The New York City architect arrested in connection with a string of decade-old bodies found on Long Island’s Gilgo Beach is expected to be arraigned on a new murder charge later this week, according to two sources familiar with the investigation.

Rex Heuermann, of Massapequa Park, is expected to be arraigned Thursday on the new charge. The sources didn’t immediately say to which alleged victim it pertained.

The 60-year-old was first arrested in July 2023 in the deaths of four women whose remains were found in burlap sacks along a remote stretch of Ocean Parkway more than a decade ago. The bodies of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, and Megan Waterman were found during a search for a missing escort, Shannan Gilbert, who later was found dead in a marsh. Her case was inconclusive; it has not been linked to the others.

As officers searched for her, they found at least six additional sets of remains in addition to the four women’s bodies. Not all of those people have been positively identified. At least two were believed to be escorts who fit the victim profile.

Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Word of the new one comes weeks after investigators returned to Heuermann's home with a search warrant. It wasn’t clear what, if anything, they found, but that search came shortly after another unspecified search connected to the Gilgo investigation, this time in a wooded area in Manorville.

Some of the remains discovered in Manorville years ago, when the investigation started, were linked to body parts discovered along Ocean Parkway. This connection deepened the intrigue surrounding the case and highlighted the possibility of a broader, more complex pattern of criminal activity.

The Gilgo Beach case has haunted Long Island for years, drawing widespread media attention and speculation. The remains found in the area have led to various theories about the identity and motives of the killer, often referred to as the Long Island Serial Killer. The discovery of the bodies in burlap sacks suggested a methodical and ritualistic approach, which investigators believe points to a single perpetrator or a connected group.

Heuermann's arrest in 2023 marked a significant breakthrough in the case. As a respected architect with no previous criminal record, his alleged involvement shocked the community. The investigation into Heuermann's background has been extensive, with authorities scrutinizing his personal and professional life for any signs that might link him to the murders.

The return of investigators to Heuermann's home and the recent searches in Manorville indicate that the investigation is far from over. Law enforcement officials are determined to uncover every piece of evidence that could lead to a full understanding of the crimes. The complexity of the case, involving multiple victims and various locations, has required a meticulous and prolonged investigative effort.

Public interest in the Gilgo Beach murders remains high, with many hoping that the new charges and continued investigations will bring closure to the victims' families and the community. The case has also sparked discussions about the safety and treatment of sex workers, who have been disproportionately targeted by serial killers.

As the legal proceedings against Heuermann continue, the focus will be on the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense's response. The case's outcome could have significant implications for how similar cases are investigated and prosecuted in the future.

In summary, Rex Heuermann's upcoming arraignment on a new murder charge adds another layer to the already complex and high-profile Gilgo Beach investigation. The continued efforts of law enforcement to uncover the truth behind these decade-old murders demonstrate their commitment to justice for the victims and their families. The developments in this case will be closely watched by both the public and legal experts, as they may provide crucial insights into one of Long Island's most notorious criminal mysteries.

The case has also drawn attention to broader issues within the criminal justice system, particularly concerning cold case investigations and the resources allocated to them. The renewed focus on Gilgo Beach has highlighted the importance of persistence and technological advancements in solving long-standing cases. It also underscores the critical role of community involvement and media coverage in keeping such cases in the public eye, ensuring that justice is pursued even years after the crimes were committed.

Moreover, the investigation's meticulous nature and the return to previously examined locations emphasize the importance of thoroughness in criminal investigations. By continuously revisiting and re-evaluating evidence, law enforcement can uncover new leads and insights that were initially overlooked. The Gilgo Beach case serves as a poignant reminder of the long-lasting impact of unsolved crimes on victims' families and communities, reinforcing the necessity for unwavering dedication in the pursuit of justice.