful apology ([27:45]–[28:44]).
    • "There are no words I can say. I am responsible for what was said in this room today. The words I would say have no meaning. And I'm gonna leave it there at this time." – Rex Heuermann ([27:56])
    • _"You’ve been described as a very big man. But you’re a disgusting and despicable small man, if you’re a man at all. And you’re a coward." – Judge Timothy Maisie ([28:44])
• Maximum Sentence Handed Down:
  • Three consecutive life sentences plus 100 years ([30:54]).
  • As Heuermann is escorted out, families chant “Ogre!”—reversing the humiliation he inflicted, briefly putting him in the role of the bullied ([30:54]).
• Defense Attorney and Family Reactions:
  • Attorney Bob Macedonio, representing Asa Ellerup, discusses Asa’s “deprogramming,” her current perspective, and the challenge of reckoning with the hidden side of her husband ([32:13]–[34:28]).
  • “She does believe he’s responsible for all this. Today is the first day of the rest of her life, and it’s a lifelong process.” – Bob Macedonio ([32:50])
• The Manipulator Unmasked:
  • Repeated reference to Heuermann’s double life and skill at manipulation; the consensus is that any remorse shown is only regret at being caught ([33:28]–[34:59]).

4. The Case Is Not Closed—Open Questions and the Next Hunt

• Potential Additional Victims & Ongoing Investigations:

  • Discussion with retired NYPD Commander Joe Jacalone (and others) about additional possible victims—e.g., “Asian Doe,” Carmen Vargas, Sandra Castilla.
    • _"This case is far from over... the investigators are working diligently and we know they are working with Othram... it’s kind of exciting for victims’ families that they might actually find out what transpired." – Joe Jacalone ([36:38])
    • “If we can identify Asian Doe and maybe there is a chance Rex is responsible, that kind of opens up the door. It proves that he is controlling the narrative and there might be other victims that would mean he hasn’t told us everything.” – Josh Zieman ([37:05])
  • Heuermann’s DNA now entered in CODIS, could link him to other crimes nationwide ([38:13]).

• Heuermann’s Legacy and the Story’s End (Or Not):

  • The hosts and commentators ponder what kind of story will be told about Heuermann: a man who thought he was untouchable, but was ultimately brought down ([39:40]–[40:43]):
    • “This case will be remembered as somebody who thought he was smarter than everybody else, who planned everything out to the T, and still wound up facing the rest of his life inside a small cell.” – Joe Jacalone ([39:54])
  • The Suffolk County DA stresses:
    • _"This case closes and another one opens. There are still bodies in Suffolk County. There’s no rest for the weary." – Ray Tierney ([40:43])

• The Value of Never Stopping the Hunt for Truth:

  • “If this investigation has taught us anything, it’s that the truth doesn’t reveal itself all at once. ... The only way to get the truth is to never stop asking questions.” – Josh Zieman ([41:04])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the core dynamic in the courtroom
  • "Today was their day for justice.” – Josh Zieman ([06:38])
• On the inability to inflict lasting silence
  • _"You may have taken her presence, but you can never erase her voice and the memories of her." – Melissa Cann ([13:28])
• On confronting the killer
  • _"You can look at me... It's been about 17 years since we last spoke." – Amanda Bartholomew to Rex Heuermann ([22:43])
• On ultimate justice
  • _"You want to know what it is to play God? Well, you will have to face him." – Jasmine Robinson ([12:55])
• On closure and relentless searching
  • “This isn’t the end. ...the truth doesn’t reveal itself all at once. ... The only way to get the truth is to never stop asking questions.” – Josh Zieman ([41:04])
• DA’s concluding thought
  • _"There’s no rest for the weary." – Ray Tierney ([40:43])

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• 01:41 — The case’s three-decade shadow and sentence's import
• 04:39–11:00 — Victim impact statements: Danielle Mack, Jessica Taylor's family, Jasmine Robinson
• 13:28–15:23 — Trauma after Maureen’s murder: Melissa Cann & son Dylan
• 16:35 — Elizabeth (Megan Waterman’s aunt) exposes systemic failures
• 19:59–24:41 — Amanda Bartholomew’s powerful direct confrontation
• 25:32–26:52 — DA argues for maximum sentence
• 27:19–28:44 — Rex Heuermann’s minimal statement; Judge’s condemnation
• 30:54 — Families chant “Ogre!” as Heuermann is led out
• 32:13–34:59 — Attorney Macedonio on Asa’s process, Heuermann’s manipulation, and reaction to sentencing
• 36:38–41:04 — Potential for more victims, ongoing investigations, and reflections on future cases

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Conclusion

This episode stands as one of the most poignant and direct examinations of what justice—even when delivered—can and cannot do for those left behind by violence. Through raw, unforgettable victim impact statements and plainspoken legal analysis, “No Rest for the Weary” underscores the enduring scars of serial crime, the persistence of family and investigators, and the long, unfinished work of finding every truth in a case whose shadows are still long.
As host Josh Zieman says, “the truth doesn’t reveal itself all at once.” Justice for the Long Island Serial Killer’s victims is ongoing, and there is, truly, no rest for the weary.

