Gilgo Beach murders: Suspect Rex Heuermann's estranged wife Asa Ellerup insists on giving him 'benefit of the doubt'

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK: In the ongoing investigation into the notorious Gilgo Beach murders, Asa Ellerup, the estranged wife of the suspect Rex Heuermann, is steadfast in her stance, insisting on granting her ex "the benefit of the doubt," according to a statement from her attorney.

Ellerup's attorney released a statement on her behalf reaffirming her belief in Heuermann's innocence. In the statement, she said, "I will listen to all of the evidence and withhold judgment until the end of the trial. I have given him the benefit of the doubt, as we all deserve."

Despite the severity of the charges laid against Heuermann, Ellerup remains resolute in her conviction that he is not capable of the crimes he has been accused of. Her attorney noted that Ellerup's decision to speak out now stems from multiple visits with her ex-husband in jail, where she continues to express her disbelief in his involvement in the Gilgo Beach murders, as per News 12.

Timeline of Rex Heuermann's arrest

Heuermann, a 60-year-old New York City architect and father of two, was arrested in connection with the infamous 'Gilgo Four' killings, where the remains of four sex workers – Amber Lynn Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, and Megan Waterman – were discovered wrapped in burlap on Gilgo Beach between December 2010 and April 2011.

The breakthrough in the case came in July with Heuermann's arrest, which was based on DNA evidence linking him to three of the victims found on a discarded pizza. The investigation gained momentum in January 2022 when former NYPD chief Rodney Harrison, then Suffolk County police commissioner, reopened the case and established the Gilgo Beach Homicide Investigation Task Force.

Since his arrest, Heuermann, who has pleaded not guilty, has remained incarcerated without bail, facing charges related to the long-standing Gilgo Beach murders that have haunted the Long Island community for over a decade.

Netizens react to Asa Ellerup stance

Social media users slammed Asa Ellerup for still giving the benefit of the doubt to her husband despite the evidence put forth by the investigators.

A social media user tweeted, "If she's not careful, her tombstone will ready "She gave her husband the benefit of the doubt.""

One user said, "I’m sorry what ….." Another added, "Ok, sounds like a s**t ton of evidence against him." One simply wrote, "Nooooo!" while another commented, "That’s funny."

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