Daily Skimm: The arrest of a suspected serial killer is reigniting the conversation about sex work.

Gilgo Beach

The Story

The arrest of a suspected serial killer is reigniting the conversation about sex work.

What happened?

Last week, Suffolk County authorities charged 59-year-old Rex Heuermann with killing at least three women in Gilgo Beach on Long Island, NY, over a decade ago. Police say he's also the “prime suspect” in the death of a fourth woman. The women, referred to as the “Gilgo Four,” were known sex workers who advertised their services on Craigslist. At least seven other bodies have been discovered in the area since 2010 — many of the victims were also sex workers. The Gilgo Beach murders drew national attention and led to a Netflix film and podcasts. Now, the case is putting a spotlight on the violence and dangers that sex workers often face.

Explain.

Sex workers are known to be prime targets for serial killers. Experts say killers don't expect the public to care for these victims. One study found that from 1970 to 2009, 32% of serial murder victims were known female sex workers. Another analysis found that 80% of sex workers experience violence or threats while working and that most cases go unreported because of little trust in the police. Now, some sex work advocates are again calling for states to decriminalize sex work to help eliminate the stigma. They're also asking the public to “find the humanity of people who do sex work,” in an effort to stop the cycle of violence.

theSkimm

For more than a decade, the families of the Gilgo Beach victims have been looking for answers. Now, as they get one step closer to justice, some are raising awareness of the violence that sex workers face.

What’s got people seeking the shade…

Excessive heat. About a third of the US population is under heat alerts. Fourteen states — from California to Florida — are experiencing a record-breaking heat wave, with some parts of the country seeing temperatures well over 100 degrees. Arizona had 16 consecutive days of 110 degrees or higher temps. The state is expected to beat a 1974 record streak of 18 days today. Other parts of the country are also expected to continue to feel scorching temps into the week. It comes as the Northeast is recovering from heavy rainfall and flash flooding that's killed at least five people. Experts say El Niño, a weather phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, is partly to blame.

Who people want to know more about…

Carlee Russell. Over the weekend, the 25-year-old woman who disappeared from an Alabama highway turned up at her home. Russell was reported missing after she called police to report a toddler walking on the interstate on Thursday. Her mysterious disappearance led to a 48-hour search effort involving local and federal authorities, gaining national attention. Now, police say Russell returned home on foot and that they’ve received no other reports of a missing child. Authorities are reviewing traffic camera footage as they investigate what happened to Russell.

Who people are remembering…

Jane Birkin. Yesterday, the British actress, singer, and fashion icon died in Paris at 76. Affectionately known in France as the “petite Anglaise,” she’s most known for her 1969 hit “Je t’aime moi non plus” and as the inspiration behind the Hermès Birkin bag. The French Culture Ministry said France lost a “timeless Francophone icon.”

While Carlos Alcaraz served up his first Wimbledon title…

Marketa Vondrousova smashed her first Grand Slam.

What’s getting ready for the streets…

Tesla’s Cybertruck.

Who could be rekindling an old friendship…

Kylie Jenner and Jordyn Woods.