In the high-profile case of alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex A. Heuermann, officials at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Riverhead have revealed that the 60-year-old Massapequa Park resident has been isolated from other inmates since his arrest in July. The move, according to jail officials, is aimed at ensuring his safety due to the nature of his alleged crimes, which involved the killings of four women.

Heuermann, who maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to the charges, spends most of his days in a small, windowless 60-square-foot cell while awaiting trial. This isolated confinement is intended to protect him from potential threats, as inmates with a history of abusing women or children are often targets for violence from other prisoners seeking to enhance their reputation.

Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr., who oversees the operation of the county jail facilities, stated that there is strong intelligence indicating that Heuermann would be targeted for violence if he were not kept in a secure location. He stressed the importance of ensuring Heuermann's safety, noting that justice will be served through the courts, not in the jail.

Heuermann's day-to-day existence inside the special housing unit in Riverhead was described by Toulon. The accused serial killer wakes up around 6 a.m. daily, receives breakfast in his cell, and has the option to shower. He can also make use of the jail's in-house barber shop and has been observed maintaining his grooming standards.

Correction officers provide Heuermann with access to the extensive discovery documents related to his case, either by bringing a laptop to his cell or transporting him to the jail's library when no other inmates are present. He spends an average of two to three hours daily reviewing these materials in preparation for his defense.

Heuermann has had no behavioral issues while incarcerated, and correction officers closely watch him round-the-clock. He has access to television, newspapers, and books in the common area of his housing unit. Additionally, he has religious outreach services available to him, meeting regularly with a member of the Catholic clergy. However, he is not permitted to attend weekly services with other inmates due to security concerns.

While the Gilgo Beach killings case continues to generate interest and investigation, Heuermann remains isolated in the special housing unit, where only one other inmate resides. The inmate's identity was not disclosed by officials, but it was revealed that there is no communication between the two.

Heuermann's estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, has visited him in jail three times since his arrest. Inmates, including Heuermann, are allowed one-hour visits several times per week, during which they can sit across from visitors at a table without a partition separating them.

Heuermann's next court appearance is scheduled for February 6. As the investigation progresses, the Suffolk County Sheriff's anti-trafficking initiative has conducted numerous interviews with inmates related to the case, with several reports sent to the task force responsible for vetting them.

Throughout his time in jail, Heuermann has maintained his innocence, looking forward to having his day in court. As he awaits trial, the isolation provides protection, ensuring his safety until justice is served.