Asa Ellerup’s life was turned upside down when her husband, Rex Heuermann, was arrested for being the Gilgo Beach serial killer, suspected of murdering seven women, predominantly sex workers. Heuermann, a prominent architect, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Shortly after his arrest in 2023, Ellerup filed for divorce, prompting an emotional upheaval as she and her children began to confront the reality of their patriarch’s alleged double life. In the new Peacock docuseries “The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets,” the family shares their journey, revealing the deep psychological struggle they face as they process their past and the shocking allegations against Heuermann.
Documentary director Jared P. Scott highlights the complexity of Ellerup’s emotional state, suggesting that her experience reflects a profound search for understanding amid denial. She grapples with memories of their 27-year marriage while trying to reconcile the man she loved with the sinister accusations against him. As she navigates her home filled with shared memories, Ellerup strives to grasp the duality of her husband’s existence, asserting that she cannot believe he is capable of such heinous acts. Her comments reflect a deep-seated sense of betrayal, challenging the narrative framing Heuermann as a violent predator.
Despite Ellerup’s steadfast defense of her ex-husband, their daughter, Victoria, reveals a different perspective. She indicates that she believes her father “most likely” committed the murders, suggesting a struggle with the dissonance between her childhood memories and the reality presented in court. As Victoria reflects on her father’s absence during crucial times, such as family vacations coinciding with the alleged timing of the crimes, she begins to reconcile her feelings with the evidence being laid out, even if tentatively. This tension underscores the complexities of familial love and the trauma inflicted upon them by Heuermann’s actions.
Looking back, Ellerup recounts her early relationship with Heuermann, describing him as her “hero” after he rescued her from a troubled first marriage. She appears to have viewed their life together as idyllic and without signs of abnormal behavior. However, Scott points out instances—like a sudden bathroom renovation during a family trip—that hint at a hidden life. While Ellerup acknowledges the possibility of being in denial, she simultaneously expresses a longing to understand the man she believed she knew for almost three decades.
The investigation into Heuermann’s alleged crimes presents overwhelming evidence, including meticulous documentation that prosecutors claim acts as a “blueprint” for his actions. While Ellerup dismisses this and other incriminating evidence, such as bound pornography found on their electronic devices, she remains anchored in her memories. The documentary emphasizes her struggle to reconcile the ordinary memories of domestic life with the horrific allegations against her husband, accentuating the emotional turmoil that families of the accused endure amidst public scrutiny.
As the family contemplates relocating to South Carolina for financial safety and to distance themselves from the stigma associated with being related to an alleged serial killer, they continue to grapple with their new identities. Scott notes that they are navigating stages of grief similar to what one might experience after a death but shaped by their connection to the accused. He encapsulates the tragedy of the situation, reiterating the importance of honoring the victims while also recognizing the collateral damage to the family left behind, who must now bear the emotional weight of Heuermann’s alleged deeds.
