• #8,461
Do we know it was new info? New to the public and perhaps John Ray, but we have no idea what the Task Force and Tierney know.

In my mind, the two roles played by lawyer/investigator John Ray and DA Tierney are so very different it is to be expected they see things differently. From what I've observed, each seems to have a healthy ego. We know nothing of their prior dealings, if indeed they've had any. I don't necessarily expect them to play well together, but am trusting each to succeed in his own job.

Harrison massaged Ray's ego at the press conference and encouraged anyone with any information to tell someone - any one - as who knows what might be important. Ray gave the public information we did not have before. The info is intriguing and provides fodder for much speculation.

However, it may be info the Task Force had already uncovered. Perhaps not the individual witnesses, but the swinger lifestyle, associates of the Heuermann couple, etc. etc. Again, it might be information Tierney does not need as it is already covered and the team is working new areas.

Tierney is handling a huge case that will make or break his career and reputation. No wonder he's guarding everything closely.

We know his team is ploughing through all the vastness of "stuff" which may or may not be evidence taken from the Heuermann home, two storage units (to which a medical examiner was called), the New York truck, the South Carolina truck and properties in South Carolina and Nevada (and perhaps other places we don't know about yet).

With the sheer mountain of possibilities before Tierney, I can understand that he would like for everything to come down one pipeline instead of hurtling in from all sides. However, John Ray seems to have an interest in claiming evidence, some of which he tells us can't go to court because the people are unwilling for their names to appear in public. Long time Websleuthers like and respect Ray for his presistance and dedication to keeping the case before the public. That's cool.

But why not give Tierney the benefit of an occasional doubt? Just because he and John Ray aren't twinning doesn't mean he's not got his job well in hand.

The witnesses who provided the information to Ray and SCPD said they had called in tips to SCPD before, some multiple times, but never received a call back. It's somewhat difficult to investigate and rule out a tip without talking to the person who sent it in. You have to ask why SCPD didn't respond to the tips, especially when two of the witnesses signed affidavits and have agreed to testify in court if necessary.
 
  • #8,462
There have been many relevant tips from witnesses called in to the leaders of this investigation and many that were never investigated.

A tip from a person who saw Rex H at a swingers party in his home is not hearsay evidence, nor are tips from a cab driver who saw someone fitting Rex’s description attempting to violently attack a sexworker and, in another instance, heavily armed and attempting to threaten the same driver into taking them both to a dark secluded area.

Those are examples of direct testimony that can be verified, but were initially ignored by SCPD. They might be incidents that happened years ago, but that’s because Rex was only recently arrested. These witnesses then recognized him from those recent news reports.
I'm sure it's not your intent, but this is putting words in my mouth. The above examples are not what I spoke to when referring to something as "hearsay". You stated there was evidence that an accomplice was involved with RH.
I said that there was no actual evidence, it was hearsay. I have only heard of the attorney claiming that he has information from others that he believes MAY show a possible person somehow helped/assisted RH. That is hearsay. This attorney cannot be called to a witness stand and repeat this information that he heard from others and his taking written statements from anyone doesn't make it evidence.

As for your claim that Tierney himself is dismissing tips, I'm not seeing that as being a fair or accurate statement.

The case is already being prosecuted and there is no basis for continuing to claim that, presently, the investigation is being hindered or will be in the near future or that widespread corruption played a part in the commissioner's resignation. The county executive has already stated the task force will continue its work "unabated".
MOO
 
  • #8,463
If anything, we seem to be looking at a band of people so arrogant they were more likely to leave evidence in our faces.
What are the names of these arrogant people and what does it mean to "leave evidence in our faces"?
 
  • #8,464
Do we know it was new info? New to the public and perhaps John Ray, but we have no idea what the Task Force and Tierney know.

In my mind, the two roles played by lawyer/investigator John Ray and DA Tierney are so very different it is to be expected they see things differently. From what I've observed, each seems to have a healthy ego. We know nothing of their prior dealings, if indeed they've had any. I don't necessarily expect them to play well together, but am trusting each to succeed in his own job.

Harrison massaged Ray's ego at the press conference and encouraged anyone with any information to tell someone - any one - as who knows what might be important. Ray gave the public information we did not have before. The info is intriguing and provides fodder for much speculation.