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For further listening or to binge the season, the episode notes recommend subscribing to iHeart True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts.

Transcript

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

This is an I Heart podcast. Guaranteed human.

[Witness or Victim Statement Speaker]

There was no anything inside those eyes. They turned black. It scared the hell out of me.

[Witness or Investigator]

Evil, wake up. I'm the one that saw the murder take place by Krievac and Dipo.

[News Reporter or Courtroom Commentator]

Anthony Depo showed no signs of remorse, appearing unfazed after being sentenced to the maximum.

[Defendant (Rex Heuermann)]

I said, I'm not guilty. I'll take it to the grave.

[Podcast Advertisement Voice]

Listen to the Devil's Quarry in the Bone Valley. Feed on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Podcast Narrator or Announcer]

New episodes are released weekly, absolutely free, but you can binge the entire season now with iHeart True Crime plus, exclusively on Apple Podcasts. You'll also get ad free listening and exclusive bonus episodes, so head to Apple Podcasts, search I Heart True Crime plus and subscribe. Today, You're listening to Hunting the Long Island Serial Killer. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the individuals participating in the podcast and do not reflect those of Tenderfoot TV or iHeartMedia. This podcast contains subject matter which may not be suitable for everyone. Listener discretion is advised.

[News Reporter or Courtroom Commentator]

Tomorrow, it is sentencing day in the serial killer case that has loomed over Long island for more than three decades.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

And all of these years later, the motive behind all eight of those murders remains unclear.

I asked Heuerman's attorney if he's going to be speaking at this sentencing.

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

Heuerman now faces sentencing and is expected to spend the rest of his life behind. Behind bars.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

After more than 15 years of waiting, it all came down to this. The sentencing. And I was right back in that courtroom. The same room where Rex admitted to murdering eight women. But this time felt different. Heavier, Final. Because for me, this didn't start in a courtroom. It started years ago. Back when this case was still a question mark. When no one knew who was responsible for all those bodies found along Ocean Parkway. Back then, we were chasing something we couldn't quite see, following leads that seemed to go nowhere, talking to families who had been waiting for answers. And for so long, those answers never came. Until suddenly, there was an arrest. Rex Heuermann. And just like that, this mystery that we had been chasing turned into something real. That man now sitting in this courtroom, just a few feet away from me, I found myself staring at his hulking frame, eyes locked onto the back of his head, waiting to see how he was going to react to what would happen next.

[Podcast Narrator or Announcer]

All rise.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Give your attendance and ye shall be heard. The honorable Timothy Maisie presiding.

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

Be seated and come to work.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Good morning, Number three.

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

Honor.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Sentencing Rex A Hewarden. But here's the thing about sentencing. It really isn't about the legal outcome. That part had already been decided when Rex surprised everyone by pleading guilty, robbing so many, especially the families, of a trial. Rex had shown us that even behind bars, he could still wield what he coveted the most.

[Defense Attorney (Mr. Brown)]

Control.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

He had kept the full story from coming out in open court. All those details that would have exposed how sadistic he truly was. But today was different. Rex wasn't in control anymore. Today, he would have to sit there and listen.

[News Reporter or Courtroom Commentator]

The victim impact statements will be a huge part of the sentencing.

[District Attorney (Ray Tierney)]

Under New York State law, the victims have the right to give a statement before the sentence is pronounced on the defendant. We have eight victims in this case. We have a number of family members. They said that they are going to speak at the time of sentence.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Today was about the victim's families, the people who had been living with the consequences of what Rex Heuermann did for years. And now, for the first time, they would speak to him directly. And he would have to listen while they told him exactly what he took from them and what he could never give back.

[Judge (Timothy Maisie)]

It is the court's understanding that relatives of victims in this case will be addressing the court this morning. If any person does not wish to be recorded, please notify the court immediately, and the court will direct the camera person to turn off their equipment. Now, I've been advised by both sides that there is no one who does not wish to be recorded. Is that correct?

[District Attorney (Ray Tierney)]

Yes, you, Honor.

[Judge (Timothy Maisie)]

Thank you.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

But there was still one unknown looming over this day. Because in most sentencings, the defendant still gets to say something. An apology, an explanation. But this isn't most cases. And Rex wasn't your average defendant. He was a sadistic serial killer who tormented not only his victims, but their families as well. That was the specter looming over the courtroom. But he let the families have their day or say something back to show he's not so bad. If not for the world and for the only world, he has left, his family.

