Published: April 1, 2025
Background:
Rex Heuermann, a 61-year-old architect from Long Island, was arrested in July 2023 and charged with the murders of seven women whose remains were found along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach between 1993 and 2011. The victims, primarily sex workers, were discovered in burlap sacks, leading to the case’s moniker as the “Gilgo Beach Murders.”
Recent Developments:
- Divorce Proceedings: Following Heuermann’s arrest, his wife, Asa Ellerup, filed for divorce. The couple reached a settlement, with court records indicating a finalized agreement. The terms remain confidential.
- Family Impact: Ellerup and their two adult children, Victoria and stepson Christopher, have faced public scrutiny and emotional distress. The family relocated from their Massapequa Park home due to media attention and now resides in South Carolina.
- Legal Proceedings: Heuermann’s defense team is challenging the admissibility of nuclear DNA evidence obtained through whole genome sequencing. A pre-trial hearing, known as a Frye hearing, is underway to determine the scientific validity of this method.
- Trial Status: As of March 2025, Heuermann remains incarcerated at the Riverhead Correctional Facility in Suffolk County, awaiting trial. His legal team continues to contest certain DNA evidence, which may influence the trial’s timeline.
Public Interest:
The case has garnered significant attention, inspiring documentaries such as “Gone Girls: The Hunt for the Long Island Killer,” which delves into the investigation and its impact on the victims’ families.