However, it may be info the Task Force had already uncovered. Perhaps not the individual witnesses, but the swinger lifestyle, associates of the Heuermann couple, etc. etc. Again, it might be information Tierney does not need as it is already covered and the team is working new areas.

Tierney is handling a huge case that will make or break his career and reputation. No wonder he's guarding everything closely.

We know his team is ploughing through all the vastness of "stuff" which may or may not be evidence taken from the Heuermann home, two storage units (to which a medical examiner was called), the New York truck, the South Carolina truck and properties in South Carolina and Nevada (and perhaps other places we don't know about yet).

With the sheer mountain of possibilities before Tierney, I can understand that he would like for everything to come down one pipeline instead of hurtling in from all sides. However, John Ray seems to have an interest in claiming evidence, some of which he tells us can't go to court because the people are unwilling for their names to appear in public. Long time Websleuthers like and respect Ray for his presistance and dedication to keeping the case before the public. That's cool.

But why not give Tierney the benefit of an occasional doubt? Just because he and John Ray aren't twinning doesn't mean he's not got his job well in hand.
John Ray has nothing to do with my analysis and opinion of Tierney.

On the other hand, it is true that Tierneys anti-evidence response to John Ray did bolster my suspicion of his having a less than complete commitment to the investigation.

Tierney COULD have said, he regrets that anyone may not trust LE or Crime Stoppers, but he is committed to earning that trust back. But Tierney DID say tipsters should go to LE only, with no reassurance at all, even though the new evidence is partially from witnesses who did use the tip line and were ignored. It's very hostile to new information, and a refusal to acknowledge, the first step to repairing, problems with crime stoppers.

A tip through a victims lawyer is much better than no tip at all, isn't it? He didn't even acknowledge it was helpful to have that info. Maybe he didn't really want it.

Tierney already has enough to secure a high profile conviction. It feels to me that he wants this for political reasons, and also wants to not tick off the people who though SCPD was just fine before the Harrison/task force days.

I think he hopes people forget about the other victims. That way, voters will see him as committed to prosecuting Heuermann ((potentially for a fraction of his crimes) and the SCPD old timers will see him as not rocking the boat...not exposing a potential brooklyn detective (who could live in Nassau or Suffolk).

He would keep powerful friends on his side by: Not exposing whatever went down with the Oak Beach investigation and 911 responses, not exposing any more than has already been exposed about the investigation into Shannan's murder being basically dropped (while claiming the 911 call had to be held by LE because of an active investigation).

As I said before, staying positive is important. And Tierney is a playable character because he still want to appear to be a good prosecutor. I don't have reason to think he'd commit crimes to stay in with old timers. His need for that appearance is why we have to keep his feet to the fire; it will help. So I'm trying to stay positive, but that is not achieved by crawling under a rock.

MOO
 
  • #8,465
I think he hopes people forget about the other victims. That way, voters will see him as committed to prosecuting Heuermann ((potentially for a fraction of his crimes) and the SCPD old timers will see him as not rocking the boat...not exposing a potential brooklyn detective (who could live in Nassau or Suffolk).

He would keep powerful friends on his side by: Not exposing whatever went down with the Oak Beach investigation and 911 responses, not exposing any more than has already been exposed about the investigation into Shannan's murder being basically dropped (while claiming the 911 call had to be held by LE because of an active investigation).
You have no idea of what Tierney thinks or feels and to make these statements is uncalled for. With no reason you make it seem that he can be easily corrupted. An elected DA doesn't reach back to "old timers" in a police dept worrying he will "rock the boat". What "powerful" friends?? Detectives that didn't do their jobs?
A disgraced ex-police chief?
He is elected by the citizens, he works with a whole staff of prosecutors, I'd say most of them enjoy finding justice for victims.
 
  • #8,466
As to corruption in Suffolk County, NY. The history of several important characters within this case and people in government, LE and in Oak Beach is all very well documented. It’s possible that there are people in important positions that do not want any connection to RH or Gilgo Beach to be exposed.I will leave it at that to avoid ruffling feathers.

