Guilty plea brings resolution to case that has garnered worldwide attention

Rex A. Heuermann, 62, stood before a judge Wednesday morning and admitted for the first time that he was the Gilgo Beach serial killer — bringing resolution to a case that has generated worldwide attention since the first victim's remains were found in 2010.

Heuermann, an architect from of Massapequa Park, pleaded guilty to the murders of seven women and admitted killing an eighth, Karen Vergata, in 1996.

Under questioning, Heuermann said he strangled his eight victims, who officials have said engaged in sex work. He acknowledged luring them with money and contacting them with burner phones.

Heuermann is set to be sentenced in June, when he faces the prospect of multiple life sentences.

"Some of these murder victims were young mothers just trying to earn a little extra money to support their children, because many did not have the funds to go to college or get a decent job...They turned to sex work in order to help their families," attorney Gloria Allred, speaking on behalf of the victims’ families, said at a news conference after Heuermann entered his plea. "It wasn't what they wanted to do, but it was what they felt forced to do because they had no meaningful alternatives."

She added, "Little did they know that the defendant, Rex Heuermann, did not care about their hopes and dreams, or that they had families and friends who loved them. He appeared to care only for himself and executing what he thought was his birthright for murder."