The family of Rex Heuerman, the serial killer from Gilgo Beach, is now facing social isolation and is stuck in the home where he committed his horrific crimes. According to their lawyer, they are grappling with severe repercussions from Heuerman’s actions.
Even though they received a significant payment for featuring in a documentary series about the case titled “The Gilgo Beach Murderer: The Secret House,” they cannot sell their home due to an IRS lien. Their attorney, Robert Macedonio, mentioned that finding employment is nearly impossible for them right now.
“It’s a tough situation,” he stated. “They currently don’t have jobs. Who would hire them? They’re in dire financial straits.” He also noted that living with the stigma of being associated with Heuerman affects their daily lives.
Asa Ellerup, Heuerman’s ex-wife, and their children, Victoria and Christopher, were completely blindsided by his arrest in July 2023. After the arrest, police searches forced them out of their home, while reporters camped outside, further complicating their situation.
“They had this vision of their lives for decades, and it’s just vanished,” Macedonio noted. “They thought it was all a misunderstanding, something out of a movie. This is not the person they knew.” He explained it was a jarring process for them to come to terms with what Heuerman had done.
Heuerman was initially charged with the murders of three sex workers, and later, the number rose to seven women from 1993 to 2010. This month, he admitted to killing several victims, including Amber Lynn Costello and Melissa Barthelemy.
The documentary series chronicles the family’s transformation from denial to acceptance, but Macedonio did not disclose how much they were compensated, although it has been speculated to be around $1 million.
“Some people criticize Peacock for the payment, but honestly, they can’t afford to leave their home. They feel trapped there,” he said. “It’s not a great situation, but that’s the reality they’re facing.” Heuerman has surrendered his Long Island property and land in South Carolina as part of a divorce settlement, but his plans for a new home fell through.
As for what lies ahead, the family is waiting for Heuerman’s sentencing on June 17. Macedonio expressed, “Let’s see how that unfolds. Asa has asked us to focus on the victims and their families, who have suffered greatly because of this case. She hopes to find a way to move forward, to somehow regain her life’s normalcy.” When asked if that was feasible, he replied, “Yes, eventually. People can rebound from anything.”
