What Happened to Rex Heuermann’s Family? An Insight into His Wife and Children Today

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The family of Rex Heuermann is experiencing significant turmoil as they grapple with the implications of his alleged crimes.

In July 2023, Heuermann was identified as a suspect in the notorious Gilgo Beach serial killings and faced charges for the murder of seven women. This case has become the focal point of Netflix’s upcoming three-part docuseries Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer, slated for release on March 31.

A licensed architect and father, Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held at the Riverhead Correctional Facility in Suffolk County without bail since the charges were announced.

Heuermann’s wife, Asa Ellerup, filed for divorce shortly after his arrest, marking the end of their 27-year marriage. The couple has two adult children, Victoria and Christopher, from Ellerup’s previous relationship.

Representing the children, lawyer Vess Mitev noted that they are “two young adults caught in the crossfire of this unfortunate situation, with no link other than their relation to Mr. Heuermann,” as reported by Newsweek.

Authorities have expressed doubts that the family was aware of Heuermann’s supposed double life.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney speculated that Heuermann maintained a concealed existence, utilizing modern technology to separate his criminal activities from his family life: “Unfortunately for him — and fortunately for the rest of us — he wasn’t successful,” he stated to PEOPLE in 2023.

Here’s an overview of the current situation regarding Rex Heuermann’s family.

Who is Rex Heuermann?

Rex Heuermann.

Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office

Rex Heuermann, identified as the Gilgo Beach Killer, is charged in connection with the homicides of seven women.

A graduate of Berner High School in Massapequa, N.Y., Heuermann’s notable connections include that of a classmate being actor Billy Baldwin.

Baldwin responded to the news of Heuermann’s arrest via X in July 2023, expressing disbelief over the situation: “Average guy… quiet, family man. Mind-boggling…” he remarked.

Heuermann received his degree from the New York Institute of Technology and operated an architectural consulting firm in New York City. He and Ellerup raised their children in Heuermann’s childhood home, a property where neighbors described the family as private, with Heuermann remaining largely unknown to them.

Initially, Heuermann faced charges in connection with four women who disappeared between 2007 and 2010. Their remains were discovered near Ocean Parkway in December 2010, showing signs of having been bound and concealed.

In mid-2024, Heuermann was further implicated in the deaths of Sandra Costilla and Jessica Taylor, alongside additional charges relating to Valerie Mack.

A significant breakthrough for investigators occurred in 2022, where a witness provided key details about a vehicle associated with Costello’s disappearance, tying it ultimately to Heuermann.

Additional links were established through DNA evidence and phone records, revealing Heuermann’s internet searches about serial killers.

Heuermann remains in custody at the Riverhead Correctional Facility.

Who is Rex Heuermann’s wife?

Asa Ellerup, wife of Gilgo Beach suspect Rex Heuermann, walks into the courtroom on November 15, 2023 in Riverhead, New York.

Emma Seiwell for New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty

Heuermann wed Asa Ellerup in April 1996. Records indicate that the family was out of state during at least three of the murders attributed to Heuermann.

Evidence linking hairs found with one of the victims to Ellerup suggested a familial connection, which law enforcement interprets as proximity rather than direct involvement in the crimes. According to Ellerup’s attorney, she did not reside with Heuermann during the time the murders were committed.

Prosecutors contended that with his family away, Heuermann had the opportunity to commit his alleged crimes without detection.

Following the arrest, Suffolk County police officials noted that the family appeared bewildered and distressed by the revelations about Heuermann’s alleged activities.

Officials suggested that the family was unaware of the “double life” Heuermann was leading.

Just a week after the arrest, Ellerup initiated divorce proceedings, which were anticipated to be uncontested. Court documents from March 2025 noted that their divorce had been finalized.

Who are Rex Heuermann’s children?

Asa Ellerup with her two children Victoria Heuermann and Christopher Sheridan.

Courtesy Melissa Moore

The couple welcomed a daughter, Victoria, and raised Ellerup’s son, Christopher. As of late 2024, both adult children remained in their family home with Ellerup.

