38: What Kinds Of Forensic Evidence Will Be Key In Gilgo Beach Murders Case?

38: What Kinds Of Forensic Evidence Will Be Key In Gilgo Beach Murders Case?

In a recent episode of the podcast Hidden Killers, Tony Brueski was joined by Joseph Scott Morgan, a Forensic Scientist and Distinguished Scholar of Applied Forensics at Jacksonville State University. The discussion delved into the intricate facets of forensic evidence related to an ongoing case involving a suspected serial killer.

At the onset, Morgan detailed the challenges of investigating cases where the bodies have been in a state of decomposition for several years. "We don't have a lot of solid data relative... about causes of death," he shared, linking the gaps in information to the advanced decomposition of the remains. The forensic scientist also touched upon patterns typically exhibited by serial killers in their modus operandi, indicating that most do not deviate from their preferred methods of execution.

He highlighted the case of one killer from New Orleans who derived perverse pleasure from using a garrot. Such killers revel in the physical pain they inflict, with the act of murdering becoming an intimate and personalized endeavor. This gruesome insight shed light on the psychology of serial killers and their attachment to certain methods of killing.

One of the more perplexing aspects of the case at hand is the varying states of the bodies found - some intact and others dismembered. Morgan stated, "What's fascinating about her [Fire Island Jane Doe] case is that her... legs were found that fateful day out on Fire Island back in 96... there's still no torso with her." This begs the question: why would a killer leave some bodies intact and yet take the time to dismember others?

Discussing this dichotomy further, Morgan posited a theory that the dismemberment could be a sign that the killer had more time with certain victims. "Is the dismemberment an indication that a subject may have had more time with someone they had targeted to kill?" Morgan mused. "It takes time to take a body apart... They would have done this, wrapped it and deposited it out there." On the contrary, other bodies might have been disposed of in haste, possibly wrapped in materials like burlap.

Contrasting these behaviors, Morgan underlined the difference between treating a dead body with a semblance of respect versus mutilating it. These variations can be significant when trying to understand the psyche of a serial killer and can give insights into their evolving patterns.

Yet, this very evolution is what baffles investigators. "To change how you're disposing of bodies is certainly an outlier in my experience," Morgan expressed. Brueski echoed the sentiment, pointing out that it's bizarre for one's methods to alter so drastically unless it's a sign of evolving behavior.

Adding a layer of complexity, the location of these bodies was discussed. The secluded nature of Long Island was emphasized, with its isolation being a potential factor in why it was chosen for body deposition.

A more unsettling aspect was the return of the suspected killer's family to their home, presumably a site of significant forensic evidence. The speed with which the house was released back to the family after investigations left both Brueski and Morgan shocked.

The podcast episode served as a sobering reminder of the complexities of forensic investigations, especially with serial killers. Morgan's insights provided a deep dive into the often unfathomable minds of those who commit such heinous acts, leaving listeners with more questions than answers about the ongoing case. As the investigation unfolds, both the public and experts alike await to see how forensic science will unveil the truths hidden within the evidence.
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"He's My Hero" - Gilgo Beach Killer's Wife Defends Rex Heuermann Despite DNA on Bodies | Psychologist Reacts

"He's My Hero" - Gilgo Beach Killer's Wife Defends Rex Heuermann Despite DNA on Bodies | Psychologist Reacts

"He's My Hero" - Gilgo Beach Killer's Wife Defends Rex Heuermann Despite DNA on Bodies | Psychologist Reacts In this deeply disturbing analysis of the Peacock documentary, psychotherapist Shavaun Scott and I decode the most baffling true crime mystery: How did Rex Heuermann's family NOT KNOW he was allegedly the Long Island Serial Killer? We examine Asa Ellerup's shocking devotion to her husband despite DNA evidence linking him to seven murders. From her declaration that "he's my hero" to her bizarre claim that saying "I love you" would hurt him, we explore the psychological phenomenon of "negative hallucination" - not seeing what's right in front of you. Key revelations include: The secret room with a steel door that even his wife couldn't enter Why Rex was present 90% of the time but killed during the 10% when family was away How he chose a vulnerable, submissive partner who wouldn't question him Victoria Heuermann's evolution from defender to believing he's "most likely" guilty The disturbing prison phone calls where Asa still lights up hearing his voice Why trauma bonding can survive even murder charges This isn't just about the Gilgo Beach murders - it's about how predators select and manipulate their own families, creating expanding circles of trauma. We explore cognitive dissonance, compartmentalization, and the psychology of denial in one of the most complex true crime cases of our time. ⚠️ Content Warning: Discussion of serial murder, psychological manipulation, and family trauma #RexHeuermann #GilgoBeach #LongIslandSerialKiller #TrueCrime #AsaEllerup #VictoriaHeuermann #SerialKiller #CriminalPsychology #TraumaBonding #TrueCrimeCommunity Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?  Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

