In a significant development in the Gilgo Beach killings case, Rex Heuermann, a New York architect, has been formally charged with the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. This marks the fourth woman linked to Heuermann's alleged deadly spree. Heuermann was arrested in July last year for his suspected involvement in the deaths of three other women.

During his court appearance, Heuermann, dressed in a dark suit, remained silent as his lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. The accused will continue to be held without bail until his next court date scheduled for February 6.

Authorities credit the breakthrough in the case to DNA evidence extracted from hair found at the crime scene. The hair, discovered alongside Brainard-Barnes' remains, is genetically similar to a DNA sample taken from Heuermann's ex-wife. The indictment reveals that during the time of Brainard-Barnes' disappearance in 2007, Heuermann's ex-wife and daughter were staying in Atlantic City, corroborating their absence from the scene.

In a startling revelation, prosecutors disclosed that Heuermann had shown signs of fear of getting caught in the months leading up to his arrest. Investigators uncovered that he had obtained data wiping software in an attempt to destroy potential evidence from his electronic devices, including laptops and phones. Authorities also seized numerous devices from Heuermann's residence, which reportedly contained extensive collections of bondage and torture pornography.

Furthermore, it was revealed that Heuermann had been actively searching the internet for phrases suggestive of his anxieties about being apprehended. These searches included inquiries like "How does cell site analysis work," "Gilgo news," "How cell phone tracking is increasingly being used to solve crimes," and phrases related to the "Long Island Serial Killer."

Following the court proceedings, Heuermann's attorney, Michael Brown, reiterated his client's steadfast claim of innocence since the beginning and expressed confidence in defending him during trial. Brown also raised concerns about the reliability of the new DNA analysis connecting Heuermann to Brainard-Barnes' murder, considering the considerable time gap of 13 years since her body was discovered.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney responded to Brown's concerns, stating that advancements in DNA testing technology had allowed investigators to more definitively establish the connection between the hairs found with Brainard-Barnes and Heuermann's ex-wife and daughter.

As the case continues to unfold, the families of the victims remain hopeful that justice will be served for their loved ones whose lives were tragically cut short, and that the legal process will bring closure and peace to all affected parties.