Long Island Serial Killer | The Trial Of Rex Heuermann

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

24 Sep 20238min

How do you measure the value of marital property when your spouse is accused of being a notorious serial killer? This is the conundrum Asa Ellerup, the estranged wife of the alleged Long Island serial killer, Rex Heuermann, finds herself embroiled in.    A recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," hosted by Tony Brueski, explored the nuances of this perplexing situation. He was joined by Eric Faddis, a former felony prosecutor, and attorney, and together they unpicked the moral and legal intricacies surrounding Asa Ellerup's request to reclaim the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of firearms owned by her husband, a collection amounting to around 300 guns.    Brueski set the tone by stating, "Just the optics of it are obviously horrible." Ellerup's actions have certainly raised eyebrows and have sparked significant media interest. Faddis weighs in on the matter, "Is this a reasonable request on the part of Ms. Ellerup? You know, I think it is." He further adds that while the situation seems premature, considering that Ellerup hasn't filed for divorce yet, her claim to the firearms as marital property remains valid.    But the broader implications of this case and the mystery shrouding Rex Heuermann delve deeper than marital assets. Brueski poses a pertinent question that has likely crossed the minds of many: "How much did [Asa] know?" For a man accused of decades of criminal activities, including the stalking of women, it raises concerns about the dynamics of their marital life and if Asa ever had inklings of her husband's alleged dark side.    The discussion doesn't stop there. The narrative around Asa Ellerup and her children takes another twist. Over the past month, they have been spotted on their porch almost daily, making public pleas for financial support. The family has reportedly received around $55,000 from public donations, but they seem to continually seek attention and monetary aid.    Brueski expresses his bafflement, "It's been pretty much we need money, we're horribly victimized as well... It just seems completely nuts." Faddis, however, plays the devil's advocate, pointing out that if the family was truly uninvolved, they might be reeling from the situation. Their lives have been thrust under a microscope, and their reactions, however perplexing to outsiders, might be their way of grappling with their newfound reality.    Yet, it's impossible to ignore the opportunistic behavior exhibited by the Ellerup family. Asa's lack of public sympathy for the victims and her focus on financial gain presents her under a different light, especially when the world's eyes are on her. Faddis acknowledges this, adding that if he were her counsel, he would advise her "to be less public and stop asking for money."    Towards the close of their conversation, Brueski and Faddis speculate on the nature of life in the Heuermann household. They ponder if Asa's current behavior is just a manifestation of the chaos that might have always reigned in their life. "Maybe this is how she's lived her life all the time. It's just now that there's a microscope on it, we're seeing far more of the opportunist type behavior come out in a very inopportune time," muses Brueski.    This case not only exposes the complexities surrounding the legality of marital property but also provides a window into the psychological and moral quandaries faced by families of accused individuals. As the Long Island serial killer investigation progresses, one can't help but wonder: How well do we truly know the people we share our lives with? Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

22 Sep 20236min

Is money more important than morality? This is a question echoing through the latest episode of "Hidden Killers" with Tony Brueski. He was joined by former FBI Special Agent and Hidden Killers Daily Contributor, Jennifer Coffindaffer, to discuss the unsettling actions of Asa Ellerup, wife of accused Long Island serial killer, Rex Heuermann.    The intrigue started when Asa Ellerup made a controversial request to retrieve 300 guns, identified as marital property, from the home she once shared with her husband. These guns were put into evidence as her husband is the main suspect in the Long Island serial killings. According to her attorney, the guns are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Tony Brueski reflected, "Surprisingly, I'm always just kind of like, why are you doing this right now? This just doesn't look good for you."    Jennifer Coffindaffer weighed in, expressing shock at the optics of the situation, stating, “Why? Just from a moral standpoint, does she care about these victims? Does she care about this case?” The former FBI agent emphasized the improbability of Asa getting the guns back, given their potential evidentiary value in the ongoing investigation.    But this isn’t the only monetary pursuit Asa seems to be engaging in. Brueski pointed out that she has "55 grand that was handed over to her from the GoFundMe," yet she continues to claim her house isn’t fixed. Such behavior, combined with her legal pursuits, has muddled the narrative around Asa’s possible ignorance of her husband’s alleged activities.    The discussion took a turn to speculate on the potential implications of the ongoing investigation. Jennifer hinted, "If they find, you know, notes, records. Emails, texts any sort of communications regarding her involvement... it shows character." This character hint suggests someone with "zero empathy for others," eerily similar to traits one might expect from a serial killer.    Both hosts were careful not to definitively label Asa as guilty of anything. However, her recent actions, particularly the quest for marital property amid such grave allegations against her spouse, cast a dark shadow. Jennifer summed it up by saying, "Law enforcement has said they don't have any information at this point that she's involved... but by her actions right now, it's casting a real negative shadow."    A particularly provocative point was raised regarding gender bias. Would the narrative be different if gender roles were reversed? Would both spouses be behind bars if the wife were the primary suspect? Jennifer countered that the totality of evidence doesn’t point towards Asa. Regardless of gender, the evidence just doesn’t seem to connect her to the crimes.    Is society too quick to judge based on actions following trauma, or are these reactions telltale signs of deeper connections? The lines between innocence, guilt, and the pursuit of personal interest blur, leaving us all pondering: Can property truly overshadow the value of human life? Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

