Queens Pizzeria Sparks Controversy with 'Gilgo Beach Serial Killer' T-Shirts

Long Island Serial Killer | The Trial Of Rex Heuermann

A Queens pizzeria is causing quite a stir with its new line of T-shirts featuring the accused Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heuermann. The shirts, created by Pizza on the Point in Breezy Point, playfully reference the method of Heuermann's capture, which involved DNA found on a pizza crust.
"The Pizza is Amazing," the shirts read. "But make sure you finish the crust — Rex Heuermann, Gilgo Pizza Connoisseur."
While the pizza joint’s owners defend the shirts as a slice of Big Apple humor, some customers find the joke to be in poor taste. "That’s dark!" commented Breezy Point retiree Paul Fallon. "That’s beyond dark. That’s tasteless, and tasteless is not a good thing for a pizza parlor."
Customer Samantha K also expressed her disapproval. "Oh my God, take the picture off," she said. "It might be funny for some people but it’s really inappropriate. They should definitely take his picture off! That is some dark, dark humor."
The idea for the shirts came from the pizza shop’s owner, local restaurateur Tom McGoorty. Chef Stefano Ballato, who spoke on behalf of the shop, explained, "He has a very good sense of humor. He had them printed by his friends. He was born and raised here in Breezy Point."
Pizza on the Point is a popular eatery in Breezy Point and is known for its laid-back atmosphere. "Most of the people here are relaxed," Ballato said. "If you go to Manhattan, you can’t make nobody happy. Always someone finds a problem, a way not to be happy. They don’t appreciate nothing funny. Not here, no worry in the world. They’re all good here."
Ballato mentioned that the pizzeria has been giving the shirts away to regular customers and might start selling them due to their growing popularity. "This is America," he said. "The tragedy becomes comedy after time, like Saturday Night Live."
Despite the controversy, many customers find humor in the situation. "I think it’s hilarious," said customer Alyssa Kotzman. "I really like the way the shirt was laid out. Now that I know I’m definitely going to eat the crust!"
Another local, a municipal worker who only identified himself as Brian, also appreciated the humor. "It’s funny," he said. "It’s a little dark. Dark humor, but definitely New York humor."
Breezy Point local Chris Reed agreed, adding, "It doesn’t bother me. You gotta make fun of things. You can’t always be a tight ass."
Rex Heuermann, a married Massapequa Park architect, is charged with killing six sex workers who went missing as early as 2000. Their bodies were discovered along a desolate stretch of waterfront along Ocean Parkway. The cases went unsolved for over a decade until Heuermann’s arrest last year, which was partly due to DNA evidence found on a pizza crust.
As the debate continues, Pizza on the Point remains at the center of a discussion about the limits of humor and the appropriateness of making light of a serious criminal case.
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