Rex Heuermann, the 59-year-old architect who was recently arrested for his alleged connection to the Gilgo Beach serial murders, had a seemingly normal family life. He was married twice and had two children. His first wife was Elizabeth Ryan, whom he married when he was only 26 years old. Who is Elizabeth Ryan and what was her relationship with Heuermann? This article will explore some of the facts and mysteries surrounding the first wife of the suspected serial killer.
The Marriage of Rex Heuermann and Elizabeth Ryan
According to a wedding notice from St. Peter’s Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Rex Heuermann and Elizabeth Ryan tied the knot in 1990. Heuermann was an architect and Ryan was a nurse at the time. They lived in Massapequa Park, Long Island, where Heuermann founded his own firm, RH Architecture, in 1994.
The couple had two children, a son and a daughter, who are now in their 20s and 30s. They were reportedly active members of their community and church, and Heuermann was involved in several local projects as an architect. However, their marriage did not last and they divorced in 2005. The reason for their split is unknown, but some sources suggest that Heuermann had a history of infidelity.
The Arrest of Rex Heuermann for the Gilgo Beach Murders
In July 2023, Rex Heuermann was arrested and charged with the murders of three of the four victims known as “The Gilgo Four” – Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, and Megan Waterman. They were among the 10 bodies found along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo State Park between 2010 and 2011, most of them believed to be sex workers.
Heuermann pleaded not guilty to the charges and claimed that he was innocent. He was linked to the crimes by DNA evidence and phone records that showed he had contacted the victims before they disappeared. Investigators also revealed that Heuermann’s wife and children were out of town around the time of the murders, suggesting that he had a window of opportunity to commit the crimes.
The Silence of Elizabeth Ryan
Elizabeth Ryan, who is now in her 50s, has not commented publicly on her ex-husband’s arrest. She has reportedly moved to another state and changed her name. She has also deleted her social media accounts and avoided any contact with the media. It is unclear whether she had any knowledge or suspicion of Heuermann’s involvement in the Gilgo Beach murders, or whether she was ever questioned by the police.
Some experts have speculated that Ryan may have been unaware of Heuermann’s dark side, as he was described as a charming, educated, and professional man who could blend in with society. Others have suggested that Ryan may have been afraid of Heuermann or felt guilty for not noticing any signs of his violent tendencies.
The Future of Rex Heuermann and Elizabeth Ryan
Rex Heuermann is currently awaiting trial for the Gilgo Beach murders, which could result in a life sentence if he is convicted. He is also a suspect in the murder of Amber Costello, the fourth victim of “The Gilgo Four”, and possibly other unsolved cases in the area. He has maintained his innocence and denied any involvement in the killings.
Elizabeth Ryan, on the other hand, has remained silent and out of the public eye. She has not spoken to her ex-husband or their children since his arrest, according to some sources. She may be trying to protect her privacy and cope with the shock of learning that her former spouse may be a serial killer.
Rex Heuermann and Elizabeth Ryan were once a married couple who had a seemingly normal life. However, their relationship ended in divorce and their lives took different paths. Now, they are both at the center of one of the most notorious serial murder cases in New York history. What secrets and mysteries lie behind their marriage and their separation? Only time will tell.