Also, this might be about money. If SC can limit the number of investigations into possible connections of the other six or seven bodies found on the parkway and the remains of other UID bodies, they will save money. That might be a part of the equation as far as ignoring certain tips.
 
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  • #8,467
I'm sure it's not your intent, but this is putting words in my mouth. The above examples are not what I spoke to when referring to something as "hearsay". You stated there was evidence that an accomplice was involved with RH.
I said that there was no actual evidence, it was hearsay. I have only heard of the attorney claiming that he has information from others that he believes MAY show a possible person somehow helped/assisted RH. That is hearsay. This attorney cannot be called to a witness stand and repeat this information that he heard from others and his taking written statements from anyone doesn't make it evidence.

As for your claim that Tierney himself is dismissing tips, I'm not seeing that as being a fair or accurate statement.

The case is already being prosecuted and there is no basis for continuing to claim that, presently, the investigation is being hindered or will be in the near future or that widespread corruption played a part in the commissioner's resignation. The county executive has already stated the task force will continue its work "unabated".
MOO

You should go back and read some of Tierney's recent statements. You should also listen to Harrison's statement with JR. He states that some people who sent tips to SCPD never received replies. Tips were actually left on a voice-mail type of program.

The tips about Rex H's activities, including the swinger parties and the cab driver who encountered him on 2 different occasions and who he threatened were people who called in tips recently. Most of these witnesses have only recently contacted LE and/or John because they saw Rex H on tv when he was arrested. Witnesses then recognized him from prior encounters. He's very recognizable and memorable because of his size and appearance.

I don't recall stating to you that Rex H had an accomplice in the murders. That hasn't yet been proven, but its suspected in some cases. If SCPD continues to conduct quality investigations, and follow up on the tips sent in, they may find out.
It's also worth noting some of the other unsolved murders attributed to LISK are in different jurisdictions, so hopefully those agencies (including NY State Police) will continue investigating.

For now, all tips go to the multi-jurisdictional Task Force, which is headed by SCPD. I wouldn't be surprised if the task force is dissolved after Harrison leaves, leaving the others to pursue their own investigations instead of having to wait for Tierney and others to do something with the info they've uncovered.

JMO
 
  • #8,468
The CPH in this case is not the survivalist that has been commented on here. It is a case of yet another doctor with the same name. A quick google search takes all of 5 minutes to see that this is not a relevant lead.

As to corruption in Suffolk County, NY. The history of several important characters within this case and people in government, LE and in Oak Beach is all very well documented. It’s possible that there are people in important positions that do not want any connection to RH or Gilgo Beach to be exposed.I will leave it at that to avoid ruffling feathers.

Also, this might be about money. If SC can limit the number of investigations into possible connections of the other six or seven bodies found on the parkway and the remains of other UID bodies. They will save money. That might be a part of the equation as far as ignoring certain tips.

The disgraced chief was only there 3 years, his downfall, which started in his first year (2012) there, had nothing to do with this case, and neither did the others that obstructed the investigation into the chief's coverup of his assaulting the in-custody thief. In a police dept of more than 2500 sworn personnel, I wouldn't be surprised if there are a few bad apples, both then and now. The major crimes unit and its chain of command are responsible for the neglect of the investigation. It's exposed and they knew who they were. Nothing I've seen amounts to a long history of widespread corruption that has a stranglehold on LE and the DA, who has only been there since 2021.


An elected DA doesn't answer to others in local governments, the point is, that there is absolutely nothing to say this DA is corruptible and it's odd to talk like it's inevitable. Are you also pondering that the new police commissioner, the new county executive, the chief of police and the sheriff will also get corrupted without any indication that they will?
It's not about money. Each agency pays their person(s) assigned to the task force. All detectives in major crime units get overtime pay. When the courts, prosecutors and LE have cases that are very costly, they don't just stop working, the county pays for the extra costs that can't be done from their budgets.
MOO
I assume the ignored tips are to do with Attorney Ray.

<modsnip: The Sun is not an approved source at Websleuths>
 
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  • #8,469
For now, all tips go to the multi-jurisdictional Task Force, which is headed by SCPD. I wouldn't be surprised if the task force is dissolved after Harrison leaves, leaving the others to pursue their own investigations instead of having to wait for Tierney and others to do something with the info they've uncovered.

