9: Inside The Family Life Of Accused Gilgo Beach Killer Rex Heuermann

The quiet neighborhood of Massapequa Park, typically known for
its peaceful suburban charm, has been gripped by a disturbing
revelation with the arrest of one of its residents, Rex
Heuermann. Standing accused as the Gilgo Beach serial killer,
Heuermann, an architect by profession, has been charged with the
murders of three sex workers over a decade ago. His arrest has
unraveled a tale of intrigue and horror that has shocked his
community and beyond.
 
On July 14, Heuermann was charged with the gruesome murders of
Amber Costello, Megan Waterman, and Melissa Barthelemy, all of
whom disappeared between 2007 and 2010. Their bodies were later
discovered at Gilgo Beach. In addition, Heuermann is the prime
suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, a fourth
woman.
 
The news of his arrest sent shockwaves through Massapequa Park.
His neighbors were taken aback, as Heuermann had lived amongst
them with his wife, daughter, and stepson. He was perceived as a
somewhat aloof figure who kept to himself. The image portrayed by
his defense attorney as a "loving husband and devoted father"
starkly contrasted with the persona he embodied in the eyes of
his community.
 
Speaking to The New York Times, Neighbor Frankie Musto described
Heuermann and his wife, Asa Ellerup, as reclusive figures who
generally avoided interaction with their neighbors. Musto pointed
out that their house was unkempt, which led her to forbid her
daughter from visiting despite being friends with Heuermann's
daughter. This antisocial behavior raised eyebrows among the
locals, painting Heuermann and Ellerup as enigmatic
figures.
 
The plot thickened when investigators found female hairs at the
three crime scenes, which forensic analysis revealed belonged to
Heuermann's wife, Asa Ellerup. However, authorities also
confirmed through cell phone records that Ellerup was out of
state when the murders occurred. This finding presented a paradox
that further intrigued investigators, prompting them to dig
deeper into the case.
 
Following Heuermann's arrest, a search of his residence led to
the shocking discovery of a massive collection of firearms
between 200 and 300. Heuermann's house, located just 20 minutes
from Gilgo Beach, where the bodies of his victims were dumped, is
now the center of a major investigation. Despite having legal
permits for 92 guns, the sheer number of firearms found in his
possession has raised eyebrows among law enforcement
agencies.
 
The scope of the investigation is broadening, with police
scrutinizing Heuermann's possible involvement in seven other
murders, whose victims' bodies were also discovered along the
shores of Gilgo Beach. His far-reaching connections span states
and are potentially linked to unsolved murders in New York, New
Jersey, Connecticut, South Carolina, and Las Vegas.
 
Chilling eyewitness accounts from Heuermann's next-door neighbor,
Dominick Cancellieri, have further painted a picture of the
suspect's odd behavior. Cancellieri reported hearing Heuermann
digging in his backyard during the early morning hours and
frequently burning garbage. He also described Heuermann as an
intimidating figure who once issued a veiled threat after a minor
dispute over a parking space.
 
On the other hand, Heuermann's family, specifically his wife and
children, reacted with shock and disgust at the allegations
against him, according to Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison.
Despite Heuermann pleading not guilty to all charges, his once
ordinary life unravels, revealing more horrifying details with
each passing day. 
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