The son of Gilgo Beach murder victim Valerie Mack has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against suspected serial killer Rex Heuermann, along with his ex-wife and daughter, days before Heuermann is expected to plead guilty in multiple killings.
The suit, filed Monday in Suffolk County Supreme Court by attorney John Ray on behalf of Benjamin Torres, is the first known civil case brought by a victim’s family member against Heuermann, Newsday reported.
According to the filing obtained by Patch, Torres alleges he was deprived of his mother’s care after her death. Mack disappeared in 2000 while working as an escort in Philadelphia and was later found in Manorville, Newsday reported. She was 24 at the time.
The lawsuit seeks damages for Mack’s death and suffering, and also targets alleged profits tied to the Peacock documentary “Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets.” Newsday reported Heuermann’s family may have received more than $1 million for access.
The filing also asks the court to waive New York’s two-year deadline for wrongful death claims, citing Torres’ age at the time and delays in identifying Mack.
The lawsuit comes as prosecutors and Heuermann’s defense attorney are reportedly discussing a potential plea deal ahead of a scheduled court appearance Wednesday, The New York Post reported. Heuermann has been linked to the killings of seven women.
Heuermann has pleaded not guilty, and the charges remain allegations.