[News Reporter or Courtroom Commentator]

We heard this week that Heuermann's ex wife, Asa, won't be there. She said in a statement through her attorney that she wanted it to be about the victims. It's their chance to have this moment.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Up until now, Asa Ellerup had typically been there in the courtroom, but not today. She didn't want anything to take this day away from the families. And she was right, because you could feel the energy in the room, the way people kept looking over at the families and then back to the defense table, to Rex. And that's when I realized what this day had become. Because robbed of that moment when the jury would have come back with a verdict, a verdict that would have been inevitable considering the evidence. And robbed of that satisfaction in hearing the word guilty today, the families were putting Rex Heuermann on trial. They would stand just a few feet away from the man who murdered their loved ones, their sisters, their daughters, their mothers, and state their case. And then Rex would have a chance to state his. If he chose to. Nobody knew what he would do. The only thing we knew was that every family member had agreed to be filmed and they were ready to speak. Because today wasn't just about honoring their loved ones. It was about what they had been fighting for for so many years. Today was their day for justice. I'm Josh Zieman and this is Monster Hunting the Long island serial Killer.

[Judge (Timothy Maisie)]

Mr. Brown, is your client ready for sentencing?

[Defense Attorney (Mr. Brown)]

We are, you, Honor.

[Courtroom Official]

Thank you.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Let's get him out.

[Judge (Timothy Maisie)]

People wish to be heard.

[Court Clerk or Victim Advocate]

Yes, please. Your Honor, prior to the people making this recommendation as to sentencing, people wish for several victim impact statements to be delivered. These statements will provide to the court an opportunity to experience the tragedy, the consequences and the personal impact experienced by these families based on the defendant's actions.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

And so it begins, not with an argument or evidence, but with something far more personal. The lives that were shattered. The families who have been living with this loss for years. These are victim impact statements. Words written and in some cases spoken by the people who knew these women best. The people who carried their absence every single day. And now this is the one moment in the entire process where they're given the floor to speak directly to the court and more importantly, to Rex hurman.

[Court Clerk or Victim Advocate]

Your honor, Ms. Danielle Mack, adopt sister of Valerie Mack, wishes to address the court today.

[Victim Family Member (Danielle Mack)]

I'm here to talk about the impact of Mr. Huhaman's crimes. I don't come to address him because I don't believe he is worth addressing. He doesn't have the humanity to feel remorse. He is a selfish, entitled man who felt like my sister and the other victims lives were his to destroy. My sister was not in a good place when she met Mr. Huberman. And he took advantage of that. Despite her struggles, Valerie Mack had a fire inside of her that lit up the world around her. She was strong, protective, sharp, funny and beautiful. From what I have heard of Jessica, Maury, Melissa, Megan, Amber, Sandra and Karen. This is something all these girls shared in common. Mr. Huberman may have snuffed out their lives and took them away from us. But the fires they lit roar inside each and every one of us, and that is something he can never rob us of.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

It's a powerful idea. The belief that despite everything Rex Heuermann did, there's still a part of these women he could never touch. Something beyond him. And you hear that again and again in a courtroom. Families trying to hold on to something that can't be taken from them. The belief that the people they loved are no longer defined by what happened to them, that now they are free. And that's something you begin to hear more clearly with each person who stands up to speak, including the next family to address the court. The family of Jessica Taylor.

[Court Clerk or Victim Advocate]

Your Honor. Next, Ms. Violon Swagger and Jasmine Robinson, cousins of Jessica Taylor, wish to address the court.

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

I'll never forget how I felt when I got that call. I couldn't wrap my mind around the word torso. No way could someone do that to someone I love.

[Victim Family Member]

Torso.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Headless and handless.

[Courtroom Official]

Torso.

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

I thought that was a midriff. It's a chopped up body. No way.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Disgusting.

[Victim Family Member]

Awful.

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

Terrifying. Monstrous.

[Victim Family Member]

Brutal.

[Witness or Investigator]

What?

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

Parts of her are all over the place.

[Witness or Investigator]

Missing.

[Victim Family Member]

They didn't find all of her.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

All of her.

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

Headless and handless. I still don't understand.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Violet's words were tough to hear. But maybe that was the point. To make the court understand, to make Rex sit in here. Just how shocking it is to learn that the body of someone you love could be so brutally desecrated. Because no matter how many times we cover cases like this, no matter how many crime scene photos we examine or autopsy reports we review, there's still a distance. But for a family member, there's none. Only a phone call and words they can never unhear. And then there was Jessica Taylor's other cousin, Jasmine Robinson, who chose to address Rex directly.

[Victim Family Member (Jasmine Robinson)]

If I could say something to her murderer, I would say this. You thought you took her voice, but you didn't know that she had people who loved her. You hunted her, and I hunted you. I would say to her murderer, for someone who spent so much time perfecting his skill, you certainly were sloppy. You made a whole planning document to kill my cousin, and you couldn't even do that right. Let's go through your lists. Problems. DNA Left it messed up there. Huh. Supplies. Hair net. Well, so much for that body prep. Removed DNA once again. You wrote it down twice.

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

And?