21 Sep 20237min

The New York Post recently reported that in the early hours of a seemingly ordinary Friday morning on July 14, real estate agent Jeffrey St. Arromand's daily routine was abruptly shattered by a phone call that sent shockwaves through his world. The voice on the other end of the line was one of his clients, her voice shaking, breathless, and scared. The news had just broken that the notorious Gilgo Beach serial killer, who had evaded capture for over a decade, had been arrested. The suspect was Rex Heuermann, an architect she had worked closely with over the past year on a Brooklyn brownstone project.    Jeffrey, of Serhant, vividly recalled his interactions with Heuermann, yet it was his client's chilling experiences with Heuermann that drew a cold veil of shock over their past professional associations. Speaking anonymously, she recounted her baffling encounters with Heuermann, which dated back to 2002 when she had purchased her Crown Heights home. Fast-forward two decades later, in 2022, Heuermann played a significant role in renovating her property as the expeditor and architect, which was ultimately sold.    "She drove him home once because she relocated to Long Island," St. Arromand told The Post, hinting at a journey along a "dark and desolate." Reflecting on that eerie drive home, the client revealed a haunting conversation that had taken place between them. "At one point on the drive, we talked about the Gilgo Beach murders — we even discussed the burlap and why someone would use that. In retrospect, thinking about that conversation, it's just bone-chilling," she confessed.    She noted his peculiar behavior as she delved further into her interactions with Heuermann during the renovation. "Throughout the transaction, he was becoming very difficult to work with, even belligerent sometimes. He was constantly arguing with the plumber on the job and questioning his work. Just very odd behavior," she said. "For some reason, in this transaction, he would constantly say, 'I'm not doing anything to get a fine or open an investigation of my license.'"    After the finalization of the property sale, her distaste for Heuermann had grown so much that she preferred him not to attend the closing. “When we ultimately were able to close on the property, I had such a bad experience with Rex that I told him not to attend the closing,” she said. Regardless, he was still owed a balance of payment and made a separate trip to the attorney's office to pick it up. "Apparently he had some disagreement with one of the women associates at the firm. This associate was so uncomfortable with her exchange with Rex that she refused to be in the office when he picked up the check. Ultimately the partner at the firm gave the check to Rex when he arrived with his daughter," she explained.    St. Arromand shared that the property was eventually sold to a celebrity buyer whose identity remains a secret. Despite the troubling interactions with Heuermann, his client had always spoken highly of his work. “She’s someone that really supported this guy,” St. Arromand expressed. "She needed the weekend just to decompress," he added, as she grappled with the shocking revelation of Heuermann's arrest.    The Friday discovery marked a shocking turn of events, leaving St. Arromand and his client to grapple with the chilling reality that a man they thought they knew well could be capable of such horrendous acts. This narrative is a sobering reminder of how little we might know about those we interact with daily and the mysteries that might lurk beneath the surface. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

