• Kaylin Morales had a chilling encounter with Gilgo Beach murder suspect Rex Heuermann on a New York train days before his arrest.
• Police charged Heuermann with killing seven women and linked him to a long-running Long Island serial case.
• Heuermann pleaded not guilty, but investigators say strong digital and DNA evidence connects him to the crimes.

Kaylin Morales took a seat on a Long Island Rail Road train in New York City. The train car looked empty when she stepped on. She chose a seat and relaxed, enjoying the quiet ride. But things changed fast. A large man carrying a big can of beer entered the car. He sat down right next to her, even though many seats were still open. He told her not to worry, but she didn’t feel safe. She noticed how big he was and how close he sat. His presence made her nervous. Kaylin trusted her instincts. She decided to take a few photos and short videos of him with her phone. She felt something was wrong. She later told reporters that the man gave her a “bad vibe” that she couldn’t explain at the time.

Rex Heuermann Was Arrested Just Days After the Train Ride

Twelve days later, the news shocked Kaylin. Police arrested Rex Heuermann, the same man she sat next to on the train. Officers said he was the prime suspect in the Gilgo Beach murders. She saw his face on the news and recognized him immediately. She knew she had recorded him. Kaylin contacted Suffolk County Crime Stoppers. A detective confirmed the man in her video was Rex Heuermann. Her instincts had been right. The quiet train ride turned out to be a close brush with a man now accused of horrific crimes. Her story added a chilling layer to the public’s understanding of who Heuermann is.

The Gilgo Beach Murders Terrified the Long Island Community

The Gilgo Beach murders date back more than a decade. Police found the first bodies in 2010 along Ocean Parkway on Long Island. The victims were mostly women, many of whom worked as escorts. Over time, investigators discovered at least 11 victims. The killer left the remains in the same general area. People in the local community lived in fear for years. The case went cold more than once. Police searched for answers but made little progress for a long time. The nickname “Gilgo Beach Killer” appeared in media reports as the case gained attention. The mystery lasted more than a decade and led to national headlines.

Police Say Rex Heuermann Is Responsible for the Killings

Rex Heuermann now faces charges connected to seven of the victims. Investigators say he hunted women through escort websites and killed them. They tracked him down using DNA evidence, phone records, and online searches. Heuermann worked as an architect in Manhattan and lived in Massapequa Park, Long Island. He lived a quiet suburban life that shocked neighbors after the arrest. Police collected boxes of evidence from his home, including disturbing online searches. They believe he planned the murders carefully and tried to cover his tracks. Officers say he used burner phones and fake email accounts. They found hair at crime scenes that matched his DNA. The evidence built up over time and led to his arrest.

Rex Heuermann Pleads Not Guilty but Faces Serious Evidence

Heuermann has pleaded not guilty in court. He appeared calm at his hearings. His lawyers say he will fight the charges. But prosecutors believe they have a strong case. They point to digital records, DNA results, and witness statements. Many people now follow the case closely. Some believe the arrest finally brings justice to the victims. Others wonder how he avoided capture for so long. His trial could take months or even years. Police and lawyers continue to collect and review evidence. Families of the victims want closure. They hope this trial brings answers and peace after years of fear and grief.