[Victim Family Member (Jasmine Robinson)]

And you still couldn't get it. And remove ID marks. Well, we know you couldn't do that because she was identified by the Tattoo that you couldn't cut out properly. You're boring. You're not prolific. You couldn't even be top five. You're a nobody. Your whole life was fake, all for you to perfect a craft that you couldn't perfect. You could never get it right. You could never have full control. You want to know what it is to play God? Well, you will have to face him.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Jasmine's words were sharp, biting, and completely justified, Using Rex's own planning document to belittle him. While that meticulous preparation he believed made him untouchable, Jasmine threw it right back in his face, proving that Rex wasn't the brilliant mind he thought he was. And for someone who tried so hard to perfect his craft, calling him sloppy was probably the ultimate insult. Then came Melissa Cann, the sister of Maureen Brainard Barnes.

[Courtroom Official]

Since Maureen's murder, this case has changed the way I see the world. What once felt normal now feels unpredictable and unsafe. My mind doesn't go to what's likely. It goes straight to the the most unthinkable outcome. Every situation could spiral into fear. I overthink, I panic. And the danger I imagine feels real, like it's already happening. I've spent years trying to heal. I've gone to EMDR therapy, PSD treatment, and counseling. But no matter how much work I've done, there's a wall I can't seem to break because I struggle trusting people with my story. And without trust, it feels impossible to fully heal. When Rex chose to take Martin's life, he didn't just take her from us. He took my sense of safety. He took my peace of mind. He took the way I used to move through the world without fear. In many ways, I became one of his victims, too. For years, we lived in the shadow of what you did. We carried the pain, the fear, the unanswered questions, the. That changes today. You are no longer the one in control of this story. Maureen was not just a victim. She is a daughter, a sister, a mother, a woman who was loved deeply and will never be forgotten. And while you try to silence her, you failed. You may have taken her presence, but you can never erase her voice and the memories of her.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Missy made many of us realize just how far and deep this trauma can go, how it spreads through those left behind, creating wounds that aren't just emotional, but physical as well. Thankfully, Missy has started to heal. But there are other kinds of trauma, too. The kind that spans generations. The kind that doesn't leave a wound, exactly, but something worse. A void which is what we heard from Maureen's son, Dylan.

[Victim Family Member (Dylan)]

When I lost her, I was just one year old. My earliest memories are defined by anxiety, fear and sadness. Not knowing where she had went and why I did not have her in my life. The trauma of losing my mom in such a way at such a young age affected every part of my life and will continue to affect every part of my life. I don't remember her voice or her face or the love she gave me as a baby. I never had my mom to see me on my first days of school. I never had her when I graduated. I never had her when I needed her. And I will never have her in the future when I need her.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

This was devastating, unimaginable. To never even know your mother. To be robbed of one of the most innate relationships one could ever have. How do you heal from that? I couldn't even comprehend it. And if there was any moment in this entire investigation, I felt the most hatred for Rex. It was right then. And even while expressing their own deep sorrow, the families took a moment to call out the sins of the past and to recognize those who were unable to speak for themselves. Here's Megan Waterman's aunt Elizabeth.

I'm compelled to speak of the devastating revictimizations and marginalizations that we have endured throughout this process. First, due to the corruption of the former Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spoga and the former Suffolk County Police of Chief James Burke, the very individuals who are responsible for investigating our loved one's case, key evidence was never even looked at, so. So that light would not be shown on their corruption. These two violently corrupt men who took oaths to serve and protect, done their jobs, this case would have been closed years earlier. Perhaps second, let us not forget Asian Doe. May he be identified soon and may justice be brought for him and his family. Let's also not forget Shannon Gilbert, whose family still seeks justice for her death. Love is the most powerful force in the world. We will continue living our best lives while remembering and celebrating Megan, Maureen, Melissa, Amberlynn, Jessica, Valerie, Sandra and Karen. With love,

all of these victims speaking directly from the heart to a man who seemed to have none. And while we still didn't know whether Rex would speak at the end of all this, there was one person in the courtroom who knew his voice all too well. Amanda Melissa, Bartholomew's younger sister. We've talked about Amanda in previous episodes, how the Long island serial killer called her multiple times, taunting her with details of Melissa's death. And here's Lynn Bartholomew, the mother of Melissa and Amanda, along with her stepfather Jeff, speaking about those calls back in 2015,

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

Melissa had been missing a while.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Her phone rang and came up on

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

the caller ID that it was Melissa. And we're like, oh, my God. So Amanda answers it, and she's expecting to hear her sister's voice.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

And it was a guy. The first call, he said to her, are you a like your sister? I heard you're a half breed. The last one, he said, he finally murdered her and he's going to watch

[Defendant (Rex Heuermann)]

her body rot and he might come

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

and show her someday.

[Defendant (Rex Heuermann)]

Personally.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Amanda was only 15 years old when she got those calls. Since then, she's been forced to live with not only her sister's murder, but with the sound of that voice on the other end of the phone, forced to remember over and over all the terrifying things he said he had done. Here's Amanda talking to us more than a decade ago.

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

Something I have to hear in my head. I don't like saying it out loud.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Any reason why he didn't call anybody else and only called you?

