Why Is Rex Heuermann's Wife Asking For 300 Guns Back?

Sep 19, 2023, 01:00 AM

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Could the wife of an alleged serial killer be tone-deaf to the unfolding tragedy or is she hiding something more sinister? This question looms large in the latest episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," where Tony Brueski delves into the murky waters of the Long Island serial killer case, with special guest, Defense Attorney and host of the podcast Defense Diaries, Bob Motta.
 
 The central figure of discussion? Asa Ellerup, the estranged wife of Rex Heuermann, the man under the scanner for the Long Island serial killings. In a twist that's baffled many, Ellerup is fighting to reclaim the 300 guns confiscated by law enforcement from their home, arguing they're marital property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
 
 Brueski captures the absurdity of the situation succinctly, “We're talking about your husband being accused of being the Long Island serial killer, and you want guns back from your house, which may have been used in a crime?" Motta, sharing Brueski's skepticism, questioned the reasonability of such a request, pointing out, "Law enforcement is not going to care that she wants the guns so that she can sell them. They’ve got bigger issues.”
 
 Brueski and Motta's discussion dives deeper than just the firearms. They paint a picture of a woman seemingly oblivious or indifferent to the gravity of the crimes her husband is accused of. Brueski notes her behavior as being "almost tone-deaf" to the surrounding trauma. He expresses disbelief at her lack of empathy and sympathy towards the victims, an attitude far removed from what one might expect of someone in her situation. Instead of showing solidarity with the grieving families, Ellerup has embarked on a public plea for financial support, even starting a GoFundMe to secure funds.
 
 This approach to the media circus surrounding her is what has set alarms ringing for Motta. Drawing a comparison to past significant others of serial killers, Motta notes, “With this one, I just don’t know. If she wasn’t saying anything, my opinion would probably be she had no idea. But the more she talks, the more it's like... It’s like the more she talks, the more I think she might’ve been complicit, had knowledge.”
 
 The fact that Ellerup has captured almost as much media attention as her husband, the alleged serial killer, is a point both Brueski and Motta find puzzling. Motta articulates his discomfort, saying, "It gives me a really weird feeling about her. It’s not the same vibe that I get from any other survivor family member.”
 
 The pair also touched upon past cases, including that of Carol, wife of a previous serial killer, who seemed far removed from the crimes her husband committed. Brueski emphasized the perplexity in Ellerup's situation, musing about how spouses might react upon discovering the dark secrets of their other halves: “How didn't the wife know? What did you think he was doing?”
 
 Concluding the discussion, Motta underscores the role of legal counsel in such situations. He opines that if he were Ellerup's attorney, he'd advise caution and discretion, especially given the gravity of her husband's alleged crimes. "At the end of the day, it could turn some eyes towards you,” warns Motta, underscoring the potential repercussions of her continued public behavior.
 
 As the case continues to unravel, one can't help but wonder: Is Asa Ellerup merely an unsuspecting partner caught in a whirlwind, or is there more to her story than meets the eye?
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