Statement by Jesse Garcia, Suffolk GOP Chairman
“Today, justice has finally been delivered.
After more than a decade of heartbreak, uncertainty, and unimaginable pain, the families of the Gilgo Beach victims can begin to find closure. With the guilty pleas entered by Rex Heuermann, this 13-year-old cold case has been brought to a decisive end—and a monster has been taken off our streets for good.
We are profoundly grateful that the families of these heinous crimes finally have answers for their lost loved ones. Their strength and perseverance through years of waiting will never be forgotten.
This moment is the result of bold, focused leadership.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney—an innovative, experienced, and strategic crimefighter—brought together his team, the Gilgo Beach Task Force, and a wide network of law enforcement agencies under one clear directive: solve this case for the victims and their families. Where others were stymied by politics and turf wars, he delivered results.
A little more than five years ago, under difficult odds, we recruited a seasoned prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience at both the state and federal levels to run for District Attorney. At that time, the safety of our neighbors was far more important than the politics that had plagued the prosecutor’s office for generations—on both sides of the aisle. That man was Ray Tierney.
Since taking office, District Attorney Tierney has transformed the way justice is pursued in Suffolk County. While the nation now knows him for solving the Gilgo Beach murders, his impact has been felt in every corner of our community. He has worked tirelessly to reduce burglaries and gun violence, dismantle gangs and drug networks, and protect residents from emerging threats.
Even in the face of misguided one-party-rule policies out of Albany—like cashless bail laws that too often empower criminals and handcuff police and judges—Ray Tierney has used every tool available to uphold the law and keep Suffolk County safe.
He has also protected our quality of life, working alongside County Executive Ed Romaine and the Republican majority in the Legislature to crack down on “road takeovers,” safeguard our environment, and provide the crime-fighting tools and personnel needed to keep Suffolk safe and affordable.
Just as importantly, Ray Tierney has led with independence—holding officials, regardless of party, accountable when their decisions make our communities less safe. That is real leadership.
The results are undeniable: crime is down, accountability is up, and Suffolk County is safer today because of his work.
I would be remiss if I did not congratulate District Attorney Tierney, his dedicated team, the Gilgo Beach Task Force, and every law enforcement officer who played a role in securing justice. Their commitment and coordination made this outcome possible.
Today, we stand with the victims. We stand with their families. And we recommit ourselves to a justice system that puts public safety first—without apology.
Ray Tierney is not only Suffolk County’s District Attorney—he is New York State’s best District Attorney and America’s District Attorney—a model for prosecutors across this country.”