TMZ.com

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.

Alex Murdaugh's two life sentences in prison are going by in a flash, and by that ... we mean the flash of a camera, 'cause the guy's apparently taking pictures of himself in the clink.

The convicted murderer -- who was found guilty of killing of his wife and son earlier this year -- has had selfies he's taken from inside his prison cell leaked to the public ... and they're quite something to look at, especially since a handful of them feature AM shirtless.

It appears he's using a smart tablet, which inmates in protective custody -- something he's been relegated to in a South Carolina maximum security facility -- get to use for leisure.

According to the YouTube account Phone Calls from Prison, which obtained these photos, Murdaugh appears to have snapped a number of selfies anytime he logged on to use the tablet ... and they run the gamut of cringe. There's a handful of ones where he's without a top -- and his bare chest is exposed -- and others where he's lying down making weird faces.

The pics are somewhat insightful into his current state of affairs ... his cell looks tiny, but it also seems he's made it his permanent home -- with homemade knickknacks hanging about.

Gotta say ... as far as prison goes, the guy appears to be quite cozy in his situation.

Kevin Spacey got an assist from a famous friend in his sexual assault trial ... Elton John.

The Rocket Man appeared remotely Monday from Monaco, essentially challenging the testimony of one of Spacey's accusers who claimed he was groped by the actor while driving to Elton's annual White Tie and Tiara Ball.

The accuser said the incident happened either in 2004 or 2005, but Elton testified Spacey was only at one party -- in 2001. Elton said Spacey spent the night at his home after the party.

Elton's husband, David Furnish, also testified Spacey was only at the 2001 bash, and said he had checked photographs of the events which backed up his testimony.

Kevin Costner's estranged wife Christine Baumgartner better think twice before removing a sofa or fridge from the family home, because we've learned a judge has just laid down the law.

The judge in the bitter divorce case just issued a ruling this morning -- Christine is permitted to remove and take all her clothing, toiletries, handbags and jewelry when she vacates the family beach club compound at the end of this month, but she shall NOT remove any other property without coming to an agreement with Kevin.

Among the things Christine can't take on her own ... furniture, furnishings, appliances and artwork. She also can't take it upon herself to remove items from their storage units.

TMZ broke the story ... Kevin claimed in legal docs Christine has been fleecing him by taking Kevin's property and cash post-split without his consent.

Among the things, he alleged ... Christine bought a fancy new car a month before she filed for divorce. Kevin's lawyer says it's curious because they only leased cars, and the lawyer believes Christine hatched a plan to get various items and cash even before she filed.

Horrifying details surrounding the arrest of "Teen Mom 2" star Nathan Griffith ... allegedly strangling his own sister before making suicidal statements.

According to the police report, obtained by TMZ, Griffith's sister called Vegas cops Wednesday night to report the incident. Officers say when they arrived, Nathan was outside the home yelling, saying he never touched his sister ... he also allegedly smelled like booze.

However, when cops made contact with Griffith's sister, they observed visible red marks on her neck and redness on her eyelids -- indicative of someone who had been strangled.

Cops say Nathan's sister was scared and frantic as she described what happened -- alleging Nathan got pissed when she called him out for his aggressive past with his family and significant others.

The sister says Nathan grabbed her by the throat, pushed her down onto the kitchen floor and got on top of her -- releasing his grip at times to give her some oxygen before tightening his grip again -- while allegedly stating, "You're going to submit to me."

The claims and evidence were good enough for officers ... who arrested Nathan for battery by strangulation.

However, they say during transport Nathan was banging his head into a rear window and making suicidal statements ... and screaming and yelling while he was booked.

Nathan and Jenelle Evans have one child together, a son, but called off their engagement years ago.

There's been a breakthrough in the Gilgo Beach murders case ... a suspected serial killer is now in police custody on Long Island.

Rex Heuermann, an architect from Long Island who works at a firm in New York City, was taken into custody Friday in connection with some of the killings from over a decade ago ... according to multiple reports.

