Residents of Massapequa Park, a tight-knit community in Long Island, are experiencing a mix of relief and fear following the arrest of 59-year-old architect Rex Heuermann. Heuermann is accused of the murder of three women, a case that has shed light on the mysterious killings that have plagued the area for years. The community has been living in fear since the shocking discovery of the remains of 10 adults and a child on Gilgo Beach over a decade ago.
Heuermann, a Manhattan architect, has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder in relation to the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; and Amber Lynn Costello, 27. These women were believed to be sex workers who advertised online. Their remains were found in December 2010 along a secluded beach roadway in Gilgo Beach. Additionally, Heuermann is the prime suspect in the disappearance and death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, whose remains were also discovered near Gilgo Beach. The investigation into Brainard-Barnes' case is still ongoing.
In a recent development, Heuermann's wife, Asa Ellerup, 59, filed for divorce in Suffolk County Supreme Court. The petition, described as "uncontested," was lodged on Wednesday. Ellerup's lawyer, Robert Macedonio, confirmed the filing but refrained from providing further details. Although Ellerup had been married to Heuermann for 27 years and was out of state when the killings occurred, authorities have stated that she is not considered a suspect in the case.
Heuermann's attorney, Michael J. Brown, vehemently maintains his client's innocence and refers to the allegations as "extremely circumstantial in nature." Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently being held without bail. Brown also emphasizes that his client is "clearly distraught" over the accusations.
The arrest of Heuermann has brought a sense of relief to the residents of Massapequa Park, who have been living in fear since the remains were discovered on Gilgo Beach. Alexandra Calabro, a 26-year-old resident, recalls the intense vibe that permeated the community, causing people to refrain from visiting the beach at night. The investigation into the “Gilgo Four” case initially began during the search for another missing woman, Shannan Gilbert, 23. Gilbert was last seen running through the nearby gated community of Oak Beach after leaving a client's home. The discovery of the remains of the four women has served as a haunting reminder of the unresolved cases and the potential presence of a serial killer on Long Island.
As the investigation into Rex Heuermann continues, the residents of Massapequa Park are hopeful for justice for the victims and a return to a sense of safety in their community. The arrest has brought closure to some extent, but the ongoing investigation into the “Gilgo Four” case and the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert highlights the need for continued vigilance and a resolution to these tragic events that have left a lasting impact on the community.
