Daughter of Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Victim Hopes for Justice After New Charges
Nicole Brainard-Smith, the daughter of one of the victims connected to accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann, expressed her hope for justice after Heuermann was hit with new murder charges. The charges were filed against him in the 2007 slaying of Nicole’s mother, Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Nicole, now 24 years old, spoke at a press conference held at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office following Heuermann’s arraignment.
A Long-Awaited Indictment
Nicole was only 7 years old when her mother disappeared on July 9, 2007. Maureen Brainard-Barnes was the first of the four women known as the “Gilgo Beach Four” to go missing while working as escorts on Long Island. Heuermann, a 60-year-old married architect from Long Island, had already been charged in three of the deaths before prosecutors unsealed a new indictment that also included Maureen’s death.
A Devastating Loss
Nicole shared how her mother’s loss has profoundly affected her life. She recalled the countless times she needed her mother and she wasn’t there. Nicole fondly remembered her mother reading to her every night and expressed her sadness at no longer being able to remember the sound of her voice.
A Shattered Family
Maureen’s sister, Melissa Cann, also spoke at the press conference, describing how her life was shattered by her sister’s slaying. Melissa expressed her continued hope for justice and accountability for Maureen’s murder. She emphasized that losing Maureen has left a wound that never truly heals.
The Gilgo Beach Murders
Maureen Brainard-Barnes was one of at least 10 people whose bodies were discovered along Ocean Parkway between 2010 and 2011. She, along with Amber Lynn Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, and Megan Waterman, were working as escorts on Long Island when they disappeared. The cases remained unsolved until 2022 when Suffolk County police reopened them, leading to Heuermann’s arrest.
New Evidence
Prosecutors revealed that DNA samples from hair found on the victims’ bodies were linked to Heuermann or his wife and daughter. The indictment stated that Heuermann’s family was out of town when the murders occurred, but he was present. This new evidence played a significant role in the decision to file additional charges against him.
Remembering the Victims
Melissa Cann pleaded for all the victims to be remembered, not just her sister. She emphasized that these victims had families and dreams for a better future. Cann expressed her support for the family members of the other victims who continue to speak out and remember their loved ones.
