The Gilgo Beach murders have been described by the police as one of the most significant homicide investigations in the history of Long Island. The search for Shannan Gilbert, a missing sex worker, ultimately led to the discovery of 10 other bodies along a beach on the island's South Shore.

After nearly 13 years since the first victim was found, a suspect has finally been apprehended in connection with the case. Rex Heuermann, a New York City architect, has been accused of the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello, whose bodies were uncovered in burlap in December 2010, as per court documents.

Heuermann, aged 59 and a married father of two, faced charges in the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, the fourth victim found that month, as stated in the court document.

The victims, known as the "Gilgo Four", were Craigslist escorts discovered along the beach approximately 500 feet apart, all succumbing to homicidal violence, according to authorities.

In June 2024, the case took a shocking turn when Heuermann was accused of two additional murders, one dating back to 1993, predating the others, with remains found in Southampton, an hour east of Gilgo Beach.