A Riverhead judge ordered Rex Heuermann’s defense to file challenges before trial in the Gilgo Beach murder case, with claims of rights violations during arrest.
Rex Heuermann Court Update
NEW YORK (WABC) — Rex Heuermann was scheduled to return to court in Riverhead on Tuesday morning. The judge set a deadline for his lawyers to file any outstanding defense challenges before the case goes to trial later this year.
In a filing submitted before the hearing, Heuermann’s lawyers stated that he made a statement to Suffolk County court officers during his initial arraignment in July 2023. They want this statement excluded from his trial.
Heuermann told the officers, “I guess I won’t be needing that,” after they informed him that his $6,000 watch was not among his personal property at the courthouse. The defense argues that this statement was obtained in violation of Heuermann’s constitutional rights.
The defense also revealed that Heuermann asked, “What is this about?” and “What did I do?” to Suffolk County police and FBI agents when they arrested him outside his architectural office on July 13, 2023.
Heuermann told the arresting officers, “It’s a mistake.”
The filing notes that video and audio of Heuermann’s drive with detectives from Midtown to Suffolk County Police headquarters were submitted as evidence.
Heuermann was described as “calm” after being taken to police headquarters in Yaphank. He was given French fries, onion rings, peanut butter crackers, and Coca-Cola while investigators searched, photographed, and fingerprinted him. He slept in a chair for more than five hours as he awaited arraignment the next morning.
At the time of his arrest, he had $153 in cash on him.
Summary of Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Rex Heuermann |
| Court Location | Riverhead |
| Initial Arraignment Date | July 2023 |
| Arrest Date | July 13, 2023 |
| Watch Value | $6,000 |
| Cash at Arrest | $153 |
| Food Provided | French fries, onion rings, peanut butter crackers, Coca-Cola |
