Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Escort Recounts Scary 'Date' With Suspect ... Close Call, But Survived

The suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer got off on talking about the slayings and provided obscure details only the assailant would know, this according to a former escort who says she survived an encounter with him.

Rex Heuermann went on a "date" with former prostitute, Nicole Brass, first meeting her on the escort website, BackPage, which was similar to how the victims crossed paths with the Gilgo Beach murderer, Brass told the New York Daily News.

The two reportedly arranged to have dinner at Steamroom seafood restaurant in Port Jefferson, Long Island, during the height of the deadly rampage about a decade ago. While the conversation started off normal, Brass recalled it soon took a scary turn.

Brass said, "He asked me if I’m a true crime fan ... We talked briefly about other serial killers, then he said, "Have you heard of the Gilgo Beach murders? That’s when he got real weird."

She claimed Heuermann brought up the Gilgo murders, which she had been following at the time, and he became enthusiastic while revealing details of which she was completely unaware.

Brass said Heuermann specifically discussed one victim she didn't know about and "it seemed like he was talking about it from experience, not a point of view."

She continued, "It didn’t seem like somebody who feels bad when he talked about the victims. It seemed like somebody who really wanted to brag about what they did, but couldn’t."

Brass went on to say Heuermann's body language changed while he discussed the crimes, appearing as if "he was visualizing it in his head and getting off to what he was saying."

Of course, Brass wanted to get the hell out of there, so she cut the dinner short, but Heuermann insisted on her leaving with him in his car to go to a hotel room he booked. Luckily, she was able to break away from him and split.

Brass said she never reported the incident to police because she was on parole at the time for a felony drug conviction.

As for Heuermann, prosecutors identified him as the Gilgo Beach killer last week, charging him with the murders of 3 sex workers and eyeing him in a fourth slaying. Heuermann has denied any wrongdoing.

We covered it all in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Carlee Russell Cops Clarify Details No Child Reported, She Walked Home

Cops are clarifying some things after Carlee Russell was recovered following a 48-hour period of her having gone missing ... and it sounds like they, too, have more questions.

Hoover PD issued a new statement with a handful of details they say they can elaborate on as the investigation continues -- the most important of which, it seems, is the fact that even now ... they say they haven't gotten any further reports about a wandering child.

Remember, this was at the crux of the case from the beginning -- Carlee called 911 on the night she disappeared ... telling dispatchers she saw a toddler walking by itself along a local highway at night, and reiterated that to family members as well before pulling over.

After that, she vanished ... only to turn up 3 days later, with not very many answers as to what happened to her -- other than her loved ones claiming she was kidnapped, that is.

071823_carlee_russell_parents_kal 7/18/23
FIGHTING FOR HER LIFE
NBC

There's more info HPD is relaying in their new remarks ... including the fact that they say there's residential surveillance footage that apparently shows Carlee walking down the sidewalk in her neighborhood alone -- this before she showed up to her parents' front door.

The police are also clarifying reports -- citing dispatch chatter that went over the airwaves -- of Carlee having been transported to a hospital in an unconscious state. They say that's not true ... all that happened is that somebody called 911 reporting she was unresponsive -- but they say she was, in fact, awake and speaking when paramedics actually arrived.

carlee-russel-audio-2
DISPATCH AUDIO

One last important detail ... HPD says it's waiting for Carlee to be made available for a follow-up interview, claiming they've only been able to obtain a preliminary statement from her.

On its face, it sounds like they're somewhat suspicious themselves about this whole thing -- which echoes the growing public sentiment at this point ... people are raising an eyebrow.

071523_carlee_russell_kal 7/13/23
CARLEE'S VEHICLE
WBRC Fox 6 News

Thus far, her family members have stuck to the same story ... namely, that she escaped her abductors, and that she fought for her life. They've also scoffed at the notion that anybody would question what happened to her ... and yet, folks still have their doubts regardless.

We covered the story on a recent episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Tiger Woods Ex-GF Drops $30 Million Lawsuit

Tiger Woods is no longer being sued for allegedly cooking up a scheme to toss his ex-girlfriend out of his home after they broke up.

Tiger's ex, Erica Herman, recently dropped the $30 million lawsuit she filed against his trust ... this according to new court documents obtained by The New York Post.

Erica's decision to drop the suit comes on the heels of a related legal win for Tiger ... as we reported in May, a judge ordered the case to arbitration, which is what Woods wanted.

Tiger's ex originally filed suit against his trust back in March, alleging he wrongly kicked her out of the Florida mansion they lived in together.