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

You're asking me the same questions I ask myself every day.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

And now, after all these years, Amanda steps up to the podium, ready to confront her sister's killer and the monster behind that voice, the voice that taunted her. Only now it was Amanda's turn. This time she gets to speak. And it's Rex who has to listen.

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

My name is Amanda and I'm the sister of Lois Barthelmy.

[Victim Family Member]

In the moment, it felt like it was going on forever. I didn't think I was going to live. I was terrified.

[Witness or Victim Statement Speaker]

There was no anything inside those eyes. They turned black. It scared the hell out of me.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

That was your first murder case?

[Witness or Investigator]

Yes, sir.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Fair to say this was the biggest case of your career?

[Judge (Timothy Maisie)]

Yes, sir. Rape and murder of a 12 year old child.

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

As bad as it gets.

[Witness or Investigator]

I would think so evil. Wake up. I'm the one that saw the murder take place by Crevat and depo.

[News Reporter or Courtroom Commentator]

Anthony Depipo showed no signs of remorse, appearing unfazed after being sentenced to the maximum.

[Defendant (Rex Heuermann)]

I said, I'm not guilty. I'll take it to the grave.

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[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

Growing up, my sister was always there for me, whether it be taking care of me while my mom was at work. She was nine years older than me, so Naturally, I looked up to her. She was my sister, but also like a second mom, I'd protect her and later would become my best friend.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

While Rex had victimized every family in that courtroom, for some reason, he had singled out Amanda. It picked on her, tormented her, forced her to endure all the cruel details of her sister's death. I remember when we interviewed Amanda all those years ago. She was still a teenager, and I was shocked at how composed she was. But now I understand it was more than that. It was strength. The strength of a child who had been forced to grow up far too soon. Now I saw that same strength in a young woman as she addressed Rex.

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

I remember the last time I spoke with her. She was telling me how to get my plane ticket from the kiosk at the airport, not knowing that would have been the last time I'd see her, since she would go missing In July of 2009, about a week before I was supposed to fly out to her. And I always wonder if it would have happened, if I would have been there. Would she still be here? Would she have been spared because you wouldn't have met her or because I would have known where she was going? But those questions don't matter because you still took her from me, from all of us.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

You can look at me.

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

Long talking. It's been about 17 years since we started spoke, don't forget.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

And finally it happened. I saw Rex react. His head move through all the victim statements. His eyes were down at the table or locked straight ahead until that moment when Amanda told him to look at her. And he did. It felt like for the first time, someone had pierced through Rex's defenses, and it was Amanda. For years, she had been haunted by that voice on the phone, but now, for the first time, they were face to face. And this time, it was Amanda demanding to be heard.

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

I was forced to live with crippling anxiety, depression, ptsd, and a destroyed nervous system. My heart even skipped a beat if I got a call from a blocked number, constantly staring at my phone, waiting for the next call from you because of the several times you had called me for my sister's phone talk, telling me she was a whore. And then I should have seen the

[Victim Family Member (Danielle Mack)]

look on her face when you raped

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

her in the ass. Or how. I'd ask you where she was, and you'd tell me that you were letting her body rot and that maybe one day you'd come tell me where she was. I was 15.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

15 years old.

[Victim Family Member (Amanda Bartholomew)]

I know you don't care. Don't even Bother saying that you're sorry, but you couldn't help yourself. Because no one believes that even for a moment. Because of you, I never get to see my big sister again. Because of you, I've missed out on so many memories made with her. But in my eyes, justice isn't served. Her girls don't get to come back. Now, justice in my eyes is our families inflicting the same pain that you inflicted on our girls. And all the others I believe are still out there. You murdered my sister. And the things I do to you are far worse than anything you've ever done to anyone or even thought of. I know everyone spoke on Heaven, but do me a favor.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Send me a spot and help, because I'll see you there.

Your honor, that concludes the victim impact

[Judge (Timothy Maisie)]

portion at this time, with the court permission, and we turn it over to the district attorney. Mr. Tan.

[District Attorney (Ray Tierney)]

Thank you. Your honor. I knew the victim impact portion of the sentencing would be impactful, but that was spectacularly impactful. And I want to thank the victims. They're truly extraordinary people.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

By the time the victim impact statements were over, the room felt different. The families had spoken. They had faced Rex Heuerman directly and told him exactly what he had done. And in the face of such emotion, the anticipation of what Rex might say suddenly felt like an afterthought. If he did speak, what could he possibly say? But first, the district attorney, Ray Tierney, stood up to tell the court what Rex deserved.

