Rex Heuermann's Plea, Fire Island Jane Doe and a DNA Breakthrough

Yesterday, on April 8th 2026, the world watched as Rex Heuermann pleaded guilty to the killings of eight women on Long Island, New York. Investigative reporter Kristin Thorne watched in real time, in court with the man we can now call the Gilgo Beach Serial Killer.  She takes us into that room and explains what it was like - Rex Heuermann’s “overly confident” demeanor as he confirms his killings, his body language, and reactions from his own ex-wife and daughter along with victims’ family members. As a reporter who followed this case from the beginning, Kristin reacts to the day’s events with our host Anne Emerson. We also speak with Dr. David Mittelman of Othram forensic genetic genealogy labs, instrumental in identifying Heuermann’s eighth victim, Karen Vergata. He gives us a glimpse into the years of work it took to give Karen back her name. Watch our coverage of the Gilgo Beach Murders Learn more about Othram Follow Kristin Thorne