Why it took decades for the Gilgo Beach killer to be caught: Private investigator

On April 8, Rex Heuermann, 62 – also known as the Gilgo Beach Killer or the Long Island Murderer – appeared in court and pleaded guilty to seven counts of murder.

He also admitted to the death of an eighth person as part of a plea bargain.

His victims include Sandra Costilla, Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor and Karen Vergata.

Before he was linked to decades of sickening murders, Heuermann was described by those close to him as a family man. He was previously married to Asa Ellerup, who filed for divorce shortly before his arrest in 2023, and together they shared two adult children, Victoria Heuermann and Christopher Sheridan.

The family’s attorney, Robert Macedonio, stated that Heuermann’s former wife and children had no knowledge of or involvement in the murders.