Gilgo Beach probe will continue unabated after top cop ...

1699154755411.png
Newsday
https://www.newsday.com › Long Island › Crime


You should read the below articles about what will happen to the task force and what the position is on "tips"


Everyone would be surprised if the task force was dissolved, the county executive, who is elected to the highest office in the county, has already stated that it would continue on with its work. Do you have some reason to doubt his statement?

Tips are often left on a recording, the manpower required to answer tip phone lines is not doable. 911 communication centers are understaffed and most all police depts are short on personnel. This is standard even in the best of times. Many people want to leave a message and not talk to an actual person who will ask questions.

If there is a victim of a crime where RH is going to be accused of assault, that victim must make a police report and agree to assist with prosecution. A witness cannot report/describe a crime they saw and have it simply result in charges when a victim exists. If they don't have specific information that the prosecutor can use for these murders, it is not evidence in the murder case.

You should read this article. It clearly states what the task force will be doing with the tips. It clearly states tips are being researched.

<modsnip - The Sun is not an approved source>
 
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  • #8,470
The disgraced chief was only there 3 years, his downfall, which started in his first year (2012) there, had nothing to do with this case, and neither did the others that obstructed the investigation into the chief's coverup of his assaulting the in-custody thief. In a police dept of more than 2500 sworn personnel, I wouldn't be surprised if there are a few bad apples, both then and now. The major crimes unit and its chain of command are responsible for the neglect of the investigation. It's exposed and they knew who they were. Nothing I've seen amounts to a long history of widespread corruption that has a stranglehold on LE and the DA, who has only been there since 2021.


An elected DA doesn't answer to others in local governments, the point is, that there is absolutely nothing to say this DA is corruptible and it's odd to talk like it's inevitable. Are you also pondering that the new police commissioner, the new county executive, the chief of police and the sheriff will also get corrupted without any indication that they will?
It's not about money. Each agency pays their person(s) assigned to the task force. All detectives in major crime units get overtime pay. When the courts, prosecutors and LE have cases that are very costly, they don't just stop working, the county pays for the extra costs that can't be done from their budgets.
MOO
I assume the ignored tips are to do with Attorney Ray.

According to this article, nothing is being ignored.

I have not suggested anything that you write in this post. After following this case since 2011- thirteen years, there is a very long and well documented history of corruption in Suffolk County, NY. No one is suggesting that the current DA is corruptible. He actually left the SC DA’s office after only a few years there. He went on to the federal branch of law.
 
  • #8,471
I have not suggested anything that you write in this post. After following this case since 2011- thirteen years, there is a very long and well documented history of corruption in Suffolk County, NY. No one is suggesting that the current DA is corruptible. He was actually left the SC DA’s office after only a few years there. He went on to the federal branch of law.
To me, it seemed that your post was a comment about an ongoing "conversation" and that you attributed some opinions being held due to past events. I disagree that no one is suggesting the current DA is corruptible.
You stated that there is a long and well-documented history of corruption in Suffolk County, I disagree with this characterization and feel that others have repeatedly implied that it is widespread even today and will affect the prosecution and continued investigation. Indeed, one person said because of corruption, they wouldn't be surprised if they let RH walk!. There have been a number of posts bashing Tierney.

How about this commentary about Tierney limiting the investigation and hoping the other victims are forgotten about:

"He would keep powerful friends on his side by: Not exposing whatever went down with the Oak Beach investigation and 911 responses, not exposing any more than has already been exposed about the investigation into Shannan's murder being basically dropped (while claiming the 911 call had to be held by LE because of an active investigation)."
 
  • #8,472
ADMIN NOTE:

This thread is about the victims and the alleged perp, Rex Heuermann.

Politicizing is a violation of TOS, so please move on from the political commentary. Also stop the disparaging comments about the DA when there are no links to support, and nothing on which to base such speculative theory.

Thanks.
 
  • #8,473
Recent evidence has revealed that Heuermann didn't always work alone, that he was part of a "network" (for lack of a better term) of creeps.
I don't recall stating to you that Rex H had an accomplice in the murders. That hasn't yet been proven, but its suspected in some cases.

You said recent evidence has revealed that he didn't always work alone.