21 Sep 202324min

"What drives a man to stalk a colleague on a cruise just to showcase his hunting prowess?" In a gripping episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast with Tony Brueski, retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke delves deep into the bizarre behaviors exhibited by alleged serial killers like Heuermann. The conversation sheds light on the complex dynamics of grandiosity, obsession, and the haunting concept of 'leakage'.    Heuermann's reported stalking of a female colleague on a cruise ship was described by Brueski as "one of the strangest things a female colleague could hear from their boss or co-worker." For Dreeke, Heuermann's actions were indicators of a more sinister pattern, stemming from "grandiosity... going toward sensationalism." He posits that while serial killers may momentarily cease their lethal activities, they never truly suppress their darker impulses. This, Dreeke suggests, was Heuermann's way of "satisfying his crazy impulses."    The duo discussed the puzzling reality where some serial killers can remain dormant for prolonged periods, only to suddenly act on their uncontrollable urges. Brueski drew an unorthodox analogy between serial killers and a chocolate chip cookie. He elaborated, "The victims are the cookie... they can smell the cookie. But they don't always have to eat it." The idea is that serial killers may sometimes be content with the mere anticipation or the thrill of the hunt, without actually committing the crime. But, there are times when the urge becomes overpowering, leading them to act on it, despite knowing the risks and the moral atrocity of their actions.    Dreeke introduced the term 'leakage' to describe the manifestation of these uncontrollable impulses in other inappropriate ways. Such individuals, lacking empathy and the ability to truly connect, often remain oblivious to their impact on others. They misinterpret reactions and cues from those around them. Dreeke pointed out how someone like Heuermann could mistake a colleague's polite laughter or acquiescence as genuine interest or playfulness. Such misinterpretations could lead to escalations in their behavior.    Brueski expressed that Heuermann's actions may stem from a misplaced desire to display power and strength, failing to understand the level of discomfort or fear he may induce in others. This behavior seemed consistent with reports from prostitutes who described Heuermann's actions as 'strange'.    The conversation naturally progressed to the mystifying pattern observed in Heuermann's interactions with prostitutes: why were some murdered while others were spared? Dreeke theorizes that the initial impulse was never murder but rather the fulfillment of a twisted fantasy. He added, "At a certain point when the fantasy without killing cannot be satisfied, it's gonna escalate." Brueski suggested that it might be a combination of timing, unsatisfied cravings, and the specific individual Heuermann interacted with that determined the outcome.    In conclusion, the episode provided a riveting look into the intricate dynamics governing the behaviors of individuals like Heuermann. The insights shared by Dreeke, with his vast experience in the field, paint a chilling picture of the unpredictable and often inexplicable nature of serial killers. The conversation serves as a poignant reminder of the lurking darkness within the human psyche and the boundaries it can push when left unchecked. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

19 Sep 20237min

Could the wife of an alleged serial killer be tone-deaf to the unfolding tragedy or is she hiding something more sinister? This question looms large in the latest episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," where Tony Brueski delves into the murky waters of the Long Island serial killer case, with special guest, Defense Attorney and host of the podcast Defense Diaries, Bob Motta.    The central figure of discussion? Asa Ellerup, the estranged wife of Rex Heuermann, the man under the scanner for the Long Island serial killings. In a twist that's baffled many, Ellerup is fighting to reclaim the 300 guns confiscated by law enforcement from their home, arguing they're marital property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.    Brueski captures the absurdity of the situation succinctly, “We're talking about your husband being accused of being the Long Island serial killer, and you want guns back from your house, which may have been used in a crime?" Motta, sharing Brueski's skepticism, questioned the reasonability of such a request, pointing out, "Law enforcement is not going to care that she wants the guns so that she can sell them. They’ve got bigger issues.”    Brueski and Motta's discussion dives deeper than just the firearms. They paint a picture of a woman seemingly oblivious or indifferent to the gravity of the crimes her husband is accused of. Brueski notes her behavior as being "almost tone-deaf" to the surrounding trauma. He expresses disbelief at her lack of empathy and sympathy towards the victims, an attitude far removed from what one might expect of someone in her situation. Instead of showing solidarity with the grieving families, Ellerup has embarked on a public plea for financial support, even starting a GoFundMe to secure funds.    This approach to the media circus surrounding her is what has set alarms ringing for Motta. Drawing a comparison to past significant others of serial killers, Motta notes, “With this one, I just don’t know. If she wasn’t saying anything, my opinion would probably be she had no idea. But the more she talks, the more it's like... It’s like the more she talks, the more I think she might’ve been complicit, had knowledge.”    The fact that Ellerup has captured almost as much media attention as her husband, the alleged serial killer, is a point both Brueski and Motta find puzzling. Motta articulates his discomfort, saying, "It gives me a really weird feeling about her. It’s not the same vibe that I get from any other survivor family member.”    The pair also touched upon past cases, including that of Carol, wife of a previous serial killer, who seemed far removed from the crimes her husband committed. Brueski emphasized the perplexity in Ellerup's situation, musing about how spouses might react upon discovering the dark secrets of their other halves: “How didn't the wife know? What did you think he was doing?”    Concluding the discussion, Motta underscores the role of legal counsel in such situations. He opines that if he were Ellerup's attorney, he'd advise caution and discretion, especially given the gravity of her husband's alleged crimes. "At the end of the day, it could turn some eyes towards you,” warns Motta, underscoring the potential repercussions of her continued public behavior.    As the case continues to unravel, one can't help but wonder: Is Asa Ellerup merely an unsuspecting partner caught in a whirlwind, or is there more to her story than meets the eye? Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