You may recall, the Gilgo Beach murders case started capturing national attention way back in 2010 ... when police discovered four bodies wrapped in burlap during a search for Shannan Gilbert, a sex worker who vanished on Long Island.

The bodies, known as the "Gilgo Four," were ultimately identified as Amber Lynn Costello, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Megan Waterman and Melissa Barthelemy. The woman were all reportedly sex workers in their 20s.

Police have long believed a serial killer was responsible for the women's deaths ... but the investigation never really turned up much over the years, until Friday's arrest.

In total, 11 sets of human remains have been found on Gilgo Beach ... including Gilbert's and those of Valerie Mack, a sex worker who had been missing for over 2 decades ... plus a man and a toddler.

Heuermann was arrested after being matched with DNA, according to the New York Post, and he's expected to be arraigned later today.

Police have cordoned off Heuermann's home in Massapequa ... and the place is crawling with law enforcement.

The district attorney is set to address the arrest around 4 PM ET Friday during a news conference.

Britney Spears has a big recording decision to make -- not about new music, but about whether she will personally read the audio version of her upcoming memoir.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Britney remains undecided on doing the audio portion of "The Woman In Me," though it's unclear why she hasn't made a decision either way.

One theory floated to us -- Britney might simply feel it's too much to record all 288 pages of her life story.

The clock is ticking, though ... the memoir is set to be released Oct. 24, and there's already huge demand for the book -- it's among Amazon's best sellers based solely on pre-orders.

Our sources say Britney's team is scrounging up a list of names for possible candidates in case she decides against recording it herself.

Meanwhile, we're told her manager, Cade Hudson, is in Mexico right now with Britney where they're trying to reach a decision.

Remember, Britney recently finished the book, and was in Las Vegas to celebrate her accomplishment when the Victor Wembanyama slapping incident happened ... and we know she's still fuming about that.

Cops have a woman in custody who they believe is directly tied to the overdose death of Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez ... and TMZ has learned the feds are now on the case too.

Law enforcement sources tell us the 20-year-old woman was busted Thursday in NYC by a joint NYPD and federal task force -- and they believe she sold drugs to Leandro before his death ... which his mother has said was due to a fentanyl OD.

We're told the suspect is being processed at this moment, and we don't know yet what charges she will be facing.

As we reported, the 19-year-old was found dead inside an apartment on July 2. He had appeared in the 2018 film, "A Star is Born" ... playing the son of Bradley Cooper's best friend, George "Noodles" Stone, played by Dave Chappelle. Leandro also appeared in "Cabaret Maxime" in 2018.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ Leandro's death is being investigated as an overdose. We're told the teen was house-sitting, and both drugs and drug paraphernalia were found near his body.

While authorities have yet to release an official cause of death, his mother, Drena De Niro, said last week, "Someone sold him fentanyl laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him."

Kevin Costner says his estranged wife is fleecing him in a big way in the wake of their divorce ... buying personal items and taking cash out with credit cards from the staff that runs the family house ... and Kevin's lawyer believes there's evidence she hatched this plan well before filing for divorce.

Costner filed legal docs Thursday, claiming Christine Baumgartner "has shown a disturbing propensity in the last several months, both before and after separation, to take [Kevin's] property without his knowledge or consent, especially since this case was filed."

The new docs allege Christine paid a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer $25,000 from Kevin's separate property funds, without his knowledge. As for why she needed a criminal defense lawyer ... no explanation for that.

The docs also say she paid her divorce lawyer, Susan Wiesner, "on the credit card of an employee which is traditionally used for Costner family house charges and paid by [Kevin].

There's more ... Costner's lawyer alleged Christine took cash advances on various credit cards that were not issued to her but to members of the house staff.

And, the allegations continue ... months before they separated, Christine bought an expensive vehicle -- something out of the ordinary because they have always leased, not purchased cars. What's especially interesting ... the prenup says she's allowed to take her personal vehicle with her, so the claim is she upgraded by buying a new one before she split.

The allegation regarding the car is telling, because Kevin's lawyer says it's evidence she "had been planning her exit long before she told [Kevin] in April 2023."

