The sister of one of Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann’s victims lashed out at him in court Wednesday, saying he believed women were “his to destroy” and accusing him of lacking any remorse for his horrific crimes.

“He is a selfish, entitled man who felt like my sister and the others were his to destroy,” Danielle Mack said at the start of Heuermann’s sentencing in Riverhead, New York, according to CNN.

Victim Valerie Mack’s sister also said Heuermann, 62, didn’t “have the humanity to feel remorse.”

Heuermann, wearing a black suit, blue shirt and light-colored tie, looked down with his hands lap as Danielle Mack spoke.

The scene played out during a series of victim impact statements before Judge Timothy Mazzei sentenced Heuermann to life in prison without parole for murdering Valerie Mack and six other women: Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Lynn Costello, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla.

Heuermann —who strangled his victims and dismembered some before dumping their remains along Ocean Parkway near Long Island’s Gilgo Beach — also admitted killing an eighth woman, Karen Vergata, during his grisly crime spree from 1993 to 2010, despite not having been charged in her slaying.

In a statement read by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, Valerie Mack’s son, Benjamin “Aaron” Torres, said there was “no possible excuse” for Heuermann’s “evil and selfishness.”

“You will reap what you have sown. No one is exempt from that universal truth,” the statement added.

Many of Heuermann’s victims were sex workers and Danielle Mack’s sister acknowledged her “struggles” but said Valerie Mack “had a fire inside of her that lit up the world around her.”

Adoptive mother JoAnn Mack also told Heuermann in court: “You can never give back what you took from her and her son. You took away a lifetime for him of his mother’s love.”

“She had hopes, and she had dreams, and you took it all away from her,” JoAnn Mack said before warning Heuerman, “Unless you get yourself right before God, Valerie is the one who is free today, and you are not.”

The families of seven victims told prosecutors they wanted to make statements either in person or in writing before Mazzei imposed punishment on Heuermann, who worked as architect in New York City and was a married father of two before authorities revived a stalled investigation and arrested him in July 2023.

The evidence against him included cellphone records and DNA recovered from a pizza crust he tossed in a trash can near his Manhattan office.

During Wednesday’s court proceedings, the sister of victim Melissa Barthelmy was midway through her statement when she stopped to scold Heuermann for avoiding eye contact with her.

“You can look at me while I’m talking,” Amanda Funderburg snapped.

The remark prompted Heuermann to briefly glance at her before turning away and staring straight ahead.

Funderburg said her sister’s slaying caused her to suffer ongoing anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and she described having stared at her phone as a teen while fearfully awaiting another call from her older sister’s killer.

Funderburg and other members of her family received a series of calls from Barthelmy’s cellphone after the 24-year-old disappeared in 2009, with a male voice taunting them and ultimately admitting that he’d killed her.

In court, Funderburg said she agreed with news reports that called Heuermann an “ogre” because “that’s truly what you are.”

“I hope you suffer to the fullest extent,” she said.

Dyllan Hagget, son victim Maureen Brainard-Barnes, said he was only 1 when she was killed, leaving him without any memories of her.

“I never had her when I needed her,” Haggett said. “She never got to see who I have become.”

Daughter Nicolette also said she “was shaped as much by my mother’s absence” as her presence, adding, “I will never be someone who can relax because I had such fear at such a young age.”

Nicolette said that “like every sex worker, my mom was an entire human being” who was “deeply loved and cannot be replaced.”

“She loved, she struggled, she mattered. And she deserved the chance to keep living,” her daughter added.

Elizabeth Meserve, aunt of victim Megan Waterman, said Heuermann “not only took Megan’s hopes and dreams, he also shattered our family,” and she took note of his hulking, 6-foot4-inch height and weight, which was reportedly 240 pounds when he was arrested.

News reports have said he’s apparently put on even more weight since then.

“When you compare his size to these smaller victims, it’s clear: He was not a fearsome predator, but rather a cowardly opportunist,” Meserve said. “Begone, cowardly demon.”

Jasmine Robinson, a cousin of Jessica Taylor, told Heuermann that “you fill me with so much repugnance it’s suffocating,” and another cousin, Violet Swager, noted that Taylor would have turned 43 on Wednesday.

“I’m so grateful for this day of justice and I know she is, too,” Swager said. “Happy birthday, Jess.”

In written statements read in court, Kimberly Overstreet said that although sister Amber Costello “was a sinner, she was forgiven,” and Ruth Ramos, sister of Sandra Costilla, said that “it brings our families peace knowing the person responsible for our everlasting pain can never harm anyone else.”

Heuermann’s wife, Asa Ellerup, divorced him after his arrest and didn’t attend his sentencing, with her lawyer releasing a statement last week that said she “believes this day should be centered on the victims, their families, and the profound impact these crimes have had on their lives.”