MOO It isn't really evidence and has not revealed that he didn't "work" alone. I'm guessing you mean it's suspected by the attorney Ray?


From the article;
"Ray believes that Heuermann, who has not yet been officially connected to the aforementioned victims, may not have acted alone in his alleged crimes."

 
  • #8,474

Gilgo Beach probe will continue unabated after top cop ...

View attachment 458287
Newsday
https://www.newsday.com › Long Island › Crime


You should read the below articles about what will happen to the task force and what the position is on "tips"


Everyone would be surprised if the task force was dissolved, the county executive, who is elected to the highest office in the county, has already stated that it would continue on with its work. Do you have some reason to doubt his statement?

Tips are often left on a recording, the manpower required to answer tip phone lines is not doable. 911 communication centers are understaffed and most all police depts are short on personnel. This is standard even in the best of times. Many people want to leave a message and not talk to an actual person who will ask questions.

If there is a victim of a crime where RH is going to be accused of assault, that victim must make a police report and agree to assist with prosecution. A witness cannot report/describe a crime they saw and have it simply result in charges when a victim exists. If they don't have specific information that the prosecutor can use for these murders, it is not evidence in the murder case.

You should read this article. It clearly states what the task force will be doing with the tips. It clearly states tips are being researched.

Yes, I’ve read articles. I know what has been said about the task force. I’m expressing concern about what might happen to that task force once the person who created it has left. JMO there are no guarantees.

To clarify, at Websleuths, JMO means “just my opinion”.

Witness testimony, once submitted, verified and fully investigated, can become evidence to be used for arrests and trials. In fact, it’s how most crimes are solved.
Most law enforcement agencies solicit tips from the public to solve crimes. When they receive these tips, they discuss the information with the person who submitted it.

It is a fact that very important tips given to SCPD about Rex Heuermann and his car were not followed up for 11 years. Fortunately those tips were discovered by a NY State Police investigator who used them to identify Heuermann within a few weeks time.




 
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  • #8,475
This is an opinion piece, but it gives a view of one of the authors who wrote a book and did a documentary about the LISK murders. It helps to understand the background and history of the murders and investigation.

 
  • #8,476
As to corruption in Suffolk County, NY. The history of several important characters within this case and people in government, LE and in Oak Beach is all very well documented. It’s possible that there are people in important positions that do not want any connection to RH or Gilgo Beach to be exposed.I will leave it at that to avoid ruffling feathers.

Also, this might be about money. If SC can limit the number of investigations into possible connections of the other six or seven bodies found on the parkway and the remains of other UID bodies, they will save money. That might be a part of the equation as far as ignoring certain tips.
Right.

It does get a little tiresome to spoon-feed this well-documented information.

Stay positive. (Which can be a struggle- and I'm by no means able to do so as often as I wish.) But some unheroic people, like Tierney IMO, are not criminals or interested in tarnishing their reputations. They are the people to hold accountabLE and focus on, because they will respond to the pressure. Criminals are going to crime. Heroes are going to hero. Then there are those who will only step up if we expect them to. The most productive thing to do is to have reasonable expectations and hold them firmly.

I have every right to expect that LE take tips seriously, and push to find justice for every victim. I'm going to exercise that right. Stateing that Tierney was inappropriate IMO in his behavior of ignoring tip line problems and showing hostility to the very promising tips he received, especially for victims Shannan and Karen, is being an engaged citizen, and an advocate for victims. If Tierney does not show interest in that information, he will have no business prancing around the courtroom self-righteously, pretending he cares about justice, while prosecuting 3/4 of the Gilgo 4.


MOO
 
  • #8,477
I'm wondering, who wants to take a job as top LE, if he has to start with the investigation of an old serial killer, who became discovered a decade too late through corruption, has probably acquaintances (if not like-minded "friends") in high places, who have a reputation to lose, and seems pretty relaxed the whole time?
 
  • #8,478
Yes, I’ve read articles. I know what has been said about the task force. I’m expressing concern about what might happen to that task force once the person who created it has left. JMO there are no guarantees.

To clarify, at Websleuths, JMO means “just my opinion”.

