Prime’s gripping 4-part true crime drama that ‘flew under the radar’ will have you watching behind your fingers

Prime Video has released its latest true crime documentary, Killing Grounds, which deals with the killings on Gilgo Beach, New York, which took place between 1993 and 2010.

The new four-part series examines the deaths of 11 women in the area, and it comes shortly after a suspect, Rex Heuermann, pleaded guilty to the murders of seven of the women and causing the death of another.

A synopsis for the series, which arrived in April reads: “From 1996 to 2011, Gilgo Beach, New York, became the haunting site where 11 bodies were discovered, their deaths shrouded in mystery for years with no suspects identified.

“This chilling series unravels one of the most notorious criminal cases of our time, offering a comprehensive look at the investigation as new developments bring long-awaited answers closer into focus.”

Response

Fans have been intrigued with the series, with one saying: “It was great to see the families represented, and Ray Tierney being a part of it was great. There was some interesting evidence that they presented that I haven’t seen in any other ‘mainstream’ news sources either. Shame it got lost in the noise of House of Secrets,” to which a second replied: “Oh thank you for the recommendation this flew under my radar. I will be watching it.“

A third added: “Watching it right now. I think it’s very well done so far!”

In a review for The Guardian, Edward Helmore commented: “The last episode of the documentary series may go down as one of the most chilling of its kind, revealing a murderous need for power and control often associated with serial killers and that they act out when that is threatened.

“[Therapist Alison] Winter says Heuermann asked her if she had ‘ever sat with a serial killer before’ and if she knew what it’s like to want to kill – ‘to play God’.”

What happened on Gilgo Beach?

Between 1993 and 2010, 11 bodies were buried near Gilgo Beach, New York. The case only came to national attention when police, who were searching for missing woman Shannan Gilbert, discovered four bodies buried in close proximity to one another. Six additional sets of remains were discovered over the next few months.

Many of the victims who were found were revealed to have been sex workers. Although 11 bodies were discovered, two were from a case unrelated to the others, while no charges have been brought over an unidentified victim.

© Courtesy of Prime

The initial four victims discovered, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard‑Barnes, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello, were nicknamed ‘The Gilgo Four’.

Between 2023 and 2024, architectural consultant Rex Heuermann was charged with the murders of the Gilgo Four, alongside three other victims, Sandra Costilla, Valerie Mack, and Jessica Taylor. Last month, Rex confessed to the seven murders, and also confessed to the killing of Karen Vergata.

He is due to be sentenced on 17 June.