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Report: DNA of Alleged Gilgo Beach Killer's Wife Found on Victims, Helped Police's Investigation

Crime

By Published: July 19 2023

LongIsland.com

Massapequa Park resident Heuermann, 59, stands accused of killing three women and is the prime suspect in the murder of a fourth victim, officials say.

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Rex Heuermann's mugshot and his Massapequa Park home.

According to new reports, hairs belonging to the wife of suspected Gilgo Beach murderer Rex Heuermann that were discovered on two of his alleged victims assisted police in eventually collaring her husband.

Massapequa Park resident Heuermann, 59, stands accused of killing Amber Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman - and is also the prime suspect in the murder of a fourth victim, Maureen Brainard-Barnes - and dumping their bodies in the grass along Gilgo Beach.

According to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, investigators pegged Heuermann for the killings based on his DNA, which was found on one of the bodies; in addition, the DNA of his wife - Asa Ellerup, 59 - was found on two of the victims.

Ellerup is not currently a suspect in her husband's alleged crimes, with DA Tierney noting that the hairs containing her DNA were likely transferred via either physical contact with him or through sharing the same car and/or household.

In addition, Ellerup was reportedly out-of-state when Heuermann carried out his purported crimes, officials say.