Gilgo Beach Murder Suspect's Wife Files for Divorce Amidst Ongoing Investigation

Gilgo Beach murders, Rex Heuermann

The wife of Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer, has filed for divorce in an uncontested manner following his recent arrest in connection with three of the ten victims tied to the Gilgo Beach murders. The investigation expands to multiple states, including possible connections to Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Gilgo Beach, New York - In the aftermath of the arrest of alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann, a new court filing reveals that his wife has initiated divorce proceedings. The filing, submitted in Suffolk County Supreme Court and dated Wednesday, lists the case as Asa Ellerup v. Rex Heuermann and indicates that the divorce is expected to be "uncontested."

Heuermann, a 59-year-old Manhattan architect and father of two, was taken into custody on July 13 in relation to the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. The bodies of the three victims were discovered wrapped in burlap along Ocean Parkway on Long Island's South Shore in December 2010. The victims, aged between 22 and 27, were all sex workers, according to court records.

The investigation into Heuermann's alleged involvement has extended to other victims as well. Maureen Brainard-Barnes, who disappeared in July 2007, was linked to the three aforementioned women. While Heuermann has not been charged in her death, authorities consider him the "prime suspect" in the case, and the investigation remains active.

Crucial evidence linking Heuermann to the murders was discovered through mitochondrial DNA testing on hairs found at the crime scenes. The hairs were determined to belong to the same woman, with a significant match to Heuermann's wife, exceeding 99%. However, investigators have ruled out his wife's involvement, as she was out of the country during the killings, as confirmed by cellphone records.

The ongoing investigation into Heuermann's actions includes interviews with incarcerated sex workers, focusing on potential interactions with the suspect to better understand his movements and methods. The interviews have been confined to sex workers imprisoned in Suffolk County but may expand to other regions.

Beyond New York state, authorities are exploring potential connections between Heuermann and Las Vegas, where he reportedly had a timeshare, as well as Atlantic City, New Jersey, where past investigations involving sex workers have led.

Adding to the evidence, two Chevrolet Avalanche vehicles, one green and one black, have been seized by authorities. The green Avalanche, believed to have been in Heuermann's possession at the time of the Gilgo Beach murders, was transferred to a family member in 2014 or 2015. The vehicle became a crucial piece of evidence when a witness claimed to have seen a Chevrolet Avalanche at Costello's residence before her disappearance.

Heuermann is currently facing three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder, with his defense attorney having entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

As the investigation continues to unfold, authorities are actively examining additional unsolved cases to ascertain if Heuermann may have been involved in other crimes. The divorce filing by Heuermann's wife, Asa Ellerup, adds another layer of complexity to this disturbing case that has shocked the Gilgo Beach community and the nation at large.