Accused Gilgo Beach Killer Rex Heuermann Settles Divorce with Estranged Wife
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Rex Heuermann, the accused Long Island Serial Killer, has reached a divorce settlement with his estranged wife, Asa Ellerup. Despite the allegations against Heuermann, Ellerup believes that her ex-husband is “not capable” of committing the crimes he is accused of. The settlement was confirmed on Thursday, March 27, and is pending finalization by a Suffolk County judge, as reported by ABC News.
According to Ellerup’s attorney, Bob Macedonio, the divorce proceedings have been ongoing for the past couple of years. He mentioned that Ellerup is focused on moving forward with her life for the well-being of herself and her children. Macedonio also highlighted that Ellerup is reserving judgment on Heuermann’s guilt or innocence until the trial concludes, maintaining her belief that the man she was married to for nearly three decades could not have committed such heinous crimes.
The divorce filing came in 2023, shortly after Heuermann’s arrest in connection with the murders of several women, including Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, and Amber Costello. Their remains were discovered along Ocean Parkway in Long Island back in 2010. Heuermann faces charges for the murders of not only these women but also Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla, and Valerie Mack.
Prosecutors have pointed to cell tower data, a witness’s description of Heuermann’s vehicle, and DNA evidence found on the victims as linking him to the crimes. However, the admissibility of the DNA results is currently under scrutiny in the ongoing legal proceedings. At a recent hearing, there were discussions about whether the DNA evidence recovered from the victims should be permitted as evidence during the trial.
Heuermann’s legal team has argued against the admissibility of the DNA results, citing that they have not been tested in a New York court previously. Conversely, Suffolk County prosecutors have defended the validity of the technique used to analyze the DNA samples. Throughout the legal battle, Heuermann has maintained his plea of not guilty to the series of murders dating back to 1993.
The Long Island Serial Killer case first came to public attention in 2010 following the disappearance of escort Shannan Gilbert. Subsequent searches led to the discovery of the bodies of Barthelemy, Costello, Waterman, and Brainard-Barnes. These women, like Gilbert, worked as online escorts and had gone missing between 2007 and 2010. Authorities suspect that the murders took place while Ellerup and their children were away from home in Massapequa Park.
Heuermann was apprehended in July 2023, leading to the unfolding of a complex legal process to bring justice to the victims and their families. The community remains gripped by the developments in the case, awaiting further updates as the trial progresses. The settlement between Heuermann and Ellerup marks a significant chapter in this tragic saga, underscoring the personal implications of the accusations against the accused perpetrator.