Internet divided as NY Senator pushes to change laws after Gilgo Beach serial killer's wife signs media deal
ALBANY, NEW YORK: The online community stands divided after accused Long Island serial killer Rex Heuermann's wife, Asa Ellerup secured a lucrative deal with a streaming service. This development has prompted the New York Senator to push for changes to existing laws.
This takes place several months after Ellerup’s husband, Rex Heuermann, faced charges related to the murder of three women, whose bodies were discovered buried on Gilgo Beach.
New York senator introduces legislation
Asa Ellerup has entered into an agreement with NBC's streaming service, Peacock. While various reports have suggested that the deal is valued at around $1 million, the network's spokesperson has refrained from providing specific figures. The spokesperson only mentioned that Ellerup received a licensing fee for the utilization of archive materials in the development of a multi-part documentary series.
According to the terms of the agreement, none of the funds paid to Ellerup can be utilized for the benefit of Heuermann or his legal defense.
In 1978, New York enacted the 'Son of Sam Law,' which prevents criminals from profiting by selling their stories to publishers or filmmakers.
Following this legislation, over 40 states and the federal government implemented similar statutes. New York State Senator Kevin Thomas has introduced a bill in the Assembly to extend the law's scope to include family members.
In a social media post introducing his proposed legislation, Thomas stated, "Victims and their families should not be exploited for their pain."
The proposed amendment would mandate companies paying family members or ex-spouses of individuals convicted or accused of a crime over $10,000 to notify the Office of Victim Services about the contract.
Subsequent to this notification, victims or their families may choose to take legal action to recover any funds from the contract. Ellerup's attorney, Bob Macedonio, responded to Thomas' proposed legislation in a statement provided to Court TV.
"It’s a sad day in America when people are willing to trample on the Constitution to get press coverage. The next thing they will attempt is to control media coverage,' said Macedonio.
What did Kerri Rawson say?
Kerri Rawson, daughter of the BTK Killer Dennis Rader, expressed her views on the suggested alteration to the law through a post on social media.
“Before lawmakers try to expand the Son of Sam laws, they should work on enforcing them against the actual perpetrators, like my father, who has profited for the last 18 years running a black market murderabilia racket. I’ve been trying for years to shut it down.”
Rex Heuremann's wife Asa Ellerup files for divorce
Following her husband's arrest in July, Ellerup promptly filed for divorce. According to her attorney's statement to Court TV, she visited him in jail on November 8 and intends to be present at all future court proceedings.
In November, during one of Heuermann's hearings, Ellerup made her first appearance, accompanied by a film crew.
Attorney Macedonio revealed that his client is contending with cancer and facing financial challenges in the aftermath of her husband's arrest.
Ellerup has requested the return of over 250 weapons discovered during searches of the family's property.
Documents indicated that Heuermann transferred the deed of the family's home to his wife on September 22, establishing Ellerup as the sole owner of the property.
'She's making money, disgusting'
Following the law change which has been posted on Facebook, many social media users have shared their thoughts where some agreed and some opposed it.
A user claimed, "She’s also a victim! She should have the right to tell her story as much as anyone else. It’s her life and I can’t even imagine what her & her kids are going through!"
Another wrote, "Why does anyone think the wife, neighbor, son, daughter has no right to someone buying their story? This is beyond foolish."
"Why shouldn't she get paid it's her life her story," a user stated.
Another noted, "That poor woman has cancer and going through something she never imagined. Let her get paid."
One user said, "Leave this poor woman alone."
Another claimed, "She could have left him if that's the case, no excuse, now she's making money, disgusting."
Another penned, "It should go into affect so she doesn’t benefit from the tragedy her husband created."
One user slammed her, "Disguisting that she and her family are profiting off of this."
Another said, "So stupid don't know what is going on with own husband now she wants to make money from it. Wait until after trial."
One user strongly condemned the law saying, "The money should be going to the family of the VICTIMS not the family of the murderer!!! I feel bad she's ill but those girls went through much worse at the hands of this monster!!!"
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