Remember ... Erica claimed she was living with Tiger in his Hobe Sound estate for 6 years while they were dating, with Erica claiming she performed "valuable services" for Tiger in exchange for living rent-free.

Erica claimed they had an "oral tenancy agreement" which was supposed to last 5 years after their 2022 split ... but admitted she didn't have it in writing.

She sued Tiger's trust -- the titleholder on the house -- for $30 mil because she claimed it was the "reasonable rental value" of Tiger's house for the 5 remaining years on their alleged oral agreement.

When Tiger and Erica broke up in the fall of 2022, she claims Tiger cooked up a scheme to throw her out of the home, including alleged false promises and a spontaneous vacation.

She claimed Tiger's people convinced her to pack a suitcase for a vacation without Tiger, allegedly driving her to the airport, where they allegedly told her she'd been "locked out" of the house and couldn't go back.

For his part, Tiger denied ever making a pact with Erica ... brushing her off as a "jilted ex-girlfriend."

John Amos Son Arrested For Terroristic Threats on Sister ... Family Feuds Over John

The son of "Good Times" star John Amos is behind bars for allegedly sending threatening texts -- including images of guns -- to John's daughter ... the latest chapter in a family war over the actor's health.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, John's son, K.C., was busted last weekend after his sister, Shannon, claimed he sent her a slew of concerning texts, which she says made her fear for her life.

Shannon told West Orange, NJ police her brother texted about his supposed gang affiliations, showing a handgun and a rifle. She claims he also sent her videos of him firing a handgun in an open field, and wrote, "Gonna sleep much better tonight big sis."

According to Robert Florida, a spokesperson for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office ... Shannon said K.C. suffers from bipolar disorder, which has led him to believe she hired someone to kill him -- and now she's worried he might retaliate.

As we reported, Shannon started a GoFundMe last month for her father John, claiming he's been the victim of elder abuse.

However, John told us his daughter's lying, and he's not sure why she started the fundraiser. GoFundMe scrubbed the page after the "Roots" actor declined the cash.

After that mess, Shannon said K.C. no longer has authority to make medical decisions for John -- and she's sent him a cease and desist letter regarding online comments he's made about her.

And FYI, K.C.'s been posting cryptic messages on his socials for a while -- one on his TikTok less than a week ago says, "Imagine calling the police #Swatting your own brother 24 times over the last 15 years & not one arrest."

Miranda Lambert Selfie Fans Post Their Photos ... 6 Ladies Up in Front?!?

Miranda Lambert might've had good reason to go off on some front-row fans who were snapping photos at her concert -- 'cause there were half a dozen of them ... all on their feet, blocking the view of the people behind them.

One of the ladies in question -- who's now copping to being part of the group that got chastised by Lambert -- posted two pics she says were being taken right before the country singer paused her show over the weekend to give them a piece of her mind.

071823_-miranda-lambert-pic-kal
SH*TTY SHOTS

As you can see ... there are six women pictured here, who are at the foot of the stage, with ML right behind them -- who's trying to get the show on the road. More importantly, all of 'em are standing ... and from the looks of it, apparently blocking the view of others.

On its face ... it sure looks like they, perhaps, might've been a distraction -- that's certainly how Miranda felt anyway, proven in her mini tirade ... which her audience had backed.

071723-miranda-lambert-kal JULY 2023
ENJOY THE SHOW

Miranda actually caught flak for this ... as some felt she'd overreacted to what many presumed was a couple of girls firing off some low-key selfies during her set. However, that's clearly not the case -- it was a much larger gathering ... and a bit of a photo shoot, it seems.

BTW, the lady who posted these definitely thinks Miranda was in the wrong -- evidenced in her caption.

She writes, "These are the 2 pictures we were talking when Miranda Lambert stopped her concert and told us to sit down and not take selfies 😱." She's echoing what many said about Miranda's response -- mocking her, essentially -- but now ... ML might be vindicated!

We covered it all in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Lamar Odom I'm Starting New Biz For Senior Living ... My Grandma Inspired Me!!!

Lamar Odom is expanding his business portfolio ... his newest venture aims to find affordable living for seniors in California, and he's crediting his grandmother with the assist.

The former NBA star's manager tells TMZ ... Lamar is partnering with Regency Palms Senior Living in Oxnard and Long Beach to start Odom Senior Care, which provide affordable and luxurious care for seniors.

We're told Lamar's inspiration is his 96-year-old grandmother, Florence, who now lives alone in the same Bronx apartment she's called home for a whopping 70 years.

He decided to get into the senior living biz as a way to help folks ... after running into some obstacles earlier this year while trying to find a new home for grandma.

The major issue Lamar sees with the current landscape -- adequate senior living is just too expensive, and he's determined to change the status quo.

