Asa Ellerup, the ex-wife of suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann, is speaking out. She believes her former husband may have been framed. After watching the Netflix docuseries Gone Girls, she started to question the investigation into his actions. She now wonders if the evidence against him is tainted by corruption within the police department.
Ellerup’s doubts stem from seeing the corruption within the Suffolk County Police Department. She points to former Police Chief James Burke and former District Attorney Tom Spota. Both men were involved in misconduct, which she believes could have impacted the investigation. Burke is accused of blocking the FBI from investigating the case. He was sentenced to prison for a beating he inflicted in 2012. Spota, who resigned in 2017, later faced federal charges related to obstruction and corruption.
Concerns Over Investigation Procedures
Ellerup’s legal team, Bob Macedonio and Ginenne Pugliese, have also raised concerns about the investigation. They are questioning the handling of the case. They ask, “Could Rex Heuermann have been framed?” Ellerup watched Gone Girls, and after seeing the corruption exposed in the series, she believes it’s possible. She feels that the same kind of misconduct that affected previous cases could have played a role here too.
She’s not saying her ex-husband is innocent, but she wants a fair investigation. She hopes that justice will prevail in the end. While her feelings for Heuermann are complicated, she believes the truth must come out. Her sympathies, however, remain with the victims’ families, no matter how the case unfolds.
Legal Team Calls for Transparency
Ellerup’s attorneys spoke to the press ahead of Heuermann’s court hearing. They emphasized how important it is for the victims’ families to find closure. Macedonio, one of Ellerup’s lawyers, discussed the DNA evidence that links Heuermann to the victims. He said the recent Netflix series raised questions about the way the investigation was handled, especially in terms of DNA collection.
Ellerup’s position has not changed. She has always said that Rex was not capable of committing such crimes. She wants the court to fully consider all the evidence. Only after hearing everything in court will she make a final judgment.
DNA Evidence and Testing Controversies
The DNA evidence in this case is a key point of dispute. Testing done by Astrea Forensics, a California-based lab, linked Heuermann to six of the seven victims. DNA was found on hairs at the crime scenes. The defense team, however, wants this evidence dismissed. They have criticized the DNA testing method, calling it “magic.”
Astrea Forensics’ founder, Dr. Richard Green, testified at the hearing. He explained the science behind the DNA testing. Dr. Green’s lab is known for extracting DNA from tough samples, like ancient bones and rootless hairs. His testimony could be a critical factor in deciding whether the evidence will be used in court.
Dr. Kelley Harris, an expert from the University of Washington, also testified. She confirmed that whole genome sequencing is a widely accepted and reliable method in the scientific community. This adds weight to the prosecution’s case.
Family Impact and Divorce After Arrest
Ellerup and Heuermann share two adult children: a daughter named Victoria and a son named Christopher. The family’s world changed dramatically when Rex was arrested. Ellerup filed for divorce soon after his arrest in 2023. The divorce papers have been signed, but the terms still need to be reviewed by a judge. Despite the personal turmoil, Ellerup remains focused on the case. She’s following the Frye hearings closely. She wants to hear all the facts before making any decisions about her husband.
Heuermann’s Arrest and The Growing Case Against Him
Rex Heuermann’s arrest shocked many. On July 14, 2023, he was taken into custody outside his office in Manhattan. He’s been charged with the murders of seven women over a span of two decades. The crimes, committed between 1993 and 2011, have haunted the Long Island community. Heuermann was initially linked to three victims: Amber Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, and Megan Waterman. Later, charges were added for four more victims: Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, and Valerie Mack.
All of the victims were sex workers. They disappeared after going to meet a client. Their bodies were later discovered along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach and other remote areas. Some of the victims had been bound or dismembered.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense team is working to have the case split into five separate trials, though the judge has yet to rule on this request.
Gilgo Beach – New Netflix Documentary Stirs Public Interest
The public’s interest in this case has grown with the release of the Netflix docuseries Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer. The series, released on March 31, 2025, focuses on the victims’ families and the police involved in the investigation. It also sheds light on the impact of the case on the community. Directed by Liz Garbus, the series is a follow-up to her 2020 film Lost Girls, which was based on Robert Kolker’s book about the Gilgo Beach murders.
