Accused Long Island serial killer, ex-wife and daughter sued by alleged victim’s son

Key Points:

• Benjamin Torres, son of alleged victim Valerie Mack, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against accused serial killer Rex Heuermann, his former wife, and their daughter, claiming his mother was brutally tortured and dismembered.
• The lawsuit seeks damages for the wrongful death, torture, and mutilation of Mack, as well as the profound harm caused to Torres, who was six years old at the time of his mother's murder between September and November 2000.
• Investigators linked Heuermann to Mack’s death through mitochondrial DNA found on her body and evidence from Heuermann’s electronic devices; some remains were found near Gilgo Beach, where Heuermann is accused of dumping other victims.
• The lawsuit also targets money paid to Heuermann’s ex-wife and daughter from a documentary, alleging they exploited the case for financial gain, though their attorney denies involvement and calls the lawsuit a publicity stunt.
• Heuermann has denied all charges but may soon change his plea to guilty for seven murders and an eighth victim; prosecutors have not commented on plea deal negotiations, emphasizing the presumption of innocence.