Victims' Families Confront Gilgo Beach Killer at Sentencing Hearing

WHO:

CNN - Rex Heuermann, the Gilgo Beach serial killer.

CNN - Liliana Waterman, daughter of victim Megan Waterman.

CNN - Melissa “Missy” Cann, sister of victim Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

CNN - Judge Timothy Mazzei.

WTNH - Relatives of the victims.

WHAT:

CNN - Rex Heuermann was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

CNN - Heuermann pleaded guilty to seven killings and admitted to an eighth.

CNN - Heuermann fatally strangled eight women over a 17-year period.

CNN - The judge sentenced Heuermann to three terms of life without parole and four terms of 25 years to life, all to run consecutively.

WTNH - Heuermann stated, “I am responsible” for the crimes.

WHERE:

CNN - The sentencing hearing took place in Riverhead, New York.

CNN - The killings occurred on Long Island, New York, specifically in the Gilgo Beach area.

WHEN:

CNN - Heuermann was arrested in 2023.

CNN - The killings took place between 1993 and 2010.

CNN - The sentencing hearing occurred on a Wednesday.

WHY:

CNN - Family members expressed their emotional and psychological challenges due to the murders.

CNN - Liliana Waterman stated, “Today brings accountability,” highlighting the need for justice.

HOW:

CNN - Heuermann admitted to the killings during the court proceedings.

CNN - The judge questioned Heuermann about his remorse, to which he replied, “Yes.”

(UPDATED June 17, 2026 21:42 UTC)

Rex Heuermann, the Gilgo Beach serial killer, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to seven killings and admitting to an eighth, all of which occurred over a 17-year period. During the sentencing hearing in Riverhead, New York, Judge Timothy Mazzei imposed three consecutive life sentences without parole and four additional terms of 25 years to life, while Heuermann acknowledged his responsibility for the crimes. Family members of the victims, including Liliana Waterman, expressed their emotional struggles and emphasized the importance of accountability, with Waterman stating, “Today brings accountability.”