As the true crime docuseries "Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets" explores the lives of those close to Rex Heuermann, the man charged with the murders of seven women on Long Island, it becomes clear that the emotional turmoil surrounding the case is deeply personal. Rex Heuermann, a former New York City architect, has been charged with the killing of seven women, most of whom were sex workers, and dumping their bodies on a desolate parkway near Gilgo Beach. He has pleaded not guilty to these heinous crimes.
Asa Ellerup, his ex-wife, and their daughter, Victoria Heuermann, are now speaking out for the first time in the documentary, providing insight into their emotional journey as they grapple with the reality of their loved one’s alleged crimes. Ellerup, who divorced Heuermann in 2023 shortly after his arrest, has consistently denied his guilt throughout the case. She claims that Heuermann is a family man who would never harm anyone, and she has expressed deep disbelief at the accusations against him. Her perspective is juxtaposed with her daughter’s, who has come to believe her father is most likely the killer.
Director Jared P. Scott, who helmed the docuseries, described the emotional state of Ellerup as one of deep denial and searching for answers. He noted how she walks through their home, reliving memories and trying to reconcile her 27-year marriage to a man she believes to be innocent. Scott expressed that Ellerup’s journey is one of constant questioning, searching for the familiar in a world that has been turned upside down.
On the other hand, Victoria Heuermann has expressed a more complex perspective. While she initially remained in denial, her younger age and not being present during the alleged crimes contributed to her uncertainty. However, after being exposed to the evidence and the context of the case, she has come to believe that her father is most likely the killer. Her admission was made through a statement from the producers, indicating her internal struggle and the weight of the truth she now faces.
Ellerup has maintained that the prosecution has the wrong man, dismissing key evidence such as a purported blueprint of his crimes and the discovery of bondage and torture pornography on electronic devices in their home. She has also called into question the credibility of the evidence presented by the prosecution, including hairs linked to Heuermann found on the victims’ bodies.
Meanwhile, the family is preparing to move to South Carolina, citing financial reasons as the primary factor. Their decision to relocate has been met with skepticism, with some suggesting it may be an attempt to protect their assets. The documentary also highlights the emotional toll on the family, who are now navigating a different kind of trauma, one they did not choose.
The case of Rex Heuermann has not only left a trail of victims but has also had a profound impact on those close to him. As the documentary unfolds, it becomes clear that the emotional and psychological weight of the situation is as significant as the crimes themselves. The story of the Heuermann family is a tragic one, reflecting the human cost of alleged criminal behavior and the personal toll it takes on those who love and live with the accused.