Attorney Eric Faddis On The Long And Difficult Road Of Defending Rex Heuermann
Episode 37, Aug 10, 2023, 11:00 PM
In a riveting episode of the popular "Hidden Killers" podcast hosted by Tony Brueski, former Felony Prosecutor and attorney Eric Faddis detailed the intricate intricacies surrounding the Rex Heuerman case, revealing a labyrinthine web of evidence, multiple jurisdictions, and daunting legal challenges.
"Multiple states, multiple victims," Brueski began, highlighting the daunting scope of the case against Heuerman. As it stands, the ongoing investigation involves not only different states but also entails navigating the legal terrain of different jurisdictions, each with its own set of laws. Such complexity, Faddis mentioned, makes it exceedingly challenging to form a coherent defense strategy. "Trying to synthesize all of that into something that is digestible... is a monstrous undertake," he stated.
The discussion moved on to address the scale of the case. Typically, a murder case involves one victim in a single jurisdiction. In contrast, the case against Heuerman features multiple victims. "As of right now, as of this recording, it is three. It's likely going to increase if the evidence that we've been hearing about turns out to come to fruition," Faddis pointed out.
The enormity of the case, Brueski and Faddis concurred, could result in significant delays. Faddis reasoned that the defense would need ample time to process the colossal amount of information and evidence. Moreover, prolonging the case might work in the defense's favor, especially if they are addressing cold cases from years or decades past.
Faddis remarked, "I totally see the defense really drawing this out and I don't think these cases are going away anytime soon." Brueski added, it's not just a tactic to stall but a practical necessity, emphasizing, "we are human beings and we have to get through this information."
The conversation took a turn to the DNA evidence linking Heuerman to the crime scenes. Currently, the most damning piece of evidence is the two hairs found - one each from Heuerman and his wife, present on a burlap sack. These hair samples yielded mitochondrial DNA matches. Faddis noted the importance of this discovery, "It ties him directly to at least one of these victims... he can't play the 'it wasn't me' defense."
However, as much as DNA is pivotal, it also becomes a focal point for defense strategies. Faddis speculated on potential defense narratives, suggesting they might argue that Heuerman frequented sex workers, attempting to present the DNA as a result of a consensual interaction. Yet, Faddis swiftly dismissed this theory as improbable, stressing, "He is not going to be able to remove himself from all of these deaths because his DNA inextricably links him to at least one of those deaths."
Brueski echoed Faddis's sentiments, emphasizing that such a defense would be hard to maintain given the gravity of the evidence against Heuerman. The DNA and the disturbing materials found in his possession make a consensual interaction defense almost untenable.
In conclusion, Faddis confidently stated, "The defense of 'oh no, I just like to see prostitutes here and there' is not going to get any traction based on what we know so far."
The episode leaves listeners grappling with the complexities and depth of the case against Rex Heuerman, highlighting the colossal task ahead for the defense and prosecution.
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"Multiple states, multiple victims," Brueski began, highlighting the daunting scope of the case against Heuerman. As it stands, the ongoing investigation involves not only different states but also entails navigating the legal terrain of different jurisdictions, each with its own set of laws. Such complexity, Faddis mentioned, makes it exceedingly challenging to form a coherent defense strategy. "Trying to synthesize all of that into something that is digestible... is a monstrous undertake," he stated.
The discussion moved on to address the scale of the case. Typically, a murder case involves one victim in a single jurisdiction. In contrast, the case against Heuerman features multiple victims. "As of right now, as of this recording, it is three. It's likely going to increase if the evidence that we've been hearing about turns out to come to fruition," Faddis pointed out.
The enormity of the case, Brueski and Faddis concurred, could result in significant delays. Faddis reasoned that the defense would need ample time to process the colossal amount of information and evidence. Moreover, prolonging the case might work in the defense's favor, especially if they are addressing cold cases from years or decades past.
Faddis remarked, "I totally see the defense really drawing this out and I don't think these cases are going away anytime soon." Brueski added, it's not just a tactic to stall but a practical necessity, emphasizing, "we are human beings and we have to get through this information."
The conversation took a turn to the DNA evidence linking Heuerman to the crime scenes. Currently, the most damning piece of evidence is the two hairs found - one each from Heuerman and his wife, present on a burlap sack. These hair samples yielded mitochondrial DNA matches. Faddis noted the importance of this discovery, "It ties him directly to at least one of these victims... he can't play the 'it wasn't me' defense."
However, as much as DNA is pivotal, it also becomes a focal point for defense strategies. Faddis speculated on potential defense narratives, suggesting they might argue that Heuerman frequented sex workers, attempting to present the DNA as a result of a consensual interaction. Yet, Faddis swiftly dismissed this theory as improbable, stressing, "He is not going to be able to remove himself from all of these deaths because his DNA inextricably links him to at least one of those deaths."
Brueski echoed Faddis's sentiments, emphasizing that such a defense would be hard to maintain given the gravity of the evidence against Heuerman. The DNA and the disturbing materials found in his possession make a consensual interaction defense almost untenable.
In conclusion, Faddis confidently stated, "The defense of 'oh no, I just like to see prostitutes here and there' is not going to get any traction based on what we know so far."
The episode leaves listeners grappling with the complexities and depth of the case against Rex Heuerman, highlighting the colossal task ahead for the defense and prosecution.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com