He already has the 2 facilities in SoCal, and plans to expand to reach his ultimate goal of providing seniors with pre-negotiated rates in 1,000 communities -- an ambitious aim, for sure, but one he hopes to achieve by year's end.

lamar odom 4/3/23
INVESTING IN CHANGE
TMZ.com

This move comes on the heels of Lamar successfully launching the Odom Recovery Group to help folks find sobriety.

As for Florence, we're told Lamar's still working to find a new place for grandma ... but it's he admits it's an uphill battle, because she doesn't want to leave her home of seven decades.

Seth Rollins I Stand With Actors, Writers But Strike Helping WWE Get More Fans

071823-seth-rollins-kal 7/18/23
NO STRIKES HERE
TMZSports.com

WWE Superstar Seth Rollins says he's in full support of the writers and actors striking in Hollywood ... but tells TMZ Sports there's a bit of a "silver lining" in the situation, 'cause it gives people a new opportunity to check out wrestling!!

Of course, SAG-AFTRA decided to join the Writers Guild of America on the picket line last week ... effectively shutting Hollywood down after tense negotiations with the studios.

Seth makes it clear he is siding with the talented actors and writers fighting for what they want ... but he welcomes any first-time fans to watch some wrestling in the meantime!!

"I know it's a difficult time for the actors and the writers," Seth said at LAX this week. "I believe they're doing the right thing asking for what they deserve. I stand by them.

"But it is a fortunate part of not being part of a union that we're able to still perform and, for our audiences and people who may not be familiar, now they get the opportunity to tune in and see what we're all about."

Seth added the new fans couldn't come at a better time ... 'cause the current roster of talent is the greatest its ever been.

"Business is hot right now," he said. "We're in a boom, I think. When we look back on it, it's going to be a special time."

Guess Who This Little Piano Player Turned Into!

Before this New York native with the slicked back hair turned into an actor and a Broadway star, he was just a city kid, hustling and bustling, scurrying through the crowded sidewalks and making his way to rehearsals.

This shining star took the stage at The Hollywood Bowl and played the role of Mark Cohen in the musical "Rent" back in 2010 ... with Vanessa Hudgens playing Mimi and Neil Patrick Harris directing. Most recently, he nearly hit a 'Perfect Pitch' at MLB's 2023 Celebrity All-Star Game. (His costar Adam DeVine was also in attendance).

Can you guess who he is?

Gilgo Beach Case Suspected Killer ... Didn't Put Up Fight During Arrest

We now know more about what happened when cops arrested the suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer -- we're told the guy didn't put up much of a fight.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison tells TMZ Rex Heuermann was taken into custody without issue .. and despite being suspected of committing heinous crimes, we're told Heuermann remained stoic throughout the process of his arrest.

Here's how it went down, per Harrison -- he says Heuermann was approached by detectives on the streets of NYC Friday ... who then told him he was under arrest. We're told Heuermann asked what for, and they told him it was for his alleged involvement in the Gilgo Beach murders from over a decade ago.

Harrison says Heuermann's response was interesting ... all he apparently said to the arresting officers was "I didn't do that" -- but we're told he did so in a very somber way. We're told he didn't shout or vehemently deny anything ... he just calmly said it wasn't him.

Harrison says they then threw on the bracelets, and that Heuermann didn't resist whatsoever -- he went peacefully and quietly with them. Commissioner Harrison tells us the detectives subsequently read him his Miranda Rights, and that he requested a lawyer.

Some believed his detainment was a bit more dramatic -- especially with footage that's been released showing police trailing him out and about -- however, it was anything but.

As we reported ... NY officials allege Heuermann is responsible for the 2010 deaths of Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelmey and Amber Costello. Cops also suspect he may have murdered Marueen Brainard-Barnes -- the 4th victim -- but he hasn't been charged for that murder yet.

He's pled not guilty to all of the charges.

Lil Durk Cancels Tour Dates, Rolling Loud As Health Issues Continue

Lil Durk's health issues appear to run deeper than what his team has stated publicly ... as the rapper's now been forced to pull the plug on several tour dates as well as his appearance at Rolling Loud.

The Chicago rap star was scheduled to hit the stage Saturday right before Travis Scott's comeback performance ... but has to sit on the sidelines for now.

Durk's also set to hit the stage August 11-12 in Chicago for some homecoming dates ... but as it stands, the matter seems to be a day-by-day situation.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

As we told you in the story we broke last week ... Durk claimed he fell victim to dehydration and checked himself into an Ohio hospital after becoming exhausted. Durk spent nearly a week getting treatment.

