Rex Heuerman – The architect accused in the long-running Gilgo Beach murders – has now pleaded guilty to multiple murders linked to the case. He had previously been charged in connection with the deaths of seven women: Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costelloand Maureen Brainard Barnes, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costella and Valerie Mac.
Heuerman was arrested in July 2023 and initially pleaded not guilty, but his guilty plea in April 2026 marked a major turning point in a case that has gripped Long Island since the 1990s. Investigators linked him to the killings through DNA evidence, cellphone data and years of forensic work.
In June 2024, Heuerman was charged in connection with the murders of Taylor and Costilla. At the time, a note was found on the 60-year-old’s door that read: “To any media, representatives, law enforcement, or anyone else, we ask that you respect our privacy and only contact our attorneys in any matter. Please do not trespass or loiter on this property,” the statement read. Newsweek.
Learn about Heuerman’s estranged wife and their marriage below.
Is the Long Island serial killer married?
Gilgo Beach’s serial killer, Heuerman, is no longer legally married.
Who is Rex Heuerman’s wife?
Heuerman’s ex-wife is Asa Ellerup. The two married in 1996 and were together for nearly three decades before his arrest in July 2023. A few days later, Ellerup filed for divorce, which was finalized on March 27, 2025, according to Suffolk County Superior Court records.
After his arrest, Ellerup issued a statement saying she would “hear all the evidence and withhold judgment until the end of the trial,” adding: “I gave Rex the benefit of the doubt, as we all deserve.”
Ellerup lawyer, Robert MacedonioShe insisted she knew nothing about her estranged husband’s alleged crimes.
“After 27 years of working for Mr. Heuerman, Ms. Ellerup still believes that her estranged husband was incapable of committing these heinous acts,” Macedonio said. Newsweek.
While police were investigating Heuerman for Taylor’s murder, authorities concluded that Ellerup was not living with him at the time of the alleged murder.
“Today’s indictment also makes clear that Asa Ellerup was not involved in any of the alleged crimes for which her estranged husband, Rex Heuerman, has been charged,” Macedonio said in a statement obtained by the site. Newsweek.
Does Rex Heuerman have children?
Heuermann and Ellerup share two adult children together.
Where do Rex Heuerman and his family live?
Heuerman was living at home in Massapequa Park, New York, with his wife and children. However, in November 2024, Ellerup decided to move out. According to multiple outlets, their Long Island home has not yet been sold.
Macedonio said Ellerup was moving to South Carolina because she had “lost her connection to her home of 30 years,” according to NBC New York. This news came after the police raided the house several times.
