DNA Sample From Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Suspect’s Wife Matches Genetic Material Found on Victims: Prosecutors
DNA sample from Rex Heuermann's wife matches hairs found on the victims' remains, officials said.
Nov. 30 2023, Published 2:30 p.m. ET
A DNA cheek swab sample obtained from the estranged wife of Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann matches DNA found on the remains of some of the Long Island victims, RadarOnline.com has learned.
According to investigators, samples were taken from Asa Ellerup on July 13, the day her husband was charged with the murders of three of the so-called Gilgo 4, women found dead and wrapped in burlap in a marshy area near Gilgo Beach in 2010, as Front Page Detectives reported.
Heuermann, who was a Manhattan architect, sits behind bars awaiting trial for the alleged murders.
Ellerup’s hairs were discovered on that burlap, authorities said.
Now officials say the DNA extracted from those hairs matches the cheek swab samples she previously provided to investigators, according to ABC News.
Heuermann's wife's hair was allegedly found on the victim's bodies, authorities said.
Ellerup has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the case.
Prosecutors have said she was not in town or even the country when the murders occurred.
Investigators used DNA found on a pizza box to link Heuermann to the killings, officials said.
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In January 2023, federal investigators were following Heuermann and used a pizza box he threw in the garbage in Midtown Manhattan to obtain a sample of his DNA from the pizza crust.
It was tested and found to be a match with a hair discovered on one of the victims, officials said.
Gilgo Beach victims
Heuermann was formally charged with three counts each of first-degree murder and second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; and Amber Costello, 27.
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He is also a prime suspect in the killing of a fourth Gilgo Beach victim, Maureen Brainard Barnes.
Heuermann pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and remains in custody at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility, where he is being held without bail.