Suspect in Gilgo Beach Murders Previously Staged Car Accident and Sued Innocent Driver
In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that Rex Heuermann, the suspect arrested in connection with three of the Gilgo Beach murders and considered a prime suspect in another woman's killing, had allegedly orchestrated a fraudulent car accident near his residence years ago. According to Steve VonDuerring, the furious boyfriend of the innocent driver involved, Heuermann staged the incident and then proceeded to sue the elderly driver for a staggering $5 million.
VonDuerring firmly asserted, "It was a staged accident. He didn't even get hurt," referring to Heuermann's actions. The incident took place in January 2017 when Barbara O'Sullivan accidentally struck Heuermann with her vehicle on a rainy night as he was walking home from the Massapequa Park train station. Heuermann, a 59-year-old Long Island architect, filed a lawsuit against O'Sullivan later that year in Nassau Supreme Court, claiming severe injuries and demanding the substantial compensation.
"He just got tapped. He didn't fall down, and then he sued," said VonDuerring, recounting the incident that prompted O'Sullivan to call him for support. Shockingly, this was not an isolated incident. Heuermann had filed four similar lawsuits in state court between 2014 and 2022, alleging that he had been struck by cars and suffered injuries in each instance, all the while seeking $5 million in compensation.
VonDuerring, who attended a hearing related to the lawsuit with O'Sullivan, witnessed Heuermann allegedly fabricating stories about his condition, claiming he couldn't use his arm and that his back and mobility were severely impaired. However, their suspicions were aroused when they observed Heuermann energetically putting up Christmas lights shortly afterward. Determined to expose the truth, they documented his activities and submitted photographic evidence during the legal proceedings.
Ultimately, the case was settled, with the insurance company reportedly paying Heuermann a sum of $55,000. VonDuerring expressed bewilderment over the settlement, stating, "I don't know why they gave him money."
These revelations regarding Heuermann's history of allegedly staging accidents and pursuing false lawsuits shed new light on the suspect's character and may have implications for the ongoing investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders. The authorities will undoubtedly delve deeper into these revelations as they seek justice for the victims and their families.