Witness testimony, once submitted, verified and fully investigated, can become evidence to be used for arrests and trials. In fact, it’s how most crimes are solved.
Most law enforcement agencies solicit tips from the public to solve crimes. When they receive these tips, they discuss the information with the person who submitted it.

It is a fact that very important tips given to SCPD about Rex Heuermann and his car were not followed up for 11 years. Fortunately those tips were discovered by a NY State Police investigator who used them to identify Heuermann within a few weeks time.
It's a fact that the case was terribly mismanaged. Tragic that evidence wasn't processed and information wasn't followed up. It's been said many many times and I haven't seen anyone disputing it.

I don't see this negating the work currently being done by the task force or impacting the stated commitments (by the county executive and DA) to continue the investigation of any new information and other unsolved/uncharged cases.

Right now, since 4 murders have been attributed to RH and 3 murder charges are already in court, no "tips" are needed to solve those murders.

Attorney Ray may not be satisfied with assurances that everything will be looked at, he also might not be satisfied with the possibility that his information is not pertinent to the murders or isn't evidence for a separate crime.

He certainly would know that a witness to an upset person, possibly assaulted, the claims about RH's wife and being at a swinger party, is not going to result in any legal action without identified cooperative witnesses and an actual crime being committed. I don't know what the public would like to see done at this point, we can't be advised of the status of the investigation into Ray's allegations.
 
  • #8,479
I'm wondering, who wants to take a job as top LE, if he has to start with the investigation of an old serial killer, who became discovered a decade too late through corruption, has probably acquaintances (if not like-minded "friends") in high places, who have a reputation to lose, and seems pretty relaxed the whole time?
It takes someone with a sturdy spine, sharp focus, and the ability to stomach facing corruption while carefully spot Cleaning, taking care not to flush out otherwise good team members who can bring the investigation forward in a protected environment, but can't do it and cope with active campaigns to corrupt them simultaneously. (Those will be the people who quit or retire and say they loved their jobs if it weren't for all the politics. The new commissioner has to keep them on, and protect them from politics.)

They have to be a very inspiring leader, and able to respond to and encourage only the good in people who want to investigate. In Rodney Harrison's case, it tended to be described as "class."

There are plenty of people who just go along to get along, and a fine leader will create an environment where their going along is helpful, not part of a cover up of corruption. The go along to get along persons could be some of the most productive and helpful team members. But they would not be good for this position of leadership. (And, of course! It's not the leaders who do the mass of real work, no matter the organization.)

The go along/get along person will be a bad incumbent for this SCPD Commissioner position, because it appears the pressures to stiffle the investigation are strong still. For example, when Rodney Harrison and John Ray presented evidence, there was a swift angry response, that included an impossibe directive. (Bring tips to LE, when that has not worked for tipsters). The rebuke inaccurately discredited the tip information. (Info via a victims' attorney is not as pure as from the FBI, perhaps, but it is hardly damaged goods. Ray has never been discredited with facts, and it's not like he represents the defendant. And he has supplied information better than journalists, because he has been able to put some witnesses under oath).

Rodney Harrison was right that progress was made before him, and that progress can continue to be made after him. It will take a strong Commissioner. It will take the public to hold those charged with doing justice to do just that.

MOO

Edited because my writing was less clear than usual, lol. Any question, ask and I'll supply a rambling explanation. It's what I do.
 
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  • #8,480
I'm wondering, who wants to take a job as top LE, if he has to start with the investigation of an old serial killer, who became discovered a decade too late through corruption, has probably acquaintances (if not like-minded "friends") in high places, who have a reputation to lose, and seems pretty relaxed the whole time?
For starters, here are some examples of what employees were paid in that county, in 2021, the most recent year available it seems. When you look at the list, and see so many officers making more than the ranking officers, keep in mind, that they can make a lot of overtime. The salaried appointments do not.

At least one serial killer is already in trial, and the task force is already in place. I think a new police commissioner would have a tremendous advantage.

I think the county executive will recruit someone, they don't have time for a long selection process.
I think many ranking officers, like unit/precinct commanders and above from lower paying depts, would apply for this position, but a qualified person would already be far into their career. A significant earnings increase for several years will boost your social security benefits too.



Michael Sharkey
Deputy Sheriff (Chief)$223,524

Steven Bellone
County Executive$222,124
 

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