Netflix has recently released a gripping documentary titled Gone Girls: The Search for the Long Island Serial Killer, which sheds light on the notorious Gilgo Beach serial killings. This latest documentary follows the earlier film Lost Girls, which premiered before the primary suspect was captured. Notably, Lost Girls concluded by highlighting that the case remained unresolved, making the recent developments even more intriguing. Gone Girls stands out as one of Netflix’s truly chilling true-crime documentaries, presenting the harrowing stories predominantly from the families and loved ones of the victims.
In contrast to Lost Girls, which provides a more concise narrative and critiques the police’s initial indifference to the case until substantial evidence emerged, Gone Girls offers a deeper, more nuanced exploration. The documentary features poignant interviews with family and friends of the victims, tracing the timeline from Shannan Gilbert’s distressing 911 call to the apprehension of the main suspect. Although Gilbert’s call initiates the story, she was not the first victim discovered; the identification of The Gilgo Four was pivotal in unraveling her own disappearance.
The Gilgo Four: The First Victims Identified in the Long Island Serial Killer Case
Discovery of The Gilgo Four Sparked a Major Investigation
In December 2010, police were searching the Long Island area for Shannan Gilbert, who went missing following a frantic 911 call in May of that year. While her case was still unresolved, officers instead uncovered the remains of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, missing since 2007. This tragic discovery initiated a thorough search revealing the bodies of Amber Costello, Megan Waterman, and Melissa Barthelemy—all found bound and wrapped in burlap near Gilgo Beach, collectively dubbed The Gilgo Four.
The investigation highlighted a potential serial killer who targeted vulnerable sex workers. The initial police response faced criticism for its lack of urgency, presumably influenced by societal stigma surrounding sex work. The revelation of The Gilgo Four catalyzed a comprehensive investigation which uncovered additional victims, emphasizing a disturbing pattern of targeting sex workers in the area.
Over Eleven Bodies Discovered in the Gilgo Beach Area
Rex Heuermann Accused of Seven Murders, Including The Gilgo Four
As investigations continue, more than eleven bodies have now been recovered from the Gilgo Beach area, further complicating the case. Among the identified is Shannan Gilbert, whose alarming 911 call opens Gone Girls. While many victims have been named, some remain unidentified, including a mother and her young daughter, as well as another individual whose identity remains uncertain.
In interviews featured in the Gone Girls documentary, many contributors assert that Rex Heuermann is the common suspect linked to the eleven victims found in this vicinity. Described as fitting a disturbing portrayal given by survivors, Heuermann, who lived nearby, reportedly possessed manuals relating to the victims alongside other incriminating evidence. He currently faces charges for seven murders, including those of The Gilgo Four, as the case unfolds.