Rex Heuermann, the suspect in the Gilgo Beach killings, has requested the court to return over 280 seized firearms from his home so he can sell them to support his family while he's in jail.
Heuermann, a 59-year-old architectural consultant, has been in custody since his arrest in July on three murder charges related to the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy in 2009 and Megan Waterman and Amber Costello in 2010. These cases are part of the larger investigation into human remains found along Long Island's South Shore between 2010 and 2011.
His defense attorney, Sabato Caponi, argued that these firearms hold significant financial value and could offer much-needed financial relief for Heuermann's family. These guns were seized during a police search of their home in July, which the defense claims was carried out recklessly.
Caponi's motion requested the court to return the seized property to a person designated by Heuermann, whether an individual or a licensed gun dealer, who can legally possess these items. It should be noted that the causes of death for the victims ruled out the use of firearms, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.
The prosecution had previously filed a motion asking the court to transfer Heuermann's guns and firearm-related items to the Nassau County Police Department for analysis and safekeeping. They claimed that some of the items appeared to violate New York State gun laws.
In response, the defense argued that the court lacks the authority to relinquish these items to Nassau police, as there hasn't been a request from another court, as required. Additionally, there is no pending matter in Nassau County related to the seized guns and ammunition.
Separately, Heuermann had a brief status hearing on his upcoming trial. He mentioned that he has been reviewing case evidence in his cell and has been dedicating about two to three hours daily to this task. Prosecutors provided a substantial amount of evidence for review, and the next hearing is scheduled for November 15.
Heuermann's attorney, Michael Brown, maintained his client's innocence and expressed the challenges of being in custody while supporting his family and preparing for the case.
In another development, the first images have surfaced of the American Airlines flight attendant who was discovered unresponsive with an object in her mouth at a Philadelphia airport hotel, two days past her scheduled departure. See detailed story here
Comments
Post a Comment