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Investigators have ‘lengthy inventory’ ahead with search at Heuermann’s home ending

David Sarni said it is possible that many of the items listed on the search warrant for Rex Heuermann’s car are also listed on search warrants for his storage units and home.

Rachel Yonkunas

Jul 26, 2023, 9:23 PM

Updated 513 days ago

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After digging for clues over the past 12 days, the investigation at alleged serial killer Rex Heuermann’s Massapequa Park home is complete. The work, though, is far from over.
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Team 12 Investigates obtained just one of the many search warrants related to charges against Heuermann. It includes dozens of items that police would take as evidence, if found, like DVDs, video cameras and cassette tapes.
“It’s going to be a very lengthy inventory,” said David Sarni, a retired NYPD detective and adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. “Either items will go to the lab or will be secured for court presentation at a later date, depending on the items that are taken.”
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Investigators typically have 10 days to present an inventory list to the judge once the search warrant has been executed. Prosecutors, however, are able to request an extension.
A search warrant for the green 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche that belonged to Heuermann, who was arrested for the murders of three Gilgo Beach victims, provides new insight into the type of evidence police are pursuing in their investigation.
Some of the property sought is oddly specific. Investigators are looking for paper towels from the “Bounty Modern Print Collection.” Retired law enforcement officials said it is possible investigators recovered that brand of paper towels at some point during their investigation or at the crime scene.
The search warrant for Heuermann’s car also lists items that may have belonged to the victims, such as identification, Bibles, and photographs or recordings depicting them. It even includes property such as beds and playpens.
“This is such an ongoing and huge investigation you want to make sure that all the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed,” Sarni said. “You’re going to make sure every warrant will include items that you may not think is usual, such as a bedding inside of a vehicle. They don’t know what’s inside the car to begin with so why not put that in because they’re looking for any item that ties Heuermann to these cases.”
Sarni said it is possible that many of the items listed on the search warrant for Heuermann’s car are also listed on search warrants for his storage units and home.
Other property sought includes items that may have been used to carry out the murders, such as hunting blinds, belts, and burlap.