The arrest of Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old architect, has sent shockwaves through his Long Island community, particularly among his former high school classmates. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to murder charges related to the "Gilgo Beach 4" case.

Maureen Boyle Holpit, a classmate from the 1981 graduating class, recalls Heuermann leaving anonymous notes in her locker, expressing admiration. While she identified him as the source, she never perceived him as a threat. She described him as quiet, shy, and mild-mannered, someone who was occasionally teased. Looking back, she sees no warning signs of the horrific accusations he now faces.

Heuermann is charged with six counts of murder, two each for Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello, whose remains were found on Gilgo Beach in 2010. Prosecutors haven't ruled out additional charges, including a potential link to the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, another victim.

The shock extends beyond Heuermann's former classmates. Even actor Billy Baldwin, another alumnus of Berner High School, expressed disbelief on social media, describing the community's stunned reaction.

Investigators have uncovered a trove of information, including alleged Google searches performed by Heuermann related to graphic pornography, sex workers, and the Gilgo Beach murders themselves. These searches, some too explicit to be publicly disclosed, reportedly include queries about the investigation's progress and the inability of law enforcement to trace calls.

Heuermann's attorney maintains his client's innocence, emphasizing the circumstantial nature of the evidence and asserting that Heuermann denies the charges.

The Gilgo Beach Murders: A Grim History

The Gilgo Beach murders have haunted Long Island for over a decade. The initial search for missing escort Shannan Gilbert in 2010 led to the discovery of multiple bodies, primarily sex workers. The "Gilgo 4" were just the beginning. Subsequent searches uncovered additional remains, including those of Jessica Taylor, Valerie Mack, an unidentified toddler, an unidentified Asian male or transgender female, and a woman known as "Peaches." The investigation remains active, with ongoing efforts to identify all the victims and connect the crimes.