The filing includes a laundry list of household items Christine plans to take with her -- everything from artwork to pots and pans -- but Kevin's attorney reminds his ex, "She has plenty of money to buy furniture, pots and pans and dishes" ... a reference to the $1.5 million lump sum Kevin has already paid Christine.

According to the new docs, Kevin's lawyer asked Christine for an agreement that she would not loot the residence before she leaves, and she refused to sign it.

Jimmie Allen is countersuing the woman accusing him of sexually assaulting her ... claiming their encounter was consensual, and she even agreed to do it on camera.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the country music star says during their Las Vegas tryst, the woman told him she was "fine" with him setting up his phone to record their romp.

Jimmie is being sued by a Jane Doe who claims they met on a flight to Nashville in May 2022, started messaging each other for the next few months, and ultimately met up at his Sin City hotel ... where she claims he sexually assaulted her and secretly recorded the encounter.

In his countersuit, Jimmie cops to everything she says about how and where they met and eventually ended up in the Vegas hotel room. As for the encounter, he says they were kissing on the room's balcony, when he asked her if he could set up his camera ... and he claims she agreed.

He says they went inside and had consensual, unprotected sex, and the camera was always in plain view on a shelving unit at the foot of the bed.

He says he fell asleep after they had sex, and when he woke up, the woman and his phone were gone. Jimmie believes the woman took the phone, and mailed it to police and he still doesn't have it back ... so he's going after her for damages.

Kevin Spacey testified Thursday at his London sex assault trial calling one of his accusers a backstabber -- and described their intimate moments as purely consensual while claiming he’s just a "big flirt."

The Oscar-winning actor took the stand in Southwark Crown Court and went down memory lane, laying out his relationship with one of the 4 men he’s accused of sexually assaulting.

Spacey described the man as funny, charming and flirtatious -- and their relationship as "romantic" and "somewhat sexual." Kevin also testified, "I liked him greatly. We had a good time together. We laughed a lot."

Kevin continued, "I never thought that (the man) I knew would … 20 years later stab me in the back," which Spacey says "crushed" him emotionally.

Spacey then testified he was the dominant partner in their relationship, adding, "I'm a flirt, I'm a big flirt." He categorically denied molesting the man, saying it was all consensual.

"It didn’t happen in a violent, aggressive, painful way," Spacey told the jury, explaining, "It was gentle and it was touching and it was, in my mind, romantic."

Kevin also testified they never actually had sex because the man made it clear he didn’t want to take it to that level. "And I respected that," Spacey testified, while dismissing the other allegations against him because, in his view, they made "no logical sense."

Spacey further testified his accusers were simply retaliating against him after they regretted getting intimate with him.

Spacey has pleaded not guilty to 12 criminal charges, including indecent assault and causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Adam Carolla and his ex finally have a financial agreement as their divorce plays out ... and it will have him shelling out close to $50K each month.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Adam agreed to pay Lynette at least $17K a month in base child support for their 17-year-old twins, Santino and Natalia. That's an interim number, and additional child support might be ordered in the future depending on Adam's income.

The exes also agree to split the cost of their children's extracurricular activities, including things like college test prep fees, cell phones, and tutoring ... but Adam will solely cover the kids' health insurance.

In the docs, Adam also agrees to pay Lynette an additional $30K each month for spousal support. The payments actually started at the beginning of this year, so that means Adam's already dropped $329K for the first half of 2023.

As Kevin Costner would no doubt tell Adam ... divorce ain't cheap!

Adam announced he and Lynette were divorcing in 2021, saying they'd already been separated for a few months. They'd been married since 2002.

Kevin Costner's one step closer to finding out what he owes his estranged wife for child support ... a judge tentatively ruled the actor will be coughing up more than $129k a month.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the judge in their divorce case says Kevin must pay Christine Baumgartner $129,755 per month in child support. The ruling is tentative, subject to another upcoming hearing though the decision rarely changes.

The figure is a little over half of what Kevin's estranged wife was gunning for ... she requested $248k, a figure Kevin's accountant said included more than $100k for cosmetic procedures.

