LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: Investigators have been tight-lipped about a significant piece of evidence discovered inside the residence of alleged serial killer Rex Heuermann in Massapequa Park. During a press conference on Tuesday, July 25, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney faced intense questioning regarding the chilling find of a mattress inside a large vault in the basement of the family home.
'Massive amount of evidence'
Although the district attorney confirmed the existence of a walk-in underground vault on the property, he repeatedly declined to either confirm or deny the presence of the alleged mattress within it. "The vault is big enough to walk into and it's in the basement," Tierney stated. He noted that the vault, like the rest of the house, was cluttered. Pressed for further details about the contents of the vault, including whether anything other than firearms was discovered, Tierney stated, "I'm not going to speak on that." However, he acknowledged the existence of a “massive amount of evidence” recovered from the property where Heuermann grew up and lived with his wife and family until his arrest. The district attorney also refused to comment on whether or not the search had uncovered any trophies taken from the victims or if there was evidence that items had been burned on the grounds of the home. "There were a number of disturbances that were found in the ground but we don't know what it is," he said.
Among the wealth of evidence found in the cluttered one-story property, no human remains were discovered. However, the district attorney emphasized that extensive testing would be required on the seized items, including analysis for blood, hairs, fibers, or other "trace evidence" that could indicate if any of the victims were killed at the residence. Describing the collection of evidence as vast, Tierney revealed that the crime lab would need time to thoroughly examine the items. Regarding the evidence discovered, Tierney stated that, at this stage, "not one thing jumps out" as particularly significant, per the Independent. The investigation team faces the daunting task of meticulously analyzing the large slate of items for any potential links to the gruesome murders attributed to Heuermann.
What is 'trace evidence'?
Trace evidence refers to minute pieces of evidence that are so small they can be transferred or exchanged between surfaces without detection. This form of evidence has gained significant importance in criminal investigations, as it can play a crucial role in linking suspects to crime scenes. French scientist Edmond Locard was the first to articulate the concept of trace evidence, describing how the dust and debris on our clothing and bodies serve as silent witnesses to our movements and encounters.
Paul L Kirk, a renowned criminalist, further emphasized the significance of trace evidence in his book 'Crime Investigation.' He highlighted that wherever a person steps, touches, or leaves, they inadvertently leave behind trace evidence that can act as mute witnesses against them. This includes fingerprints, footprints, hair, fibers from clothing, glass fragments, tool marks, paint scratches, and bodily fluids like blood or semen.
Trove of guns seized
In earlier revelations, investigators disclosed the seizure of approximately 270 guns from Heuermann's residence. The suspect reportedly held legal permits for 92 handguns and owned several long guns. The search of the home, which spanned almost two weeks, was concluded on July 25. The search involving extensive examination of the property, seizure of items, and yard excavation in search of crucial clues or potential trophies taken from the victims by the alleged killer.