[District Attorney (Ray Tierney)]

With regard to the sentence, you, Honor, the people respectfully request the maximum sentence allowed by law. Eight young women were needlessly and brutally murdered at the hands of this defendant. And thanks to the victims families, the court has learned a little bit about their ordeal, the ordeal that each of these families have gone through as a result of this defendant's actions. There is nothing the defendant can say or do in this courtroom that could mitigate what he has taken from those women and their families. Any remorse shown is insufficient and far too little. It is all too little and too late. As the court is aware, the defendant has permitted certain remedies, information to trickle out. But those are nothing more than pathetic attempts by this defendant to continue to manipulate his family and control that family, Control both his family and the message of this case. I have no doubt that this defendant is very sorry. He is sorry. He is sorry he got caught. Accordingly, your honor, we ask that the court deliver the only sentence that this defendant deserves. The only just sentence in this case based on the facts and circumstances, which is the maximum sentence allowed under New York State Law. Thank you, your honor.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Tierney's argument was simple. Whatever Rex Heuerman said in that courtroom, it didn't matter. It could never be enough. Nothing he could ever say could ever account for what he's done. And if Rex did speak, Tierney had warned it wouldn't be sincere. Just one last chance to manipulate the only thing he had left. The meaning of his crimes.

[Judge (Timothy Maisie)]

Mr. Hillerman, is there anything you wish to say before I pronounce sentence?

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

And then it was time. As the judge turned to Rex, everyone in the courtroom seemed to hold still. It wasn't really about what he would say anymore, but whether he would speak at all, knowing this was the last time Rex Heuermann would ever speak publicly. After all those years of silence, all those unanswered questions, would this be just another mystery? Or finally something more?

[Defendant (Rex Heuermann)]

Yes.

[District Attorney (Ray Tierney)]

There are no.

[Judge (Timothy Maisie)]

Stand up.

[District Attorney (Ray Tierney)]

There are no words I can say. I am responsible for what was said in this room today. The words I would say have no meaning. And I'm gonna leave it there at this time.

[Judge (Timothy Maisie)]

Speak up, Mr. Hillman. As Mr. Tierney said, I know that you're sorry that you got caught. I assume that you sorry for what you've done to your wife and children. Are you a little bit sorry for what you did to these poor innocent women? Eight women that you strangled to death. At least eight that we know of. Are you at least a little bit sorry for that?

[Podcast Narrator or Announcer]

Yes.

[District Attorney (Ray Tierney)]

Yes, I am.

[Judge (Timothy Maisie)]

You know what? You've been described as a very big man. But you're a disgusting and despicable small man. If you're a man at all. And you're a coward. As a result of your plea of guilty to murder in the first degree and essentially court that you serve the rest of your life without the possibility of parole. Anything else, gentlemen?

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

Nothing from the people, Mr. Brown.

[Victim Family Member (Dylan)]

Nothing further.

[Judge (Timothy Maisie)]

All right, get him out of here.

[Victim Family Member]

In the moment, it felt like it was going on forever. I didn't think I was going to live. I was terrified.

[Witness or Victim Statement Speaker]

There was no anything inside those eyes. They turned black. It scared the hell out of me.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

That was your first murder case?

[Witness or Investigator]

Yes, sir.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Fair to say this was the biggest case of your career?

[Judge (Timothy Maisie)]

Yes, sir.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Rape and murder of a 12 year old child.

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

As bad as it gets.

[Judge (Timothy Maisie)]

I would think so

[Witness or Investigator]

Evil. Wake up. I'm the one that saw the murder take place by Crevat and Depo.

[News Reporter or Courtroom Commentator]

Anthony Depo showed no signs of remorse, appearing unfazed after being sentenced to the maximum.

[Defendant (Rex Heuermann)]

I said I'm not guilty. I'll take it to the grave.

[Podcast Advertisement Voice]

Listen to The Devil's quarry on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the Devil's Quarry ad, free with exclusive content, subscribe to Lava for Good plus on Apple Podcasts.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

The Judge gave Rex three consecutive life sentences, plus 100 years, the maximum sentence allowed. As he was led out of the courtroom, the families began chanting, ogre. Ogre. Ogre. It was a strange, almost primal moment, because for years, we'd heard about Rex being bullied. Of course, that didn't excuse what he did. Millions of people are bullied, and yet they don't become serial killers. But with Rex, that humiliation became an ingredient in whatever toxic mix had changed, shaped him. A man who spent his life trying to take back power at the expense of others through domination, through humiliation. But in that courtroom, the families turned it back around, reminding him of the path he chose, the monster he became, and the hatred he had earned. And then there was what Rex said or didn't say, claiming his words had no meaning. And when the judge pressed him on whether he was sorry, Rex barely answered. Was that remorse or just the least he could say? To dig into the sentencing, both from a legal and personal perspective, I spoke with attorney Bob macedonio. Bob represents Rex Heuermann's wife, Asa Ellerup, and had a front row seat to the fallout from this case. So what did you think of the proceedings?

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

Listen, you have eight murdered women. Obviously, a lot of emotion pent up for a lot of years. They have to get out their frustrations, their anger. Nothing out of the ordinary went on.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Yeah, yeah. So did the family watch the sentencing? What were their reactions?

