Summary
- The police operation to catch the Long Island Serial Killer was highly impressive.
- Corruption within Suffolk County officials is believed to have hindered the case.
- Families of the victims fought for justice, but some didn’t live to see the killer caught.
The newest true-crime series from Netflix, titled “Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer,” narrates the heartrending tale of women who tragically fell prey to suspected killer Rex Hauermann. The series delves into the intense manhunt for this elusive fugitive, who skillfully evaded capture for numerous years. Liz Garbus, who previously directed the 2020 drama “Lost Girls” based on a book about the same case, was in charge of directing this three-part series.
Robert Kolker, author of the book, is deeply immersed in the Netflix true-crime series, sharing his extensive insights on the case. Moreover, he reveals significant reasons why the investigation didn’t advance as swiftly as expected, due to complications within law enforcement, coupled with a perceived neglect towards the victims and their loved ones.
The Catching Of The Long Island Serial Killer Was An Impressive Police Operation

Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer | |
---|---|
Cast | Aaron Peck, Isabella Victorson, Char Jones, Nate Terani, Raquel Fernandez and Nicolette Fino |
Air Date | March 31, 2025 |
Directed by | Liz Garbus |
Rex Hauermann, like others of his kind, couldn’t help but keep a watchful eye behind him ever since he carried out his initial murder. The Netflix documentary unveils that he exhibited an unusual fascination with his own case and went to considerable efforts to conceal his wrongdoings. He skillfully enticed his hapless victims, who were sex workers, towards their demise by using disposable phones to arrange meetings with them.

In 2023, I became part of a monumental joint operation involving Suffolk County Police Department, FBI, and New York State Police. This investigation that ultimately led to Heuermann’s apprehension in New York City uncovered his movements at crucial times when the victims were murdered. We traced his work office in Midtown Manhattan and his residence in Massapequa Park.
The enlightening documentary series showcases CCTV footage of Hauermann being taken into custody in New York City. Interestingly, it was a discarded pizza crumb bearing Hauermann’s DNA that police had recovered earlier, which matched hairs found on one of the victims. This compelling evidence was all we required to make an arrest.

The Gilgo Beach Four
- Melissa Barthelemy
- Amber Costello
- Megan Waterman
- Maureen Brainard-Barnes
The Long Island Serial Killer Case Potentially Took So Long To Solve Because Of Corruption

The Netflix crime documentary suggests that the Long Island Serial Killer remained undetected for such a prolonged period due to suspected corruption within Suffolk County authorities. The police chief, Jimmy Burke, and District Attorney, Tom Spota, were embroiled in accusations of corruption, which Liz Garbus, director of “Gone Girls,” posits may have hindered the pursuit of justice for the victims of LISK. In a conversation with Tudum, she expressed this viewpoint.
In essence, Suffolk County during the tenure of Police Chief Jimmy Burke and District Attorney Tom Spota operated much like a criminal organization. This story serves as a warning, highlighting the importance of preventing such individuals from gaining power in the first place. Essentially, it’s a cautionary tale about thwarting this type of behavior before it takes root.
Jimmy Burke’s career was marked by numerous allegations that were probed by internal investigations, with Tom Spota playing a significant role in shielding him from scrutiny. This lack of cooperation extended to external agencies such as the FBI, which could have potentially offered crucial assistance to the serial killer investigation much earlier than when they eventually joined the case.
The Gone Girls Victims’ Families Fought For Justice, But Sadly, Not All Of Them Lived To See The Long Island Serial Killer Get Caught

The families of the victims killed by the Long Island Serial Killer had a tough battle for justice, eventually obtaining it, though it came too late for some. Initially, in May 2010, Shannan Gilbert mysteriously vanished after contacting emergency services and claiming to be pursued. As investigators searched for her, they uncovered a series of murder victims whose disappearances had gone unnoticed when their families reported them missing years earlier. Tragically, Shannan’s body was discovered in December 2011, but her death is still officially classified as an accidental drowning rather than a homicide—a decision that continues to upset her family and attorney, John Ray. Director Liz Garbus expressed her thoughts on the matter.
This kinship group remained unwaveringly determined not to back down. They understood that stirring things up within the existing power structure would help draw focus on this particular issue.
Despite Mari Gilbert’s relentless pursuit for answers regarding all the victims, sadly she passed away in 2016, years before Rex Hauermann was arrested. Heartbreakingly, it was her own daughter, Sarra, who ended up taking Mari’s life in a violent and frantic assault involving stabbing and bludgeoning.
Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer Is Available To Watch On Netflix Now
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2025-04-04 16:24