8-01-2023 10:17pm

"First Court Appearance for Heuermann in Gilgo Beach Murders Case: Suffolk County Court Proceedings Commence"

Samantha Hespos Editor

Rex Heuermann, the accused serial killer, had his initial court appearance since his arrest in connection with the murders of three young women found dead on a Long Island beach more than a decade ago.

On Tuesday afternoon, August 1, the 59-year-old architect from Massapequa Park in Nassau County attended a status conference in Suffolk County Court in Riverhead.

Heuermann faces murder charges in connection with the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello at Gilgo Beach, situated off the south shore of Suffolk County. Additionally, he is the primary suspect in the disappearance and killing of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

During the court appearance on Tuesday, Heuermann was observed wearing a suit and khaki pants. As his attorney and a Suffolk County prosecutor reviewed evidence in the case, he was seen rocking back and forth on his heels, as reported by ABC7.

CNN reports that the evidence in the case includes two computer hard drives and a comprehensive set of documents, totaling 2,500 pages. These documents comprise DNA reports, autopsy records, and crime scene photos, providing crucial information for the ongoing investigation.

According to the outlet, some of the victims' family members were present inside the courtroom during the proceedings. Their presence added emotional weight to the case as it unfolds.

In his remarks outside the courtroom, Heuermann's attorney, Michael Brown, directed criticism toward the media for their coverage of the case.

"The press has already convicted my client without any evidence presented," he stated. "I refuse to conduct this case in the media. I doubt any of you have considered the possibility that they have apprehended the wrong person."

The victims, all in their 20s and engaged in sex work when they were killed, were discovered in December 2010 in a grassy area of Gilgo Beach, located on a barrier island off Long Island's south shore in the Suffolk County town of Babylon.

Their remains were found among those of up to 18 individuals discovered in the area between 2010 and 2011, leading to the infamous Gilgo Beach serial killings. Police investigations indicate that the murders likely occurred between 1996 and 2011.

Heuermann has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. As his family copes with the situation, they are working on picking up the pieces amid the ongoing legal proceedings.

Tuesday's proceedings followed a recent incident where Heuermann's 59-year-old wife, Asa Ellerup, and their two adult children returned to their Massapequa Park home on Thursday, July 27. Investigators spent 12 days at the residence searching for additional evidence related to the case.

During the extensive search of the property, investigators utilized a backhoe to dig up the backyard and employed ground-penetrating radar to aid in their efforts. The thorough search was aimed at finding any potential evidence related to the case.

Detectives found at least 279 weapons in a large basement vault inside the "very cluttered" home. Along with boxes of evidence, these findings were reported by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney, who announced his personal commitment to prosecuting the case.

Upon being allowed back inside the house, Ellerup discovered her family's belongings piled in boxes and scattered across the floor, as she shared with ABC News. The extensive search had evidently disrupted their living space significantly.

According to Ellerup, who has filed for divorce from Heuermann, the situation has left her devastated. She shared with the outlet, "Everything is in ruins. My children have been crying themselves to sleep, and I've been crying myself to sleep, too." The emotional toll on the family has been profound.

Ellerup also mentioned that her adult son, who has developmental delays, has started sleeping in a chair at night. The impact of the situation is particularly distressing for him, affecting his sleep and well-being.

During the search, police additionally cut open the family's couch and bathtub, ripped up their flooring, and left piles of debris, according to Ellerup's attorney Robert Macedonia, as reported by CNN. It's worth noting that Ellerup has not been questioned by the police amidst the ongoing investigation.

The scene inside the house now serves as a constant reminder of Heuermann's alleged killing spree, as Ellerup disclosed to ABC News. She shared the emotional toll it takes on her children, saying, "Every time my kids go through something... they open a box. Every single time they cry." The impact of the ongoing investigation weighs heavily on their emotions.

Ellerup has discovered an unexpected source of support from the daughter of Keith Hunter Jesperson, infamous as the "Happy Face Killer" for murdering at least eight women in the early 1990s in the United States. Despite the dark history, this newfound connection provides some solace during her difficult time.

In a gesture of empathy, Melissa Moore, the daughter of Keith Hunter Jesperson, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Ellerup and her children with their divorce and the process of "starting a new life." This unexpected act of kindness aims to offer them some much-needed assistance during this challenging period.

Melissa Moore expressed, "Today, I have the chance to use my voice to aid Asa, who is unable to speak about the terror and horror she and her family are going through right now." Her compassionate act aims to provide support and understanding during this difficult time for Ellerup and her family.

"While some may assume Asa has the resources to start anew, it's merely an assumption. We cannot overlook the possibility of financial and verbal abuse she may have endured," Melissa Moore asserted. Her campaign aims to shed light on the hidden struggles and provide practical help for Ellerup during this challenging phase.

As of Tuesday, Aug. 1, the campaign had raised over $6,600, showcasing the generous support from donors. This story is still unfolding, and further updates may follow as the situation progresses.