"Happy Face" Killer Keith Jesperson Warns Serial Killer Rex Heuermann of Prison Dangers

Keith Jesperson, the infamous "Happy Face" serial killer, has warned fellow serial killer Rex Heuermann that he may face serious difficulties in prison despite his large stature. Jesperson, who has been corresponding with Heuermann since his arrest in July 2023, cautioned that the hulking former architect's size and ego could make him vulnerable to violence behind bars, potentially even leading to being "tossed to the wolves" by prison guards.

Heuermann, 62, was sentenced on June 17, 2026, to three consecutive life sentences with no parole, followed by four consecutive sentences of 25 years to life for the Gilgo Beach killings. Before his sentencing, Heuermann stated in court, "I'm responsible. The words I would say have no meaning." He remains in custody at the Suffolk County Jail in Riverhead, New York, pending transfer to a state prison facility.

In messages to podcaster Keith Rovere and Fox News Digital, Jesperson emphasized that physical size alone provides no guarantee of safety in prison. "The problem with Rex is his size — he thinks prison will be a cake walk because of how big his ego is," wrote the 71-year-old inmate from his Oregon prison cell. "[I] had to tell him the little guys work out too, to beat up us big guys. He will have some fights, even in protective custody." Jesperson, who has admitted to eight murders, noted that he himself had taken beatings despite being nearly 7 feet tall.

Jesperson first initiated correspondence with Heuermann within a week of his arrest in July 2023, sending approximately 40 letters in which he advised the former architect on navigating the criminal justice system. Jesperson credited his guidance with convincing Heuermann to plead guilty rather than face trial, arguing there was nothing to gain given the evidence against him, including transferred hair DNA from his then-wife and daughter found on some victims.

Heuermann's ex-wife, Asa Ellerup, stated through her attorney that she would not attend the sentencing, emphasizing that the focus should remain on the victims and their families. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney has stated that investigators do not believe the family was involved in Heuermann's crimes. When asked whether he believes Heuermann may have additional victims, Jesperson declined to speculate, saying "What I think isn't important."