Naman Shrestha
Prime Video’s ‘Killing Grounds: The Gilgo Beach Murders’ is a four-part documentary series that delves deep into the gruesome murders committed by the Gilgo Beach serial killer — Rex A. Heuermann. One of the women killed by the serial killer was Melissa Barthelemy, whose remains were discovered on Long Island, New York. Her family members, including parents Lynn Barthelemy and Mark Szpila and sister Amanda Funderburg, were heartbroken after the tragedy. Lynn and Amanda feature in the docuseries and recounted their memories with Melissa and how her passing affected them.
Melissa Barthelemy’s Family Was Relieved After Rex Heuermann’s Arrest
Melissa Barthelemy was the beloved daughter of Lynn Barthelemy and Mark Szpila and the sister of Amanda Funderburg. On July 12, 2009, she was last seen in the Bronx, New York, and was found dead along with two other women — Maureen Brainard-Barnes and Amber Lynn Costello — on Long Island. When the news of her passing reached her loved ones, they were not only devastated but also determined to get justice for Melissa.
More than a decade later, in July 2023, her alleged killer, Rex A. Heuermann, was arrested and charged with multiple murders. Following his arrest, Lynn Barthelemy told NBC News, “I’d like him to suffer at the hands of other inmates. Let him receive what the girls received…Death is too good for him. It’s too easy.” She was glad that the accused was finally behind bars, awaiting trial. “Our family has suffered every day,” she added.
Mark Szpila is Surrounded by the Love of His Family, While Lynn Barthelemy is a Devoted Grandmother Today
The Seneca Vocational High School graduate is still living in Buffalo, New York, with his wife, Susan Szpila. They are devoted parents to twins, Alexandria and Zachary. Mark loves spending time outdoors, especially with Susan and his kids. Being a Buffalo Sabres fan, he and his family frequently attend live games at the stadium. In late 2024, he was delighted to learn that his son, Zachary, got engaged to the love of his life, Mikayla Santulli. For his 60th birthday in March 2025, Susan wrote, “Happy 60th birthday to my wonderful husband and a great father , Mark Szpila. Love you – so close now to Social security.”
As for Lynn Barthelemy, she reportedly lives in upstate New York. As she prefers to lead a private life, not much is known about Melissa’s mother. However, she remains in touch with her other daughter, Amanda, and her grandchildren, whom she adores. For her birthday in 2019, she asked for donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “I’ve chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope you’ll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me. Every little bit will help me reach my goal,” she wrote. Lynn is accompanied by a cat named Bo, who got lost for a while in May 2023.
Amanda Funderburg Leads a Private Life With Her Son Today
Still reeling in from the loss of her beloved sister, Amanda Funderburg frequently opens up about her grief and how much she misses Melissa Barthelemy. Apart from maintaining a close-knit bond with her mother, Amanda’s life revolves around her son Giovanni. It seems that she has parted ways with Giovanni’s father and raises him on her own in Buffalo, New York. Although she doesn’t have many memories with Melissa, Amanda still holds on to pieces of her sister, including “a simple piece of paper my sister wrote a letter to me on and having the words I love you from her means more than anything to me.”
Read More: Melissa Barthelemy: How Did She Die? Who Killed Her?