19 Sep 20238min

When criminal activities unfold, the spotlight often falls on the perpetrator. However, sometimes it veers, illuminating the shadowy figures surrounding the central character. In the curious case of Rex Heuermann, accused of heinous crimes, it's not just him but also his estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, who's now grabbing headlines.   Rex Heuermann's story is a web of accusations involving countless crimes against sex workers, but it's Asa's recent plea that's left many baffled. Attorney and former Federal prosecutor, Neama Rahmani, shared his shock on the "Hidden Killers" podcast with host Tony Brueski, exclaiming, “I couldn't believe it, Tony, when I first read it. I'm like, this has to be a joke, right?”    For those uninitiated, Asa Ellerup is demanding the return of nearly 300 guns seized from their family home. Citing them as marital property, she argues they're worth hundreds of thousands. The issue? Her husband is embroiled in a major investigation, and these weapons may well serve as crucial evidence. Tony aptly puts it, "There's no guidebook to it, but there is just human decency."    Rahmani questioned Ellerup's seemingly oblivious behavior, pointing to the lack of empathy displayed towards the victims of her husband’s alleged crimes. He goes on to detail the bizarre nature of their household - the decrepit condition of their house which many feel should be condemned, her constant altercations with the press, and her persistent legal endeavors to reclaim the aforementioned weapons.    But the depth of Heuermann’s arsenal is what particularly unnerves Rahmani. From Uzis to Tommy guns, many of these weapons not only breach New York's stringent gun laws but also hint at a deeper, more sinister narrative. As Rahmani puts it, “If she didn't know that her husband was involved in killing sex workers, I have a very hard time believing that she didn't have knowledge that he was at least seeing them and engaged in other shady activity.”    Ellerup’s defense seems fragile at best. Claiming to be out of town every time her husband committed a crime doesn’t exactly sit well. While Rahmani clarifies he isn’t accusing her, he insists that “if she was getting good advice, she would really sort of keep her mouth shut.”    The deeper question might be, is Asa Ellerup's audacious behavior a sign of sheer ignorance, or is there an underlying story yet to be unveiled? While the court of public opinion may already be casting its verdict, it's evident that this tale has more layers to be unfurled.    It begs the ponderous question, in cases so intricately woven with darkness and deception, can we ever truly discern the bystanders from the perpetrators? Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

18 Sep 20236min

Public perceptions play a crucial role in high-profile criminal cases. In the recent episode of "Hidden Killers," Tony Brueski, in conversation with Robin Dreeke, retired FBI Special Agent, unveils the intricate dynamics surrounding Asa Ellerup, wife of the suspected serial killer, Rex Heuermann. Their conversation sheds light on Ellerup's peculiar requests and actions following her husband's arrest, raising unsettling questions about her relationship with Heuermann and the nature of her public appearances.    "Ever since all this transpired, we've been keenly observing his family, especially since they've been so prominently visible," Brueski remarked. One peculiar detail that emerged was Ellerup's request to retrieve the hundreds of guns confiscated from their property. "She claims they're marital property, potentially worth hundreds of thousands," Brueski notes. However, with an active investigation on her husband in the backdrop, such a demand seems out of place.    Ellerup's motivations and the nature of her relationship with Heuermann remain shrouded in mystery. "I don't find it strange that she's in need of money or is attempting to reclaim property," Brueski contemplates. "But the essence of their relationship, its intricacies, that's what's truly baffling."    Brueski further recalled a report illustrating Heuermann's concerning behavior, where he obsessively stalked a co-worker. This raises pressing questions about Ellerup's awareness or involvement in her husband's actions. Dreeke chimes in with a compelling theory: "Could it be trauma bonding?" This psychological phenomenon occurs when victims develop a sense of loyalty or affection (often mistaken for love) towards their abusers due to the cycle of violence.    Dreeke observes, "We're only getting small glimpses of her, mostly when she's raising complaints. We need to understand her motivations, her background, her life's arc." This perspective is essential, especially when public optics present her mostly as a victim.    The conversation takes a turn as they delve deeper into Heuermann's choice in Ellerup as a partner. Dreeke postulates, "To maintain his façade, he would need a partner who's non-emotional, pragmatic, and importantly, not a deep thinker." This leads to an understanding that Ellerup was potentially chosen as she was less likely to question or challenge Heuermann's behaviors.    Another intriguing revelation is Ellerup's swift decision to divorce Heuermann once his alleged crimes came to light. "Was the divorce a reaction to public disclosure, or was it her realization of his true nature?" Brueski ponders. The duo surmise that while Ellerup might be attempting to use public opinion for sympathy, her strategies might be backfiring due to a lack of experience.    Despite the numerous theories, the true nature of their relationship remains speculative. As Dreeke aptly summarizes, "It's easy to armchair quarterback this, but the optics thus far haven't been very favorable."    The "Hidden Killers" podcast episode offers a unique perspective into the complex layers surrounding high-profile criminal cases. Beyond the primary suspect, the lives and actions of their close family members also come under scrutiny, leading to a web of theories and speculations. Asa Ellerup, with her puzzling requests and opaque motivations, undoubtedly adds another layer of mystery to the enigma that is the Heuermann case. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

18 Sep 20237min