Gilgo Suspect's Wife Doesn't Think He is Capable Of The Slayings

MASSAPEQUA PARK, NY — An attorney for the wife of accused Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heuermann, said Wednesday she has visited him several times and believes he is "not capable" of the grisly slayings.

In a statement, Asa Ellerup, who has attended one of his court hearings, said she will "listen to all of the evidence and withhold judgment until the end of trial,” adding, "I have given Rex the benefit of the doubt, as we all deserve.”

Ellerup first visited her husband of 27 years in November.

A spokesperson for the Suffolk County Correctional Facility said Ellerup has visited him seven times.

Ellerup filed for divorce against Heuermann within days of his July 13 arrest in the slayings of Melissa Barthelemy, Amber-Lynn Costello, and Megan Waterman. Earlier this year, he was charged in the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

All of the women, known as the Gilgo Four, were sex workers whose bodies were found buried along Gilgo Beach in 2010.

Ellerup's attorney, Robert Macedonio of Islip Terrace, said that she couldn't do an interview, though she wanted to speak out publicly.

Ellerup is reportedly under a $1 million contract to take part in a documentary on Heuermann's criminal case.

"Everything goes through me," Macedonio said.

In the statement, his law firm said that her "heartfelt sympathies go out to the victims and their families,” and that “nobody deserves to die in that manner."

News of the documentary deal sparked outrage among the families of the women Heuermann is accused of killing, as well as calls for stricter litigation that prevents the family members of those accused of crimes to profit from them.

In August, Ellerup's attorneys said they planned a lawsuit against the Suffolk County police and the other law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation because the family's home was left in shambles.

Heuermann pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His attorney, Michael Brown of Central Islip, has previously said he maintains his innocence and looks forward to his day in court.

He is due back in court on April 17, court records show.