Criminal Cases

Accused Long Island Serial Killer Had Long History of Tax Issues

Accused Long Island Serial Killer Had Long History of Tax Issues

Rex Heuermann, the accused long island serial killer, had a long history of tax issues and lawsuits, new reports indicate. 

CNN shared that the New York native, who is believed to have killed at least three women, "has been years late paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes, [and] repeatedly filed lawsuits accusing drivers of injuring him in car accidents."

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Credit: Douglas Sacha/Getty Images

From 2014 to 2022, Heuermann filed four lawsuits against drivers he claimed hit him with their vehicles. Court records indicate that Heuermann and his counsel claimed these collisions caused him “serious and permanent personal injuries." Three of the cases have been settled or dropped but the latest is still in litigation. 

As for the tax issues, Heuermann -- who still resides in his childhood home just across the bay from where the bodies of his supposed victims were found -- has had issues on both the state and federal levels. CNN reported that Nassau County, New York records confirm Heuermann was subject to six tax liens filed by the IRS from 2010 through 2021. He owed a total of over $425,000 in taxes going back to 2005.

A document from October 2022 indicates that Heuermann repaid or no longer owed approximately $215,078 of his tax debt.

In addition, Heuermann and his wife, Asa Ellerup, also currently owe upwards of $81,500 in personal income tax to New York State. Their failure to pay these taxes began in 2020. 

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Credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Heuermann's arrest in the Gilgo Beach killings has been a long time coming. 

He has been the prime suspect in the string of murders, which have led to a Netflix project, a bestselling non-fiction book, and a popular podcast, for many years. In an April 2018 deposition, Heuermann ominously shared that he was only interested in one sport, "Really [the] only thing I competed in was competition rifle."

Currently, Heuerann has been charged in the murders of Melissa Barthelemy in 2009, and Megan Waterman and Amber Costello in 2010.

Authorities also consider him the prime suspect in the 2007 kidnapping and murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, according to a bail application by Suffolk County prosecutors. He has not yet been charged in that case.

All four victims worked as escorts.

According to a report from The Mercury News, investigators found a "disturbing internet search history, including 200 searches" about the status of the cases when they searched Heuermann's home computer.

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Credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Since Heuermann's arrest on Friday, his street in Massapequa Park has been abuzz with activity. Onlookers have gathered behind police lines to watch crime scene crews and officers remove evidence from Heuermann's family home. 

On the day of the arrest, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison spoke out about the case, which has taken 15 years to come to fruition, “Rex Heuermann is a demon that walks among us. A predator that ruined families. If not for the members of this task force, he would still be on the streets today.”

The date of Heuermann's next court date does not seem to have been publicly released at this time. 

This is an ongoing story. Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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Feature Image Credit: Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images

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Rebekah Barton

Rebekah Barton

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