And the heart-breaking reality is that this crime is far more common than many realise — so much so that police in Bolton are now taking action to stop it in its tracks.

Specialist officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Economic Crime Unit is hosting a series about romance fraud over the coming weeks.

Staff and volunteers will be on hand to offer advice to residents about romance fraud, and cybercrime in general, explaining what it is, how to stay safe and protect yourself.

In Bolton the session will be held on Monday, June 22 at Nationwide in Deansgate, Bolton town centre, from 10am to 1pm.

For more fraud prevention advice, visit GMP’s crime prevention webpage here – https://www.gmp.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/

More than 500 complaints related to romance scams were received by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) between January 2025 and March 2026.

Romance scams happen when fraudsters convince often vulnerable people to send money to them, by gaining their trust and convincing them that they are in a relationship.

Generally, the service said cases that it sees involve scammers using social media and gaming apps to lure victims, enticing them towards more private messaging apps.

Criminals will sometimes search for profiles of widowed people or divorcees, the FOS said.

Patrick Hurley, ombudsman director at the FOS, said: “Being the victim of a fraud or scam can be deeply distressing and sadly for many people the financial implications can be life-changing.

“Romance scams particularly can leave an emotional scar and the impact on victims is often significant.

“Our service offers free, fair and final answers to your financial complaints. So, if you’re unhappy with how your financial provider has handled your issue, you can bring a complaint to us.”

Tips from the FOS to help prevent romance scams:

1. Do not send money to someone you have only met online.

2. If someone pressures you into transferring money, stop and ask yourself if it could be a scam.

3. Listen to your bank if they warn you about a scam and answer their questions accurately.

4. If someone tries to convince you to invest money with a firm, check the Financial Conduct Authority’s register to confirm that it is authorised.

Stephen’s parents thanked those who have kept him in their thoughts and prayers

The parents of North Belfast knife attack victim have confirmed there is a possibility he may be left blind.

Stephen Ogilvie was stabbed on Kinnaird Avenue on 8 June in an incident which led to two nights of disorder across parts of Northern Ireland.

A 30-year-old Sundanese national, Hadi Alodid, has been charged with attempted murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer on the same day and possession of a knife.

In an update which was shared on the GoFundMe page, which has raised more than £31,000 for the victim, his parents confirmed he is now out of his induced coma.

“On behalf of our family, we would like to sincerely thank everyone who has donated, shared this fundraiser, and kept Stephen in their thoughts and prayers,” they said.

“We are relieved to share that Stephen is now out of his induced coma and continuing his recovery, although he still faces significant challenges ahead. The funds raised will help provide Stephen with the equipment, support, and everyday items he may need as he adjusts to life following this attack.

“With the loss of sight in his left eye and the possibility of losing sight in his right eye, your generosity will make a real difference to his future quality of life.

“We have been truly humbled by the kindness of so many people, many of whom have never met our family. Thank you all for your incredible support, and please continue to share the fundraiser with your friends and family if you can.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Emergency services attended with a cordon put in place

A woman was taken to hospital after a police car was involved in a crash in south Manchester.

It happened on Barlow Moor Road in Didsbury this afternoon (Wednesday, June 17).

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a police car was involved in a collision with another vehicle.

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Pictures from the scene, outside Moor Allerton prep school near the junction with Mersey Road, showed a liveried police car and a blue estate both with damage to their front ends.

Paramedics and fire crews also attended with the area around the vehicles taped off.

A spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said a woman was taken to hospital for treatment.

GMP were unable to confirm if the person was an officer or civilian.

However they said it appeared there had been no serious injuries had been suffered by anybody.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed they attended to ‘help make the scene safe.’

The project was due to be finished in February 2024

A developer has been criticised for ‘simply unacceptable’ delays to a major flats project, with questions being asked about what went wrong.

Earlier this month, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) announced it has ended its contract with developer Robwood Construction Limited who were appointed to deliver a 30 affordable apartment scheme on Shaw Street in May 2022. The development was a mix of one and two bedroom flats and was due to be finished in February 2024.

The housing association, which manages around 11,500 homes, said there had been a number of delays to the project but these ‘now are solely focused on poor contractor performance’. FCHO said they had worked with Robwood Construction ‘to address the delays and to ensure the project was finished by the end of last year’.

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They claim £3.7m being handed over, but the scheme has still not been finished. FCHO said it had terminated the contract as ‘progress has still remained unacceptably slow’ and they have now taken over the site to finish it.

Chief executive Mark Gifford said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly but a delay of more than two years by this main contractor to finish this project is simply unacceptable.

“It has come to the point where we can see no realistic prospect of this development finishing unless we take control.

“This is despite considerable financial and practical support from FCHO including ensuring all payments due to Robwood Construction have been made.”

Mr Gifford said they had sent letters explaining the situation, adding: “We want to see this development finished because people need to move into these homes. We also recognise this has been a building site for too long and nearby residents are rightly concerned about the delays.

