A timeline of the investigation of the Gilgo Beach killings

In 2010, police searching for a missing woman began finding human remains in the scrub along a barrier island parkway near New York’s Gilgo Beach. Police almost immediately feared some were left by a serial killer. Over the years, investigators used DNA analysis and other clues to identify the victims. In some cases, they were able to connect them to remains found elsewhere on Long Island years earlier. The investigation ultimately led to the arrest of architect Rex Heuermann, who pleaded guilty Wednesday to murdering seven women and admitted in court that he killed an eighth.