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

They did watch the sentencing, and they do believe that the sentence was appropriate and that he does deserve to spend the rest of his life in jail.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

I'm interested in Asa's deprogramming, and I call it deprogramming because I think she's brainwashed. Do you think that hearing all these people stand up and say these specific things that Rex did, did that give Assa any further type of clarity?

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

She now fully understands and accepts that she didn't know that other side of Rex. So there's a whole side of him she didn't know that he is capable, and she does believe he's responsible for all this. So she wants to get to know that side of Rex for her own reasons, her own closure on this. Today is the first day of the rest of her life, and it's a lifelong process this will take. You know, for any of us, it would take the rest of our life to get there.

[Podcast Advertisement Voice]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Look, as someone who has studied wrecks in these facets of his dual life, you really just have to understand that this is a guy who. Who intentionally created very fake but very well constructed parts of his life. This is intentional. He intentionally did this to this family.

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

He's a master manipulator. Okay. And I don't know if that'll ever stop, but, you know, it's. The manipulation's over. He's gonna spend the rest of his life trying to figure out, you know, why. Why he did these things and come to his own, you know, conclusions. And like. Like, I think one of the speakers eloquently said yesterday, he's going to have to be the one to face God at the end and come to realization with that

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

also. Were you surprised at Judge Massey's reaction yesterday?

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

Not really. I mean, I've been in front of Judge Maisie dozens and hundreds of times. I've seen him, you know, he's a very experienced judge, a very experienced trial lawyer. He was also in the Homicide bureau of the DA's office. He's tried many homicides in this county, some of them, you know, high profile as well. Wow. Wow.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

As somebody who knows Rex, you've interacted with him, you've seen him at his worst. And what did you make of the proceedings yesterday? Looking at Rex and trying to think about what was going through his mind

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

as I sat there with him. Never would I have guessed that it was a double life and he would capable of these crimes. But I had obviously known in the back of my head. So I knew what was going on. The accusations were. But if I just went in and you didn't say anything, I never would have known. You also knew whatever words he would say were going to fall on that bs. It didn't matter what he said. That's not the audience that needs to hear him. Even if he had wholeheartedly apologized, nobody's accepted it. You're a serial killer. What he said, I think was appropriate because that's what he felt.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Did you expect him to say more? Did you expect him to say less?

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

I don't know what I expected. Whatever he was gonna say was gonna fall on deaf ears. It didn't matter.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

It's also this weird history repeating itself. I guess seeing the families taunting him, calling him an ogre, and then knowing that it was this kind of bullying again. Everybody, a lot of people have been bullied. Doesn't mean, you know, you have any right to do this. We're just saying that it is an interesting kind of continuum of this world that Rex has lived in where the bullying and plus a whole bunch of other crazy things may have led him to do this. And then this bullying comes back.

[Attorney (Bob Macedonio)]

Listen, I do hold out some hope that in whatever time Rex spends in prison that he's able to assist in any way he can to find out the reasons why, you know, his mind worked in this way and develop science that, you know, perhaps we could catch on earlier to other individuals that are having the troubles that he's had. It did bother him that these things happened and he was unable to control them.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

So even after everything, even after the statements, the arguments, the sentencing, we're still left with questions. Because what Bob is really pointing to is something we've seen all along that when it comes to wrecks, when it comes to these crimes, to these victims, their families and even Long island, the truth is never simple. Serial murder never is. It's layered, it's filtered, it's co opted and in the end it's anything but final. And to sort through what comes next, I spoke to retired NYPD Commander Joe Jacalone.

[Defense Attorney (Mr. Brown)]

This case is far from over. I mean, it's not going to be the last time we hear about Rex Sherman or potential victims. The investigators are working diligently and we know that they are working with Othram in this particular case of Asian male dose. So we're already starting to see that technology play out and I think that it's kind of exciting for victims families that they might actually find out what transpired and who was responsible for their loved one's death.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Right. So we have Asian Doe. We know that that's a big issue, whether Rex was responsible. But the first step even before that is identifying who this individual is. And if we can identify Asian Doe and maybe there is a chance that Rex is responsible, that kind of opens up the door. It proves that he is controlling the narrative and there might be other victims that would mean he hasn't told us everything.

[Defense Attorney (Mr. Brown)]

I mean, if you think that Rick Heuerman is telling us the truth, I have a bridge over the he's river I'd like you to buy.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Then we've got other potential victims on Long Island. Where do you think we're sitting with that?

[Defense Attorney (Mr. Brown)]

Well, I think that they're, they're all on the table, so to speak, because I firmly believe that Sandra Castillo was not his first case in 1993. I think he started much earlier.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Right. And Carmen Vargas just makes total sense.

[Defense Attorney (Mr. Brown)]

Yes, Carmen Vargas makes a lot of sense for a lot of reasons, just because of geography, but also because of the similarities in crime scenes between her case and Sandra Castilla. The problem that comes down to is their evidence, and that's the same thing for every one of these cases.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Joe, we also know that Rex Heuerman's DNA is currently being fed into codis, correct?

