The former wife of Rex Heuermann, the Gilgo Beach serial killer, still lives in the same house where he murdered several women. In a recent Peacock documentary, Asa Ellerup shared her haunting experience of living in that home. She continues to sleep in what’s known as the “kill room,” the very space tied to unimaginable horrors.
Ellerup has remodeled the basement where Heuermann confessed he committed these crimes. She made the space unrecognizable with new floors and walls, yet the emotional weight lingers. In the series, she walks viewers through the basement, revealing she had slept there for weeks before Heuermann’s guilty plea on April 8.
When asked why she moved into that basement, Asa laid bare the truth: Heuermann had dismembered his victims there. She expressed a deep sense of remorse for the women who suffered. “I am trying to say spiritually, in my own way, that I am really sorry for what these victims went through,” she explained.
Constantly tormented by nightmares, Ellerup feels the traumatic memories of Heuermann’s actions chase her daily. “I will be haunted by dreams every night,” she lamented.
Heuermann has admitted to killing eight women, and their bodies were found near Gilgo Beach. After his arrest, he confessed to Asa and their daughter, Victoria, before facing the court. Their divorce followed soon after.
In the documentary, Victoria described how she and her mother had pressed Heuermann about his motivations. He referred to his killings as being compelled by “demons.” Victoria struggled to understand how her father could disconnect himself from the humanity of his victims. “He told me he didn’t even see them as human,” she recalled.
Women’s rights advocates have weighed in on this tragedy. Many have emphasized how society often overlooks the struggles of marginalized groups, like sex workers, making them vulnerable to violence. A recent study showed that nearly 80% of sex workers have reported experiencing violence at some point in their lives. The Gilgo Beach case highlights ongoing issues of violence against women and the urgent need for better protection.
Heuermann’s chilling behavior lends insight into the mind of a serial killer. Despite being a family man, he led a double life, keeping his dark actions separate from his loved ones. This duality raises questions about societal perceptions and acceptance of violence.
Heuermann is expected to be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole on June 17. His case continues to stir emotions and discussions surrounding crime, family, and societal responsibility, ensuring it remains in the public eye.
For further insights into violence against women, you can read more from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
