Controversial Peacock Docuseries on Ex-Wife and Family of Suspected Long Island Serial Killer Sparks Outrage

A newly announced docuseries by Peacock, focusing on the ex-wife and family of suspected Long Island serial killer Rex Heuermann, has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The project, which has drawn the involvement of 50 Cent's G-Unit Productions, has raised concerns from authorities and outraged some families of potential victims tied to the case.

Camera crews have been actively filming at the residence of Asa Ellerup, Heuermann's ex-wife, and have even followed her to one of Heuermann's recent court hearings. Ellerup, who is central to the docuseries, is reportedly being compensated for her participation, though the exact sum remains undisclosed. Speculation suggests she could receive as much as $1 million, with additional payments allocated to her lawyer and her children's attorney. Notably, G-Unit Productions and Peacock have not yet responded to requests for comments on this matter.

Departing Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison expressed his discontent, stating, "This docuseries is a smack at the family members who lost a loved one." Suffolk County prosecutor Ray Tierney also voiced concerns, suggesting that the project could impact Ellerup's credibility, particularly if she is called to testify in the case. Despite Ellerup not facing any charges and being out of town during the killings, investigators have uncovered potential ties to the case. A woman recently reported meeting Heuermann and Ellerup at their home in 1996 for a sex party, along with Karen Vergata, who disappeared and was later found deceased near Gilgo Beach in 2011. Furthermore, strands of Ellerup's hair found near the family home were inadvertently linked to Heuermann and the crime scene.

Ellerup's lawyer, Robert Macedonio, maintains her innocence, emphasizing that she is not privy to any details beyond what the media has reported. Macedonio stated, "She wants to believe that the spouse she's been married to for 27 years wasn't capable of these crimes. She wants to see and hear the evidence as it plays out in the courtroom." Prosecutor Tierney, however, questioned Ellerup's motives, suggesting that she might be trying to capitalize on her husband's notoriety, potentially driven by financial incentives.

In contrast, John Ray, a lawyer representing the families of two women whose remains were found on Gilgo Beach, believes Ellerup should be treated as a suspect and thoroughly investigated. He cautioned that anything she discloses to the film crew "can be used against her criminally," emphasizing that she remains within the circle of suspicion.

Sherre Gilbert, the sister of Shannan Gilbert, whose disappearance led to the discovery of other bodies on Gilgo Beach, expressed her strong opposition to the docuseries. In a social media post, she expressed disappointment and frustration, condemning the media for exploiting the families and victims of serial killers. Gilbert criticized the Ellerup's reported payday and called out all entities that have profited from her family's story while her own struggles persisted.

In addition to the Peacock project focusing on Ellerup, Netflix is also preparing a docuseries about Heuermann's arrest and the unsolved murders along Gilgo Beach. The series, directed by Liz Garbus, will examine the case against Heuermann and the unsettling disconnect between the three murders he has been charged with and the nearly dozen corpses discovered on Gilgo Beach.

Rex Heuermann, who was arrested in July, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. The docuseries developments surrounding his ex-wife and family have added a new layer of intrigue and controversy to the ongoing investigation into these horrific crimes.
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