“We are now on site and assessing just how long it will take to finish the project. When we have made this assessment, we will be able to give a realistic completion time frame to the community.”

Reform UK councillor for Royton North and group leader, Lewis Quigg, said: “Given the near two-year delays to the project, questions still need to be asked why it took so long. The snap decision to terminate the contract was probably needed given the delays.

“Whether FCHO like it or not, this scheme was a flagship scheme in Royton. Hopefully the scheme can finally be finished. We can only hope that the council ensure the properties go to local people from Royton.”

A FCHO spokesperson added: “We are now in control and we expect to work with some of the respected supply chain that was previously on site to ensure work continues at pace. Everyone can be assured Shaw Street will be completed as soon as possible.”

Asked whether FCHO is looking to recover any of the money given over to developers, the spokesperson said: “The situation is commercially sensitive.”

Robwood Construction was subject to a number of winding-up petitions over the past year, the most recent being filed in April. Those proceedings are understood to be ongoing. A winding-up petition is legal action taken by a person or organisation who believes they are owed money.

If successful in court, this gives the right for the company to be wound up if the debt cannot be paid. Mr Gifford said: “FCHO was aware of the winding-up petitions Robwood Construction Limited was facing in the summer of last year.

“These are not unusual in the construction sector and in other industries. However we then undertook extensive due diligence around the cash flow and solvency of Robwood before we gave the company further funds for Shaw Street to reflect the well documented and nationwide increases in labour costs and materials.

“Those funds came with a stipulation the project’s supply chain were to be paid with the money and this was overseen by our on-site agent.”

Mr Gifford said the termination of the contract was not related to any potential solvency issues.

The LDRS attempted to contact Robwood Construction through its registered accountants on Companies House about the situation and understands the enquiry has been passed onto the developer.

Lee Birkett, the sole director of the company, has also been approached multiple times for a comment.

A woman has been taken to hospital following a crash on the A34 near Handforth Dean on Wednesday afternoon (June 17).

Witnesses report a car has flipped onto its roof on the Wilmslow-Handforth bypass at the roundabout near B&Q, with around five or six emergency service vehicles at the scene.

The Manchester Evenning News understands a woman has been taken to hospital as a precaution after a car hit a lamppost and flipped.

The incident has led to the closure of part of the roundabout, according to AA Traffic News, while traffic is building on the bypass. Google Maps is showing significant delays in the area and indicates the closure could remain in place until midnight.

This is a live event. We’ll bring you updates as we get them.

Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann has been sentenced to life in prison without parole in an emotional end to a decades-long murder case that haunted Long Island.

Families applauded and cheered in the courtroom after the judge handed down the sentence Wednesday. He called Heuermann a “disgusting and despicable man,” stating: “You’re a coward.”

Heuermann was allowed to speak at sentencing and told the court, “I am responsible for all that was said in this room… The words I say have no meaning.”

The judge asked him if he’s sorry for his crimes, saying, “At least eight women that we know of… Are you a little bit sorry for that?” Heuermann replied, “yes.”

Earlier at the hearing, hands clasped and resting on the defense table in an eastern Long Island courtroom, Heuermann looked straight ahead and lightly tapped his fingers as he was confronted by families of his victims.

“A million years isn’t enough,” Jasmine Robinson, a cousin of victim Jessica Taylor, told killer Rex Heuermann. “Nothing will ever make this right.”

“Justice has been done, but it can’t replace what has been taken,” said JoAnn Mack, the mother of victim Valerie Mack. “She had dreams, and you took them all away from her.”

The Long Island architect, 62, lived a secret life of violence for years before admitting he killed eight women in April.

The sentencing caps an extraordinary investigation that solved one of New York’s most perplexing mysteries — one that began as a series of seemingly unconnected, and largely unmarked disappearances of young women, but became the focus of true-crime documentaries, books and podcasts after police began discovering the victims’ skeletal remains in the sandy scrub along a coastal parkway.

Asa Ellerup, his ex-wife, and their two grown children said through their lawyers that they would not attend the sentencing out of respect for the victim’s families.

The overall number of homes across the sites will increase from 235 to 299

Plans to replace 235 “ageing” homes at former council estates in Cambridge with almost 300 new ones have taken a step forward. Cambridge City Council, working with Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) and The Hill Group, are seeking additional funding to deliver council houses as part of the developments.

The proposals, on Hanover Court, Princess Court and Ekin Road, aim to improve living standards for Cambridge and help meet growing demand across the city.

The overall number of homes across the sites will increase from 235 to 299. At Hanover Court, Princess Court and Ekin Road, independent viability assessments concluded that the costs associated with redeveloping the sites mean there should be no requirement to build council homes.

Nevertheless, Cambridge City Council intends to secure funding from Homes England to deliver council homes at each development.

