Gilgo Beach killings: Rex Heuermann’s attorney talks trial, evidence

( NewsNation ) — The attorney representing the man accused of killing six women over the course of 30 years near Gilgo Beach, New York, says he wants to see the case go to trial.

After a continuation Tuesday, however, it’s unclear how soon the case could go before a jury.

Rex Heuermann appeared Tuesday in a Suffolk County, New York, courtroom with his hands cuffed behind his back. His estranged wife also attended with her service dog. After a brief procedural discussion about evidence, the judge set Heuermann’s next court date for Oct. 16.

Tuesday marked Heuermann’s first appearance since prosecutors filed additional charges last month , alleging his involvement in the death of two more women. Altogether, Heuermann is charged with murder in connection with the deaths of six women: Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla.

He’s pleaded not guilty on all counts.

Police spent the past 14 years investigating the deaths of at least 10 people, most of whom were sex workers whose remains were discovered along an isolated highway near Gilgo Beach on Long Island.

Heuermann, an architect, lived across the bay from where officials discovered the bodies.

The case was expected to go to trial in September, but his next court date now is scheduled for October.

“I know a lot of the evidence and I want to get in front of a jury,” Heuermann’s attorney Michael Brown told reporters after court Tuesday.

He said he plans to file a motion to separate the cases so the charges relating to the first four women are tried separately from the two most recent charges.

Brown also raised concerns about the DNA testing performed on hair strands allegedly tying Heuermann to the bodies. The attorney may additionally request a change of venue to avoid a biased jury, he said.

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