27 Jun 43min

“Telling Him I Love Him Hurts Him” — Gilgo Killer's Wife, Asa Ellerup’s Most Bizarre Statement Yet

“Telling Him I Love Him Hurts Him” — Gilgo Killer's Wife, Asa Ellerup’s Most Bizarre Statement Yet

“Telling Him I Love Him Hurts Him” — Gilgo Killer's Wife, Asa Ellerup’s Most Bizarre Statement Yet In this final segment, Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke turn their focus toward the most emotionally revealing clips from the Peacock documentary, featuring Asa Ellerup’s reaction to her husband Rex Heuermann’s arrest—and her increasingly surreal statements in the aftermath. Asa says she doesn’t want to tell Rex she loves him… because it would hurt him. She defends him against allegations with unwavering loyalty, declaring “he’s a family man,” and insists that he never kept anything from her—even while describing rooms in the house she was never allowed to enter. Robin Dreeke walks us through the psychological mechanisms at play: projection, cognitive dissonance, and denial as a survival strategy. He explains why Asa isn’t just refusing to believe the evidence—she’s incapable of it. To accept it would be to unravel her entire life, her marriage, and the identity she’s built around being the wife of a good man. Dreeke also analyzes Asa’s body language, defensive responses, and deeply embedded belief system. He argues that Asa’s lack of curiosity—and Rex’s understanding of that trait—created a “perfect storm” for secrecy and long-term concealment. We also explore the disturbing reality that forensic evidence linked hair from Asa and her daughter to some of the victims. How does Asa rationalize this? She doesn’t. She simply... doesn’t ask. As the segment closes, we also address the broader forensic and behavioral implications: Was this family environment intentionally manipulated? And what mistakes may have occurred because no one was asking the hard questions? This isn’t just about one woman’s denial—it’s about the terrifying ease with which predators can operate when no one dares to ask why. Featuring keywords: Asa Ellerup denial, Gilgo Beach murders, Rex Heuermann family, FBI behavioral analysis, secret room, emotional projection, forensic psychology, serial killer spouse, Robin Dreeke, Peacock documentary #AsaEllerup #RexHeuermann #GilgoBeach #TrueCrimePodcast #RobinDreeke #FBIProfiler #PeacockDocumentary #ForensicPsychology #FamilyDenial #HiddenKillers Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?  Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

26 Jun 19min

"I Can Love AND Hate My Dad" - Rex Heuermann's Daughter's HEARTBREAKING Journey to Accepting Truth

"I Can Love AND Hate My Dad" - Rex Heuermann's Daughter's HEARTBREAKING Journey to Accepting Truth

"I Can Love AND Hate My Dad" - Rex Heuermann's Daughter's HEARTBREAKING Journey to Accepting Truth This is the most psychologically complex footage from any true crime documentary - a daughter processing in REAL TIME that her father might be a serial killer. Psychotherapist Shavaun Scott helps us understand Victoria Heuermann's impossible journey. Victoria was Rex Heuermann's protégé, working at his architecture firm when he was arrested. In an instant, she lost: Her father, mentor, and employer Her entire professional identity Her privacy (every Google search links her to murder) Her ability to form new relationships without explaining Most haunting: She was 10-13 years old during the Gilgo Four murders. Doing homework while dad allegedly hunted. At school while he allegedly disposed of bodies. Key psychological insights: 🧠 The 90/10 split - Rex was present 90% of the time, absent during every murder 🎨 Victoria now creates "disturbing artwork" processing trauma 💔 "Ambiguous loss" - grieving someone still alive but not who you thought 🔍 Why she needs evidence strong enough to override 20+ years of memories 😢 Secondary victimization - becoming a "laughingstock" for crimes she didn't commit Most powerful moment: Victoria explains how love and hate can coexist. You can despise someone's actions while carrying love for who they were to you. While mom Asa remains in complete denial, Victoria shows the painful path toward acceptance - from "I looked up to him" (past tense) to believing he's "most likely guilty." This isn't just about one family's tragedy. It's about recognizing that evil doesn't announce itself. Sometimes it looks like a father who's present 90% of the time. #RexHeuermann #VictoriaHeuermann #GilgoBeachKiller #TrueCrime #TraumaRecovery #AmbiguousLoss #SerialKillerFamily #PsychologicalAnalysis #SecondaryVictims #LongIslandSerialKiller Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?  Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

26 Jun 20min

“I Still Feel Rex Is Here” — Gilgo Killer's Wife, Asa Ellerup’s Grief and Denial, Analyzed by the FBI

