From pizza crust to the portrait of a “double-faced” man: Manhattan architect revealed after more than 10 years of pursuit — but what lies behind it is even more ch!ll!ng…

Heuermann, a successful Manhattan architect and family man from Massapequa Park, was living a double life that involved burner phones, and a pattern of targeting vulnerable women.

The breakthrough came from a discarded pizza crust in a trash can near his office, here in Midtown. Investigators used DNA from that crust to link him to hair found on the victims, finally putting a face to the monster that had eluded them since 2010.

Currently facing charges for the murders of several women including the Gilgo Four, he remains in custody as the legal battle over DNA evidence continues.

It’s important that we recognize these women because the media often didn’t paint them in the best light, due to their lifestyle. But these women were daughters, sisters, mothers and friends and they deserved better.

The Gilgo Four:

These four women were found within close proximity to one another in December 2010. They are the cases for which Heuermann was first identified and charged.

Maureen Brainard-Barnes (25): The first of the “Gilgo Four” to go missing, she disappeared in July 2007.

Melissa Barthelemy (24): She went missing in May 2009. The investigation into her disappearance led to the discovery of the other victims.

Megan Waterman (22): She disappeared in June 2010 while staying at a hotel in Hauppauge.

Amber Lynn Costello (27): She was last seen in September 2010.

Additional Charged Victims:

In 2024, the investigation expanded as authorities utilized advanced DNA testing to link Heuermann to older cases and remains found further from the original Gilgo site.

Sandra Costilla (28): Her body was found in North Sea, Long Island, in 1993. She is the earliest known victim currently linked to Heuermann.

Jessica Taylor (20): Some of her remains were found in Manorville in 2003, with additional remains discovered near Gilgo Beach in 2011.

Valerie Mack (24): Similar to Jessica Taylor, her remains were found in two locations—Manorville in 2000 and Gilgo Beach in 2011. She was known as “Jane Doe No. 6” until she was identified in 2020.