TMZ broke the story ... Kevin initially offered Christine $51,940, in addition to him paying all the children's expenses, but she scoffed at the figure ... saying the offer was "completely inappropriate."

According to the docs,  Kevin and Christine will each be on the hook for 50% of their kids' health care expenses, plus their extracurricular activities and private school tuition.

Kevin is also being ordered to advance Christine $200k for attorney's fees and another $100k in forensic costs.

Leslie Van Houten -- a former member of the Manson family -- has been released from prison after more than 4 decades behind bars.

The convicted murderer walked out of a California facility Tuesday after successfully receiving parole earlier in the month ... this after Gov. Gavin Newsom said he would not challenge her release, despite doing so 3 different times throughout his tenure as Governor.

Van Houten was convicted of 2 counts of first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder way back in 1971 for her involvement in the grisly 1969 LaBianca murders here in Los Angeles ... when Leno and Rosemary LaBianca were stabbed to death at their home. Van Houten said she held Rosemary down while someone else stabbed her, and later admitted she stabbed her as well after Rosemary was dead.

In the years since her conviction ... Van Houten's attorneys have said she was young and brainwashed by her cult leader, Charles Manson, at the time -- arguing she had been rehabilitated.

More importantly, Van Houten's lawyers have said she does not pose a threat to society anymore ... and it seems a handful of parole boards agreed with that, signing off on recommendations that she oughta be released, in spite of her life sentence.

Like we said, Newsom has shot her down time and again ... with his argument being, the nature of her crime should prevent her from ever enjoying a free life. But, after his last rejection ... she appealed his decision in court, and they ended up siding with her.

The governor's office said trying to fight it was a losing effort, so they were going to drop it.

Now, at age 73 ... Van Houten's back on the outside, and it'll be interesting to see what she does going forward. At first, she'll be sent to a halfway house where she'll learn basic skills and get up to date on all the new technology that's come out since she was imprisoned.

Van Houten is said to have been a constructive prisoner over the years, having found faith and showing an eagerness to teach/learn. She's also expressed remorse about her role in the murders.

A jury determined a handwritten document found in Aretha Franklin's couch is a valid will ... a major development after years of her kids battling over her estate.

The ruling on the hard-to-read pages came in Tuesday in a Michigan court. The will was found in 2019 -- the year after she passed -- in a notebook tucked under the couch in Aretha's Detroit home.

The docs, dated March 31, 2014, are significantly different from a 2010 draft of her will.

The newer pages apparently designate her sons Kecalf and Edward as executors of her $6 million estate, and it looks like the name "Teddy," AKA Ted White II -- their brother who was pinned as executor in the 2010 version -- is crossed out.

What's more, the 2010 will appeared to require Kecalf and Edward would have to take business classes, and get a degree or certificate to benefit from Aretha's estate -- but the 2014 version doesn't include that requirement.

TMZ broke the story, no will was initially found when Aretha died in 2018 following a battle with pancreatic cancer -- but since then there has been an all-out war between her children.

The father of late music icon Selena Quintanilla is going after a cruise company ... claiming it had no right to set sail as a tribute cruise to his daughter and her legacy.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. is suing Catalina Classic Cruises over its Cumbia Cruise L.A. trips -- something he says has been dubbed this year as a "Tributo a Selena."

The evening boat cruise apparently takes passengers across Long Beach Bay with music bumping, which presumably would include Selena's hits. The party at sea is fit with 2 dance areas, food, and a couple of full bars.

Abraham says the company's a repeat offender ... claiming it called last year's trip “Cumbia Cruise Homenaje a Selena y La Sonor Dinamita por Maritza y Su Sonora.”

Abraham insists he still controls the rights to Selena's trademarks, name, voice, signature, and likeness in connection to merch and ads, among other things ... and he claims the company never got permission to use them.

He says the use of Selena's name on the cruise has caused substantial confusion and even deceived people into thinking her estate approved the usage -- which he says just isn't true.

Abraham's now seeking to block the use of his famous daughter's name and trademarks and wants the company to fork over any profits the tribute cruises made with her name.