In a chilling account, a former escort, Nikki Brass, reveals her harrowing date with Rex Heuermann, the man accused of being the notorious Gilgo Beach serial killer. Brass’s story sheds light on Heuermann’s disturbing behavior and the terrifying realization that she narrowly escaped becoming another victim.
Brass, now a successful hairstylist and makeup artist, worked as an escort several years ago. During that time, she encountered a man who left an indelible mark on her memory – Rex Heuermann.
Years later, when Heuermann’s arrest made headlines, Brass’s friend instantly recognized him from a photo Brass had shown her years prior. The chilling realization that she had shared a table with the alleged killer sent chills down her spine.
The date, which occurred in the summer of 2015, began innocently enough. They met at a public restaurant, The Steam Room in Port Jeff, after Brass declined Heuermann’s insistence on meeting at his Massapequa home.
Heuermann’s true nature began to surface when the conversation shifted to true crime. While Brass, a self-proclaimed true crime enthusiast, engaged in the topic lightheartedly, Heuermann’s demeanor took a dark turn.
He seemed particularly interested in the Gilgo Beach murders, his posture straightening and a smirk playing on his lips as he discussed the case. Brass recalls Heuermann asking her if she believed Shannan Gilbert, a Jersey City woman, was connected to the Gilgo Beach victims. When she agreed, Heuermann’s excitement grew, and he launched into a detailed hypothetical about how the killer might have disposed of the bodies.
Nikki Brass describes her date with Rex Heuermann
Heuermann chillingly described how someone could navigate the dark, desolate marshes of Gilgo Beach unnoticed, even suggesting the use of camouflage bags or a small boat without lights. He even hypothesized that a police officer could easily carry out such acts without raising suspicion.
As the date wore on, Heuermann’s disturbing fascination with the murders became increasingly apparent. He spoke of strangulation and hammer blows, claiming that a single strike to the head would suffice. Brass vividly remembers his chilling words, “Usually, it’ll take one time,” delivered with a disturbing casualness.
Heuermann’s callous disregard for the victims, referring to them dismissively as “just escorts,” “just prostitutes,” and “just whores,” further revealed his twisted mentality. Yet, he attempted to distance himself from such views by reassuring Brass that he didn’t see her in the same light, acknowledging her dreams and aspirations. This chilling tactic, Brass believes, was likely a way for him to exert power and control, dehumanizing the victims while attempting to gain her trust.
Fearing for her safety, Brass politely declined Heuermann’s invitation to return to his home, making up a story about meeting a friend. Her instincts screamed at her to get away from him as quickly as possible.
She made sure to have a friend meet her in the parking lot, a precaution that seemed to agitate Heuermann. In hindsight, Brass believes his insistence on driving her in his car stemmed from a desire to avoid being caught on traffic cameras with a potential victim.
Brass’s experience reveals the chilling reality of the danger faced by sex workers and highlights the importance of taking their stories seriously. The dehumanization of these women, often dismissed as “just” escorts or prostitutes, allows predators like Heuermann to operate with impunity.
Brass’s bravery in coming forward sheds light on the dark underbelly of Long Island and serves as a chilling reminder of the importance of listening to and believing victims. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a powerful call for justice for all those who have fallen victim to violence.