[Defense Attorney (Mr. Brown)]

Correct. Yes. So it's the day he was sentenced that the DNA would have been released into the system.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

In your opinion, do you expect that there's going to be other cases around the country? I. I would say that there's a

[Defense Attorney (Mr. Brown)]

possibility that that could happen. Right. So we know that he's been in a number of locations, and I cannot see somebody like this. Who actually was it? Is it Mark Safric who said basically this? He's like a rare type of serial killer. And if that's the case, then he's not going to control his urges no matter where he is, especially if he's unsupervised.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

The last part about Rex's sentencing, what did you take away from. From what he said at sentencing?

[Defense Attorney (Mr. Brown)]

I was actually shocked that he said something and for what he said really didn't amount to much. That was his guilty plea to the families. I'm responsible for that. And, you know, he can't say anything. Like, he even said, there ain't nothing I can say. Quite frankly, nobody really cares what he has to say.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Were you surprised, though, that he didn't even apologize?

[Defense Attorney (Mr. Brown)]

No, I'm not surprised because he is what he is. The judge said it, the district attorney said it. You're only sorry you got caught. And quite frankly, that's the only sorry that any of these criminals really have. But when you're dealing with a guy like him, he's at next level kind of stuff.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Speaking of next level, I mean, how are we going to remember Rex Humerman? How are we going to remember this case? I mean, how long. Joe, when did we first start talking about this case?

[Defense Attorney (Mr. Brown)]

You and I started talking about this in 2017 together.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

Right.

[Defense Attorney (Mr. Brown)]

Which is about. Yeah, two years after the Killing Season came out. And I think that this case will be remembered as somebody who thought he was smarter than everybody else, who planned everything out to the T and still wound up facing the rest of his life inside of a small cell.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

So this is how our story ends, at least part of the story, with a man finally being held accountable for what he's done, if nothing else. We answered the question that started all this. Who was responsible? That's the question that first led us to the killing season and ultimately now to here, the end of the legal process with a conviction, with a sentence, and with a final word from Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.

[District Attorney (Ray Tierney)]

So I'm just going to leave with this. This case closes and another one opens. There are still bodies in Suffolk County. There's no rest for the weary. We are going to continue to work with our partners and to try to obtain closure for as many families as we can.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

So no, this isn't the end. We keep saying it over and over because we know it's true. Because there are still victims waiting to be identified and still families searching for answers and still questions that remain unanswered. Because if this investigation has taught us anything, it's that the truth doesn't reveal itself all at once. It comes slowly, piece by piece over the years and sometimes decades. And if there's one thing we've learned, it's this. The only way to get the truth is to never stop asking questions. Ready to keep listening Remember, you can binge the rest of the season right now with an iHeart True Crime plus subscription available exclusively on Apple Podcasts Plus. You get exclusive bonuses and ad free listening. So head to Apple Podcasts, search I Heart True Crime plus and subscribe today. Hunting the Long Island Serial Killer is a production of Tenderfoot TV and I Heart Podcasts hosted, written and executive produced by me, Josh Zieman produced and written by Kaitlin Colford. Donald Albright and Payne Lindsay are executive producers on behalf of Tenderfoot tv. Matt Frederick and Trevor Young, our executive producers on behalf of iHeart podcasts. Original music by Alex Lacarenko, David Little and makeup and vanity set. Our supervising producer is John Street, Editing and writing by Daniel Lonsberry. Additional voiceover provided by Rachel Mills, additional production provided by Ghost Robot, Sound design, mix and master by Dayton Cole, cover Design by Byron McCoy Interns Arnetta Fontenot, Shelby Hansen, Alec Walker and Fox Williams. A and e Television Networks, LLC. Audio from the Killing Season used under license copyright 2025 A&E Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved. Special thanks to the team at United Talent Agency, the Nord Group, Brad Abramson, Todd Leibowitz, Rich Perillo and Jigsaw Productions, Rachel Mills, Zachary Mortensen, Jen Beagle, David Baker, Joe Jacalone and Evan Krause, as well as the teams at iHeart Podcasts and Tenderfoot TV. Find us on social media onsterpod. For more podcasts like Monster Hunting the Long Island Serial Killer, search Tenderfoot TV in your podcast app or visit Tenderfoot tv. And if you want to keep following my hunt for the Long island serial killer for a deeper dive into my other true crime content, join me on YouTube at Sinister with Josh Zieman.

[Witness or Victim Statement Speaker]

There was no anything inside those eyes. They turned black. It scared the hell out of me.

[Witness or Investigator]

Evil Wake up. I'm the one that saw the murder take place by Crevass and Depipo.

[News Reporter or Courtroom Commentator]

Anthony Depo showed no signs of remorse, appearing unfazed after being sentenced to the maximum.

[Defendant (Rex Heuermann)]

I said, I'm not guilty. I'll take it to the grave.

[Podcast Advertisement Voice]

Listen to the Devil's Quarry in the Bone Valley Festival feed on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Podcast Host (Josh Zieman)]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.