“I Still Feel Rex Is Here” — Gilgo Killer's Wife, Asa Ellerup’s Grief and Denial, Analyzed by the FBI

“I Still Feel Rex Is Here” — Gilgo Killer's Wife, Asa Ellerup’s Grief and Denial, Analyzed by the FBI In Segment 3, we enter the emotional core of the Gilgo Beach case. As Asa Ellerup walks through the remnants of her raided home, she says something haunting: “I still feel Rex is here.” It’s not just grief—it’s denial, memory, and psychological trauma colliding all at once. Tony Brueski and former FBI behavioral expert Robin Dreeke examine what happens when someone’s entire identity is built around a man who may not have ever existed in the way she believed. Dreeke draws from deep behavioral analysis to explain Asa’s apparent inability to accept the allegations—even in the face of overwhelming evidence. This segment also introduces another powerful voice: Victoria Heuermann, the daughter of Rex and Asa. Caught between the loving father who built her a dollhouse and the man now accused of being a serial killer, Victoria represents a generational split in how trauma is processed. She openly admits she feels torn—stating she both loves and hates her father. We explore how denial, trauma bonding, and emotional survival play out across generations. Dreeke draws comparisons to Kerri Rawson, daughter of BTK killer Dennis Rader, and discusses how individuals come to terms—or refuse to—with the dark truths inside their families. Through Asa’s refusal to ask questions and Victoria’s cautious acceptance of reality, we see the full spectrum of psychological responses in the wake of extreme betrayal. This isn’t just about the crimes. It’s about what happens when your past is rewritten in real time—and you're left to pick up the pieces. Hashtags: #RexHeuermann #AsaEllerup #VictoriaHeuermann #GilgoBeach #TrueCrimePodcast #FBIProfiler #BTKComparison #FamilyDenial #HiddenKillers #PeacockDocumentary Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?  Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

25 Jun 18min

Body Language Expert: Why Rex Heuermann's Wife CLOSES HER EYES When Confronted With Evidence

Body Language Expert: Why Rex Heuermann's Wife CLOSES HER EYES When Confronted With Evidence

Body Language Expert: Why Rex Heuermann's Wife CLOSES HER EYES When Confronted With Evidence WARNING: This footage contains the actual voice of accused serial killer Rex Heuermann calling his wife from jail. What's more disturbing than his words is what ISN'T said - and what his wife reveals about their twisted dynamic. Psychotherapist Shavaun Scott analyzes the most psychologically complex footage from the Peacock documentary, including: 🔊 THE PRISON CALL: Listen as Rex discusses dinner while charged with 7 murders Why he NEVER proclaims innocence (prosecutors are listening) Asa's physical deterioration: missing teeth, unkempt appearance How she "lights up" hearing his voice despite everything 💔 THE BIZARRE REVELATION: "Telling him I love you would HURT him" What this means psychologically Why she pays $3/minute for calls while battling cancer without insurance The "strategic" divorce that wasn't really a divorce 👨‍👩‍👧 FAMILY DYNAMICS: Victoria: "I LOOKED up to him" (past tense = psychological progress) How throwing plates became normalized Rex the "open book" who had locked rooms Hunting seasons that coincided with murders 🧠 EXPERT ANALYSIS: "Consciousness of guilt" - why silence speaks volumes Trauma bonding at its endpoint How compartmentalization allows killers to live double lives Why some family members can't see what's obvious to others Most chilling: Every murder occurred during family vacations. Asa took those trips. She enabled his alone time. Yet she still can't connect the dots. #RexHeuermann #GilgoBeachKiller #PrisonCalls #TrueCrime #AsaEllerup #TraumaBonding #SerialKillerPsychology #ConsciousnessOfGuilt #LongIslandSerialKiller #PeacockDocumentary Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?  Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

25 Jun 24min

“He Saved Us” — Or Did He? Gilgo Killer's Wife, Asa Ellerup’s Love Story Examined by FBI Profiler

“He Saved Us” — Or Did He? Gilgo Killer's Wife, Asa Ellerup’s Love Story Examined by FBI Profiler