Prior to the legal turmoil, Victoria was employed at Heuermann’s architectural firm, which has since ceased operations. According to her attorney, securing new employment has proven challenging for her.

Christopher is reportedly facing significant public scrutiny that greatly affects his daily life.

Mitev articulated the difficulties faced by the children, who cannot engage in ordinary activities without attracting unwanted attention.

In July 2023, Melissa G. Moore created a GoFundMe to support Heuermann’s family as they navigate their new reality.

Ellerup shared the emotional toll the arrest has had on her family, indicating they have had to cope with profound distress and uncertainty.

She relayed the struggles her adult son, who has developmental disabilities, faces as a result of the situation.

Ellerup has made efforts to support Christopher through the trauma, emphasizing their bond during this difficult time.

How was Rex Heuermann’s family informed of his arrest?

An officer from the Suffolk County Police Department’s K-9 Unit uses a dog to search through the brush along the median of Ocean Parkway, near Oak Beach in Long Island.

AP Photo/Kevin P. Coughlin, File

Heuermann was apprehended on July 13, 2023, in Manhattan, and authorities reported that he appeared shocked by the arrest.

Following his arrest, law enforcement officials visited the Heuermann residence to notify Ellerup and their children of the charges against him.

Mitev described the family’s experience as being blindsided by the revelation, altering their lives dramatically.

Officials characterized the family’s reaction to the news as one of shock and disbelief.

Evidence was presented to the family to help them comprehend the gravity of the situation after they were informed.

A comprehensive search of the Heuermann home took place shortly after the arrest, while the family temporarily relocated.

On July 28, a statement from Ellerup’s lawyer revealed the profound impact of the events on the family dynamic.

The statement emphasized the need for privacy and respect for the neighborhood as they dealt with the repercussions of these revelations.

In May 2024, a subsequent search of the Heuermann residence occurred under new warrant, following his ongoing legal proceedings.

What has Rex Heuermann’s family said about him?

Asa Ellerup, wife of Gilgo Beach suspect Rex Heuermann, walks into the courtroom on November 15, 2023 in Riverhead, New York.

hoo-me.com/MediaPunch /IPX

Ellerup has expressed difficulty reconciling her long-standing relationship with the person accused of such heinous acts, planning to assess the evidence before reaching a conclusion about Heuermann’s guilt.

In a statement, she noted that everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt in such situations.

Mitev described the emotional aftermath of Heuermann’s arrest, likening it to mourning.

In her remarks, Ellerup conveyed her condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing that “no one deserves to die in that manner.”

Mitev reaffirmed the children’s hope for the legal proceedings to unfold properly, regardless of the outcome.

In July 2023, Heuermann’s sister-in-law expressed her astonishment over the events in correspondence with the media.

She articulated the conflicting emotions of wanting life restored for her niece and nephew while also recognizing the importance of the ongoing investigation.

Her reflections underscore the complex feelings surrounding familial bonds in light of such accusations.

Where are Rex Heuermann’s wife and children now?

Investigators continue their evidence search at the home of the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann on July 16, 2023 in Massapequa Park, NY.

James Carbone/Newsday RM via Getty

Nearly two years since Heuermann’s arrest, his family is still navigating the aftermath.

By March 2025, Ellerup had finalized her divorce from Heuermann, participating in a documentary series about the case and maintaining contact with him.

According to Ellerup’s attorney, she has been subjected to vilification, struggling to reclaim her identity beyond being “the wife of an alleged serial killer.” The family managed to cope through a difficult holiday season together.

As of November 2024, Ellerup and her children continued residing in the home but were planning to relocate, driven by the need to escape the constant public attention.

Plans emerged for them to move to South Carolina, where they had previously acquired property, as they sought stability after upheaval.

As reported by The New York Times, Ellerup intends to list their home for sale to facilitate their move, distancing themselves from the traumatic association with the residence.

Mitev emphasized the resilience of Heuermann’s children, noting their determination to face the challenges presented by public scrutiny as they await the legal proceedings.

Source
people.com