Durk's planned tour dates with Kodak Black, NLE Choppa, and DD Osama for his "Sorry For The Drought" Tour, have also been canceled.

Given the cancelations, you gotta start to wonder if Durk's condition is actually worse than originally stated.

Jason Aldean Denies His Song Is Pro-Lynching ... As Music Video Causes Uproar Online

Jason Aldean is speaking out after being accused of putting out a racially-charged music video ... and while the internet's outraged with his video, Jason is defending the lyrics.

The country singer took to social media Tuesday, opening by saying he's been "accused of releasing a pro-lynching song" -- referring to his track, "Try That in a Small Town," which was released in May but has been making the rounds since the music video dropped last week.

He says folks thinking it's about his distaste for the Black Lives Matter protests got it way wrong ... adding the "dangerous" accusations have no merit.

JA tells his fans the single's all about the community where he grew up, and how neighbors would take care of each other no matter what.

He does not address certain lines in the song ... such as telling people to take their anti-police mentality to a small town, adding "See how far ya make it down the road."

As for the MV, Jason only touches on it briefly -- simply saying the footage is from news clips. But, it's the location he chose to film his video, mixed with the context of the song, that had people up in arms.

The singer's video was shot in front of the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, TN -- the place where 18-year-old African-American Henry Choate was lynched in 1927 after being dragged through the streets, accused of attacking a white girl.

CMT pulled the music video from its rotation Monday, so Jason's got some convincing to do.

We discussed the controversy surrounding the song on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Tupac Shakur Cops Search Vegas-Area Home ... In Connection with Rapper's Murder

UPDATE

3:40 PM PT -- Pac's stepbrother, Mopreme, tells us, "I'm really not impressed with this late in the game effort. Though I appreciate it, it's late in the game. Las Vegas nor New York have done any significant investigation so far that we can see ... so everyone stay tuned, let's see what happens. I'm surprised like everyone else."

UPDATE

2:44 PM PT -- A rep for Tupac's sister, Set, tells us the family is learning of the developments along with the rest of the world ... saying, "We are learning about the case the same way you are and have nothing to say."

There's apparently some new life in the investigation into who killed legendary rapper Tupac Shakur ... as Las Vegas cops descended on a home in connection to the murder.

Detectives from the Las Vegas Metro PD served a search warrant Tuesday at a home in Henderson, Nevada ... about 20 miles away from the LV city limits. Cops were brief in the details surrounding the search, only adding it was, "part of the ongoing Tupac Shakur homicide investigation."

Law enforcement sources confirm to us the home was in the area of Interstate 11 and Wagon Wheel Drive but, as of now, no arrests have been made.

Pac died on September 13, 1996, after being shot multiple times just off the Las Vegas Strip.

The "All Eyez On Me" rapper's afterlife spawned one of the biggest-selling music careers, not to mention one of the biggest fandoms ... but his family just wants closure.

Story developing ...

Miranda Lambert Fan Chastised for Pic Vows to Never See Her Live Again

071823-adela-calin-kal
WON'T BE RETURNING
TMZ.com

The Miranda Lambert saga continues -- now, one of the fans she scolded mid-show is vowing to boycott Miranda's future performances, and also defending herself and her friends.

Adela Calin was one of the women taking photos this weekend during Miranda's Las Vegas residency, and says Miranda -- and probably some fans -- has the wrong idea about what she and her friends were doing. On Tuesday's "TMZ Live," she shot down the notion they were being rude or disruptive.

Check out her explanation ... Calin says the whole thing didn't last more than 30 seconds, and more importantly -- she insists their quick group pose wasn't blocking anybody.

She tells us their seats were actually somewhat lowered and below everybody else's seats, and that they weren't even right up against Miranda either -- so when they got called out, Calin says she and her crew were shocked ... as they felt they weren't doing anything wrong.

071723-miranda-lambert-kal JULY 2023
ENJOY THE SHOW

The way she describes it ... sounds like Calin was having flashbacks to her childhood, when a teacher would wag their finger at her. Basically, AC says she felt like she was being talked down to, and doesn't appreciate it.

There's also the question of whether Miranda might've been distracted by the group's camera flash -- but on that front, too, Calin pushes back ... saying it isn't very likely based on the angle that the photo was being taken from. In other words, she seems to be siding with a lot of other people ... who say Miranda overreacted in this sitch.

071823_-miranda-lambert-pic-kal
SH*TTY SHOTS

As far as how this experience will affect her going forward ... Calin tells us one thing she'll never do again, for sure, is buy another Miranda Lambert ticket. One less fan, it seems.

