In a shocking twist to the ongoing investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders, the attorney representing the families of Shannan Gilbert and Jessica Taylor has raised doubts about the alibi of accused serial killer Rex Heuermann’s estranged wife, Asa Ellerup. Attorney John Ray, speaking at an event at St. John’s University in Queens, questioned whether Ellerup was in town during one of the killings, contrary to the claims made by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.
Tierney had previously stated that Ellerup was out of town during each of the murders. However, Ray claims to have spoken with a hotel manager in Atlantic City who revealed that Ellerup and her children arrived later than investigators believe, suggesting they may have been in town during at least one of the killings. These allegations, if proven true, could potentially undermine the entire case against Heuermann.
Ellerup’s attorney, Bob Macedonio, vehemently denied Ray’s claims, stating that if Tierney’s information about Ellerup was incorrect, it would cast doubt on the entire case against Heuermann. Macedonio questioned why the DA would argue something they were unsure of, suggesting that Tierney’s statement must be based on solid evidence.
Legal experts weighed in on the matter, with a former federal prosecutor, Neama Rahmani, stating that the DA’s statement would be problematic if proven wrong. However, Rahmani also questioned the likelihood of the DA making an argument they were unsure of, highlighting the potential consequences of such a move.
Rex Heuermann, a 60-year-old New York City architect and married father of two, was arrested in July in connection with the infamous Gilgo Beach murders. The case involves the deaths of four sex workers, Amber Lynn Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, and Megan Waterman, whose remains were discovered wrapped in burlap on the beach between December 2010 and April 2011.
Heuermann’s arrest came after former NYPD chief Rodney Harrison, who was then Suffolk County police commissioner, reopened the case in January 2022. Harrison established a special task force dedicated to the Gilgo Beach Homicide Investigation, which quickly identified Heuermann as a suspect. He has been held without bail since his arrest.
As the investigation continues, the revelation surrounding Asa Ellerup’s alibi adds a new layer of complexity to the case. The families of the victims, as well as the public, eagerly await further developments that may shed light on the truth behind the Gilgo Beach murders.
