Should 'Son of Sam' Law Be Changed To Stop LISK Suspect's Wife From Profiting On Doc?

In the tangled web of the Long Island serial killer case, a new
chapter unfolds with Asa Ellerup, the wife of the alleged
murderer, Rex Heuermann, being followed around by a documentary
crew. The decision to spotlight Asa through the lens of a Peacock
Network documentary has stirred a whirlwind of debate,
particularly around the Son of Sam law and its implications. The
question arises: Should the law be adapted to encompass scenarios
like Asa's?
 
 Defense attorney Bob Motta, host of the podcast "Defense
Diaries," shares his insights on this complex issue with Tony
Brueski on the "Hidden Killers" podcast. Asa, currently not
divorced from Heuermann, is technically still part of a marital
estate, meaning that any income, including the alleged
million-dollar payout from the documentary, is legally shared
with her husband. This situation raises legal and ethical
questions, especially in light of the Son of Sam law, which
prohibits criminals from profiting from their crimes.
 
 The conversation shifts to compare Asa’s situation with
that of Kerri Rawson, the daughter of the notorious BTK killer.
Unlike Asa, Rawson uses her traumatic experience for advocacy and
victim support. Motta highlights the contrasting intent between
the two women, noting that Rawson's work is a genuine effort to
provide insight and aid to others affected by similar tragedies.
He emphasizes the need for sensitivity and ethical consideration
in true crime, an industry often criticized for profiting from
others' misfortunes.
 
 The debate on the proposed bill to alter the Son of Sam law
is intricate. While it's clear that some individuals like Rawson
use their experiences for positive outcomes, there are cases like
Asa’s, which many perceive as exploiting tragedy for financial
gain. This gray area in the law poses a challenge: How do you
legislate intent when it varies so significantly from person to
person?
 
 Motta expresses his skepticism about Asa Ellerup's
intentions, especially considering her actions to secure the
couple's assets and her apparent eagerness to participate in the
documentary. He suggests that the filmmakers' goal might be to
expose her possible involvement or knowledge of her husband's
alleged crimes, akin to the infamous revelations in "The Jinx"
documentary about Robert Durst.
 
 The "Hidden Killers" episode ends with a question that
lingers in the minds of listeners: Will karma catch up with Asa
Ellerup, or will she manage to navigate the treacherous waters
she finds herself in? As the world watches the unfolding events,
the answers to these questions remain to be seen.
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