The shocking arrest of Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old architect, has sent ripples through the architectural community and beyond. Accused of being the notorious Gilgo Beach serial killer, Heuermann's alleged double life has left colleagues and acquaintances stunned.

For nearly two decades, Heuermann worked alongside fellow architects in New York City. Described as "friendly" and "nice," he was known by the nickname "Peter," a reference to the bumbling father in the sitcom "Family Guy," due to his appearance and gait. The contrast between this seemingly unassuming professional and the heinous crimes he's accused of is jarring.

Heuermann's arrest brought a chilling end to a decade-long investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders. The architect, a married father of two, is suspected of killing four sex workers, whose bodies were discovered in 2010. He is currently charged with the murders of three of the women and is the prime suspect in the death of a fourth, though charges have yet to be filed in that case.

A former colleague, who worked with Heuermann for years, expressed disbelief at the allegations. He remembered Heuermann as a patient mentor, skilled in navigating New York City's intricate building codes. Heuermann was known for his meticulous work ethic and long hours. He ran his own firm, RH Consultants & Associates, and was highly regarded for his expertise.

The stark contrast between Heuermann's professional life and the state of his dilapidated home has raised questions. The home, seemingly in disrepair, appeared to have two-by-fours supporting the roof, a detail that struck his former colleague as both ironic and disturbing, given Heuermann's profession.

Former FBI profiler Jim Clemente, who had previously profiled the Gilgo Beach killer, noted the chilling parallels between the alleged killer's behavior and the character of Peter Griffin. He highlighted the duality of presenting a mask of kindness while allegedly committing horrific acts. Clemente suggested that Heuermann's compartmentalization allowed him to separate his alleged crimes from his family life.

Heuermann's former colleague, struggling to reconcile the man he knew with the accusations, described the situation as surreal. The arrest has left a community grappling with the unsettling reality of a seemingly ordinary professional allegedly leading a secret life of violence.

Heuermann's lawyer maintains his client's innocence.