We covered the drama in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Tori Spelling Says 'Better On My Own' Amid Split from Dean ... Defends Motel Stay

071823_tori_spelling_kal
DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES
SplashNews.com

Tori Spelling is speaking out for the first time since splitting from estranged husband Dean McDermott ... she's defiant, saying she's always looked better solo.

The actress was doing some shopping Monday at a Target in the San Fernando Valley when a photog asked if she was blindsided by Dean announcing their separation.

Tori was mum on the prospects of getting a divorce, but what she did say was telling ... she says, "I've always looked better on my own."

Remember ... Dean posted news of their split last month, then later deleted the post, but he's said to be gung-ho on a divorce.

Tori was also spotted recently staying at a motel in Los Angeles with her and Dean's 5 children, and she fired back at the photog ... saying she was doing whatever it takes to care for her kids.

The motel stay was reportedly because Tori's home was infested with mold, and not a result of the split, but Tori was in no mood to offer details after her Target run.

07023-josh-flagg-candy-spelling-kal 7/8/23
UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT
TMZ.com

Meanwhile, Tori's mom Candy Spelling is offering support ... telling us earlier this month she's got her daughter's back as Tori separates from Dean.

Gigi Hadid Arrested For Marijuana Possession ... After Flying To Cayman Islands

UPDATE

11:31 AM PT -- Cayman cops deny the bribery allegations, telling us, "Our officers categorically deny the bribery related allegation which has been made against them by Ms. Hadid. However, we invite Ms. Hadid to make a formal complaint to our Professional Standards Unit so that they can independently review the case in order to determine if there is any evidence to support her allegation."

UPDATE

10:33 AM PT -- A source close to Gigi Hadid tells us the weed discovered wasn't in her personal bag, it was found in a bag of one of the people she was traveling with ... but because the plane was in her name, all of the contents became her responsibility.

UPDATE

The source tells us officials allegedly wanted to be paid off, but Gigi refused, instead opting for the legal ramifications. We're told Gigi does have a medical card, but it wasn't considered valid in the Cayman Islands.

Gigi Hadid was arrested and charged with possessing pot and drug paraphernalia after she flew to the Cayman Islands from the U.S. last week, TMZ has confirmed.

The model touched down in a private jet at Owen Roberts International Airport July 10 and went through customs with her luggage.

Customs & Border Control agents put her bags through a scanner and searched them by hand, finding a small amount of weed and smoking utensils.

Although CBC determined the ganja was for personal use only, Gigi and her traveling companion were arrested on charges of importation of marijuana and importation of utensils to smoke the cannabis.

She was processed at the Royal Cayman Islands Detention Center, where she arranged for bail and was later released pending prosecution of her case.

Gigi was fined $1,000, and we're told there is no conviction on her record.

Originally Published -- 7:55 AM PT

Wrestling Star Teddy Hart Arrested ... Allegedly Had Ecstasy, Steroids In Car

Independent wrestling star Teddy Hart -- the nephew of Bret Hart and Owen Hart -- was arrested last week after cops say he was in possession of ecstasy and steroids.

According to Titusville Police Department documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, the drugs were found in Teddy's rental car during a routine traffic stop on Friday in Titusville, Fla.

Cops say they initially pulled over the 43-year-old wrestler at around midnight ... after they say he ran a red light and traveled at a high rate of speed in a 2022 Mustang.

During the stop, though, police said they smelled an "overbearing odor of burnt marijuana emanating" from the vehicle ... and noticed "an unsealed medical marijuana container with a faded label inside of the glove compartment" as well as "several pieces of loose leaf marijuana shake" on one of the car's seats.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

During an ensuing search of the car, cops said they found a baggie of red pills and a baggie of red powder that both tested positive for the presence of MDMA. They also said they found two small vials inside of a bag in the car that were labeled Masteron and Testosterone Cypionate -- which cops say are known anabolic steroids. Cops also claimed they found another baggie during the search that contained a blue powdery substance -- which they said also tested positive for MDMA.

Teddy -- real name Edward Annis -- was then arrested and booked on two felony charges ... possession of MDMA and possession of a controlled substance without prescription. Records show he was released from custody on Saturday.

This is far from the first time the wrestler has had trouble with the law ... he's been in and out of jail multiple times in the last few years -- including back in 2021, when he had also been accused of being in possession of controlled substances. In fact, Teddy has been arrested so many times over the years, a Twitter account called "Is Teddy Hart In Jail" was reportedly created to monitor his myriad legal issues.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Teddy -- the youngest person to ever sign a WWE developmental contract -- has wrestled for multiple orgs in his career ... including the WWE and Ring of Honor. He's spent most of the last decade, however, on the indie circuit.