The latest plans at Hanover Court and Princess Court off Hills Road, would see two deteriorating residential buildings of 127 homes demolished and 165 new homes built in their place. Funding for this site will allow 72 council homes to be built as part of the 165 new homes proposed, equalling 44 per cent. This would be a reduction of 10 compared with the 82 existing council homes.

Similarly, at Ekin Road, in Abbey, funding would enable 78 council homes to be built within the 134 total new homes being proposed, equalling 58 per cent. This is 13 fewer council homes than currently exist. Updated plans propose the demolition of 108 “ageing” homes to deliver the new ones.

In addition, the proposals would see more spacious layouts, modern homes, with some homes offering additional living spaces and others offering additional bedrooms.

The remaining 149 homes will be available for sale and profit generated from these homes will go towards the council’s additional source of funding to support its ongoing council house building programme.

According to the council, the current residential buildings in Hanover Court and Princess Court are no longer suitable for council tenants to live in due to a combination of structural concerns, fire safety constraints and wider building performance issues. The council considers that the only way to address the concerns is to redevelop the site.

Built in the 1950s and 1960s, the Ekin Road estate reportedly has many of the maintenance and structural issues which can contribute to issues such as damp, condensation and mould. Therefore, the site is being redeveloped. The development will offer a mix of one to five bedroom homes, as well as four homes specifically designed for wheelchair users.

Residents have already moved from Hanover Court, Princess Court and Ekin Road ahead of the planned development works. Support for council tenants includes being given priority access to choosing a suitable council home to move into as well as a home-loss payment of around £8,000, plus a £1,250 payment to cover moving expenses.

Meanwhile, homeowners are offered the market rate for their home based on a property valuation by a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor, plus a statutory compensation payment of 7.5-10 per cent. They are also entitled to reasonable disturbance and assistance with moving costs, including legal fees and Stamp Duty Land Tax.

Councillor Gerri Bird, Cambridge City Council Cabinet Member for Housing and CIP board member said: “Everyone deserves to live in homes that meet modern standards – with spacious living areas that are well ventilated and comfortable to live in, with high energy efficiency to bring down spiralling energy costs.”

Plans for Ekin Road are due to be considered by Planning Committee later this summer.

Michael O’Leary called changes to air passenger rights “gobbledygook” and “bureaucratic bunkum” in a statement published on the airline’s website on June 16.

The rules, announced a day earlier, require airlines to display fares including at least one carry-on bag before the booking process begins.

The European Commission says the update will improve transparency and help customers make fairer comparisons.

What happens if you miss your flight due to airport delays?

Mr O’Leary said: “These latest EU261 regulations are more bureaucratic bunkum from the EU Parliament and Council.

“Instead of encouraging EU airlines to advertise our lowest fares (which exclude second cabin bags), which is what over 50% of our customers choose, these new rubbish regulations require airlines to falsely advertise higher air fares, making EU airlines even less competitive.”

Ryanair claims the rule will mislead passengers who want the cheapest fares, which do not include a second cabin bag.

According to the airline, around half of its customers select the basic option and travel with just a small under-seat bag.

The UK is expected to follow suit with the rule change, as EU261 was adopted into British law post-Brexit.

Mr O’Leary also criticised the EU’s broader approach to aviation regulation.

He said: “As usual, neither the EU Parliament, nor the Council, have done anything to improve the competitiveness of EU airlines by abolishing Europe’s failed harmful ETS taxation or reforming the EU’s broken ATC system.”

The Emissions Trading System (ETS) requires companies to buy permits for each tonne of carbon they emit—costs Ryanair believes further harm airline competitiveness.

Mr O’Leary argued that more pressing issues, such as air traffic control (ATC) delays, are being ignored.

He said: “Europe’s ATC system accounts for over 90% of airline delays, yet the airlines are not allowed to recover our EU261 costs from these failing Government monopolies.

“At a time when Putin invaded Ukraine, and there is a war in the Middle East, Europe needs to be more competitive if it is to deliver growth.

“At this time of international crisis, all the EU Parliament and Council can do is invent new regulations.

“This will now force airlines to advertise higher air fares (which include second cabin bag fees) instead of advertising our lowest air fares (which exclude second cabin bag fees) which is what more than 50% of Ryanair passengers choose on a daily basis.”

He urged Ursula von der Leyen and EU leaders to focus on meaningful reforms.

Mr O’Leary said: “Ryanair again calls on Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU Parliament, to stop making rubbish regulations which makes EU air travel less competitive, and instead do something competitive for European consumers.”

Among other rule changes is a new ban on denying boarding for return flights if a passenger did not take the outbound leg.

However, Ryanair maintains that the carry-on change will confuse customers looking for the lowest fare and further burden airlines with unnecessary red tape.

The song is in opposition to the whole ‘looksmaxxing’ trend