26: Rex Heuermann: How Many Bodies, In How Many States?
The Gilgo Beach Murders: The Case Against Rex Heuermann
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Charging Family Members and Complicity in Crimes
Exploring the concept of complicity in crimes and the potential consequences for family members. Discussion on recent cases and the fine line between culpability and innocence.
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On a recent segment of "Hidden Killers", host Tony Brueski, delved into the chilling narrative surrounding the alleged serial killer Rex Heuermann. Brueski discussed the subject with former Federal Prosecutor and Personal Injury Attorney Eric Faddis.
The conversation focussed on Heuermann's puzzling choice of crime locations, ranging from his home in Long Island to Las Vegas and South Carolina. Faddis offered his professional insight, stating, "Long Island is home base for him. He knows the lay of land there. Vegas is notorious for sex work. I'm wondering if he picked these locations, set up shop, got his residence there, a place where he could carry out these gruesome acts allegedly."
Faddis noted the way Heuermann seemingly managed to control his environment, allegedly committing these heinous acts without interference from others, primarily when his family was absent. He suggested that Heuermann's decision to execute his criminal acts within the confines of his residences may have allowed him to avoid immediate suspicion.
Adding further intrigue to the story, the family has remained largely silent, with the wife filing for divorce. Brueski probed whether families are often oblivious to such dark secrets. In response, Faddis posited, "It's easy for family members to look through rose-colored glasses at their loved one and say, 'Oh gosh, little Johnny could never have done anything like this'."
When asked if family members could be held culpable for harboring a criminal if they overlooked clear indications of criminal behavior, Faddis responded that specific laws vary by jurisdiction. Drawing upon a recent case where a school shooter's parents were charged, Faddis commented, "Local prosecutors have to go over with a fine-tooth comb and make judgment calls in terms of who needs to be held culpable for these egregious things that happen in our society."
Faddis argued that the line between ignorance and willful blindness is thin and complex. He remarked, "Simply having an ignorance of the ultimate final act or the severity of the ultimate final act is not necessarily a defense." This statement throws light on the complex nature of criminal liability, as well as the role and responsibilities of those closely associated with the accused.
Perhaps the most intriguing element of the story is Heuermann's first words upon his arrest: "Is it in the news?" Brueski and Faddis speculated about the meaning behind this question. Faddis mused, "To ask if it's in the news seems a little more consistent with what some people view as a serial killer profile where they're narcissistic, they kind of like the fame, they like the notoriety."
In the world of crime, the tales are as disturbing as they are complex. As the story of Rex Heuermann unfolds, listeners eagerly await further analysis from the experts at "Hidden Killers". This episode is a stark reminder of the dark depths to which humanity can sink and the constant quest for justice that pushes investigators, journalists, and legal professionals to expose these chilling narratives.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The conversation focussed on Heuermann's puzzling choice of crime locations, ranging from his home in Long Island to Las Vegas and South Carolina. Faddis offered his professional insight, stating, "Long Island is home base for him. He knows the lay of land there. Vegas is notorious for sex work. I'm wondering if he picked these locations, set up shop, got his residence there, a place where he could carry out these gruesome acts allegedly."
Faddis noted the way Heuermann seemingly managed to control his environment, allegedly committing these heinous acts without interference from others, primarily when his family was absent. He suggested that Heuermann's decision to execute his criminal acts within the confines of his residences may have allowed him to avoid immediate suspicion.
Adding further intrigue to the story, the family has remained largely silent, with the wife filing for divorce. Brueski probed whether families are often oblivious to such dark secrets. In response, Faddis posited, "It's easy for family members to look through rose-colored glasses at their loved one and say, 'Oh gosh, little Johnny could never have done anything like this'."
When asked if family members could be held culpable for harboring a criminal if they overlooked clear indications of criminal behavior, Faddis responded that specific laws vary by jurisdiction. Drawing upon a recent case where a school shooter's parents were charged, Faddis commented, "Local prosecutors have to go over with a fine-tooth comb and make judgment calls in terms of who needs to be held culpable for these egregious things that happen in our society."
Faddis argued that the line between ignorance and willful blindness is thin and complex. He remarked, "Simply having an ignorance of the ultimate final act or the severity of the ultimate final act is not necessarily a defense." This statement throws light on the complex nature of criminal liability, as well as the role and responsibilities of those closely associated with the accused.
Perhaps the most intriguing element of the story is Heuermann's first words upon his arrest: "Is it in the news?" Brueski and Faddis speculated about the meaning behind this question. Faddis mused, "To ask if it's in the news seems a little more consistent with what some people view as a serial killer profile where they're narcissistic, they kind of like the fame, they like the notoriety."
In the world of crime, the tales are as disturbing as they are complex. As the story of Rex Heuermann unfolds, listeners eagerly await further analysis from the experts at "Hidden Killers". This episode is a stark reminder of the dark depths to which humanity can sink and the constant quest for justice that pushes investigators, journalists, and legal professionals to expose these chilling narratives.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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