Killer's ex-wife lives in 'kill room'

Asa Ellerup, the ex-wife of confessed serial killer Rex Heuermann, has revealed she is now residing in the basement "kill room" where he admitted to killing seven of his eight known victims. Ellerup shared this in a docuseries, stating she moved into the room roughly a month before Heuermann pleaded guilty. She expressed feeling spiritual in the space, attempting to convey sorrow for what the victims endured.

Ellerup recounted visiting Heuermann 12 times after his private confession and admitted to being haunted by dreams related to his crimes. She is seeking to understand Heuermann's motivations and psychological triggers, stating, "I want to know why Rex killed these women." Her attorney noted her struggle with his double life and her desire to understand how she missed his actions over 30 years.

Heuermann, a 62-year-old former architect, pleaded guilty on April 8, 2026, to the murders of seven women between 1993 and 2010. He also confessed to an eighth uncharged murder. The victims were strangled, some tortured, and three dismembered, with their remains found primarily east of Gilgo Beach, approximately 45 miles from New York City. His killing spree remained unknown for decades until a search for Shannan Gilbert in 2010 uncovered multiple remains.

Suffolk County police have classified Shannan Gilbert's death as an accidental drowning. The deaths of Tanya Jackson and her daughter have been attributed to another individual. Heuermann was arrested in July 2023, maintaining his innocence prior to his guilty plea.