“He Saved Us” — Or Did He? Gilgo Killer's Wife, Asa Ellerup’s Love Story Examined by FBI Profiler In Segment 2 of our deep-dive into the Gilgo Beach case, Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke turn their focus to the beginning — the origin story of Asa Ellerup and Rex Heuermann’s relationship. What started as an act of kindness during Asa’s divorce quickly evolved into a lifelong partnership built, perhaps, on imbalance. She was young, vulnerable, in need of support. He was strong, stable, and offered her something she desperately craved: a sense of family and emotional safety. But beneath that surface — according to experts and prosecutors — may have been something else entirely. Robin Dreeke examines the early dynamics of Asa and Rex’s bond, including key psychological indicators of emotional grooming, dependency, and how empathy can be weaponized by manipulators. Using real behavioral science and decades of field experience, Dreeke breaks down why Rex may have been drawn to Asa—not out of love, but for how perfectly she fit into the hidden life he needed to maintain. We also explore the concept of “lack of curiosity,” a recurring behavioral trait Dreeke believes allowed Rex to operate in plain sight. This episode dissects key parts of the Peacock documentary that showcase Asa’s perspective on her marriage, the home they shared, and the vault of secrets that sat quietly beneath their feet. If you’re interested in the psychological mechanisms predators use to stay hidden—and the painful cost to the people closest to them—this segment offers a hauntingly clear window into how it all begins.  Hashtags: #GilgoBeach #AsaEllerup #RexHeuermann #FBIProfiler #TrueCrimePodcast #RobinDreeke #EmotionalGrooming #SerialKillerPsychology #HiddenKillers #PeacockDocumentary Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?  Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

24 Jun 23min

Rex Heuermann's Wife SHOWS OFF Secret Rooms She Was BANNED From Entering | "Nothing Was Off Limits"

Rex Heuermann's Wife SHOWS OFF Secret Rooms She Was BANNED From Entering | "Nothing Was Off Limits"

Rex Heuermann's Wife SHOWS OFF Secret Rooms She Was BANNED From Entering | "Nothing Was Off Limits" This footage will make you question everything about denial and control. Psychotherapist Shavaun Scott analyzes the most contradictory statements ever captured as Rex Heuermann's wife gives a tour of rooms she was BANNED from entering while claiming "nothing was off limits." Watch as Asa Ellerup shows us: The gun room with a STEEL DOOR and combination lock The "secret room" under the stairs she couldn't access for 27 YEARS The basement where prosecutors believe women were murdered Her dismissal of murder planning documents as "Dexter style" fiction Most disturbing: She demonstrates these locked spaces while insisting Rex kept no secrets. This is "doublethink" - holding two contradictory beliefs simultaneously. Key psychological insights: Why Asa closes her eyes when confronted with evidence How she was the "4th person in 30 years" to enter the gun room Her claim investigators are "picking, picking, picking" to create a narrative The childhood bedroom where murders allegedly occurred How denial can override physical locked doors in your own home This isn't just about one woman's denial - it's about recognizing control patterns: ✓ Locked rooms you can't enter ✓ No access to finances ✓ Complete isolation from support ✓ Normalized abnormal behavior Victoria Heuermann now believes her father is "most likely" guilty. Asa continues visiting him weekly, maintaining his innocence despite DNA evidence linking him to seven murders. #RexHeuermann #GilgoBeachKiller #AsaEllerup #TrueCrime #LockedRooms #SerialKiller #PsychologicalAnalysis #BodyLanguage #Denial #LongIslandSerialKiller Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?  Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

24 Jun 18min

10 Signs Alleged Gilgo Beach Killer, Rex Heuermann’s Family Missed — Behavioral Analysis from the FBI

10 Signs Alleged Gilgo Beach Killer, Rex Heuermann’s Family Missed — Behavioral Analysis from the FBI

10 Signs Alleged Gilgo Beach Killer, Rex Heuermann’s Family Missed — Behavioral Analysis from the FBI In this gripping first segment, retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke—former chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program—joins Tony Brueski to explore the disturbing paradox at the center of the Gilgo Beach case: How did Rex Heuermann’s family not know? Asa Ellerup, Rex’s longtime wife, has become one of the most controversial figures in the case—not because she’s accused of anything—but because of what she didn’t see. In this episode, Dreeke walks us through her emotional profile, behavioral patterns, and the psychological traits that may have made her the perfect partner for a man allegedly living a double life. We examine key footage from Peacock’s The Gilgo Beach Killer: Secrets of a Serial Killer and discuss the FBI’s view of how people like Heuermann are able to manipulate those closest to them. Dreeke explains how serial predators often seek out partners who lack curiosity, who prioritize stability over questions, and who are more likely to rationalize away red flags in the name of love or loyalty. Is Asa a victim herself? Was she chosen for her trust, her dependence, or simply her desire to believe the best in someone? This segment breaks down not just her words, but her behaviors, her relationships, and the life she thought she was living—until the knock on the door that changed everything. If you’ve ever wondered how evil hides in plain sight, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.  Hashtags: #GilgoBeach #RexHeuermann #AsaEllerup #TrueCrimeAnalysis #FBIProfiler #HiddenKillers #RobinDreeke #SerialKillerMindset #PeacockDocumentary #DenialAndDeception Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?  Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

23 Jun 16min

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