In a dramatic twist to the Gilgo Beach murder case, Rex Heuermann's defense attorney, Michael Brown, suggested outside the Suffolk County Supreme Court on Wednesday that the former police chief, James Burke, could be linked to the infamous serial killings.

During the media address, Brown highlighted the alleged dubious past of Burke, who previously led the investigation into the murders. “There were numerous leads that came into the Suffolk County Police Department, suggesting that Chief Burke was involved in this," Brown claimed. Burke's criminal record includes convictions for assault, public lewdness, and unlawful solicitation.

“This very checkered past and criminal activity of the chief of police who was running the investigation is problematic for us," Brown stated, pointing out that Burke had prevented FBI involvement in the case, which could have brought additional expertise to the investigation.

The hearing on Wednesday was a continuation of the judicial process to sift through potential evidence in the case against Heuermann, who is accused of murdering four women over a decade ago. Their bodies were found wrapped in burlap on the desolate stretches of Gilgo Beach. Heuermann, dressed in a black suit and navy tie, was reported to be attentive during the proceedings, which involved discussions on the extensive amount of evidence, including a 12-terabyte hard drive related to nuclear DNA and digital extractions from devices seized from his residence.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney disclosed significant progress in evidence processing: "Just today alone, we provided the Barnes missing persons investigation from the NYPD which is approximately 2,500 pages," he said, indicating the scale of the investigation.

Heuermann's next court appearance is scheduled for June 18, with a strict deadline set by Judge Timothy Mazzie for all discovery materials to be submitted by the end of July.

The case continues to unfold with high stakes and intense public interest, as the community seeks closure for the tragic deaths that have haunted Gilgo Beach for years.

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com