A new Peacock documentary has revealed the chilling rituals of confessed Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann, who admitted to murdering eight women over nearly two decades. The fourth episode of Gilgo Beach Serial Killer: House of Secrets features interviews with Heuermann's estranged wife Asa Ellerup, daughter Victoria, and son, providing unprecedented insight into his methods.
The Four-Day Ritual
According to therapist Alison Winter, who spoke with Heuermann from prison, the killer followed a meticulous four-day pattern. Day one involved building trust with victims, day two was the murder in a basement 'kill room,' day three was spent 'playing' with the bodies, and day four was reserved for disposing of remains using a stopwatch to perfect the process. Winter explained that Heuermann would hit the timer, dump the body, and return to his truck, completing the disposal in as little as 37 seconds for his final victim, Amber Lynn Costello, in 2010.
Confession and Plea Deal
Heuermann confessed to his family as a condition of his plea agreement, which had been in negotiation for a year. He told the court he killed each victim by strangulation, with at least one murder occurring in the marital bed and three involving dismemberment. The documentary reveals that his first murder, of Sandra Costilla in 1993, was impulsive, occurring days before he married Ellerup in Stockholm. Subsequent killings were highly calculated, taking place in the family home in Massapequa Park.
Ellerup, who now sleeps in the basement where some victims were killed, expressed mixed feelings about the confession. 'Clarity comes from much more than just him saying something,' she said. 'But now that I know, it's easier for me to move forward.' Heuermann stated that the face-to-face confession was necessary to be honest with his family.
Financial and Legal Fallout
The family reportedly received over $1 million for participating in the documentary, prompting a lawsuit from Benjamin Torres, son of victim Valerie Mack, who accused them of exploiting the murders for profit. Victoria Heuermann revealed that Mack, Karen Vergata, and Jessica Taylor were murdered, mutilated, and dismembered in the basement.
Stopping the Killings
Heuermann's killing spree ended after the discovery of Shannan Gilbert's body near Gilgo Beach in 2010, which led to the identification of four of his victims. He told Winter he stopped because he was no longer receiving the same gratification and feared getting caught. Winter described his need for power and control, noting that he asked her if she had ever sat with a serial killer and knew what it was like to 'play God.'
Heuermann is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, facing multiple life prison terms.
