Asa Ellerup, the estranged wife of accused Long Island serial killer, Rex Heuermann, is facing spreading skin and breast cancer, her lawyer said during a Friday afternoon press conference.
Family lawyer for Ellerup, Bob Macedonio, said her insurance is close to expiring since she’s on Heuermann’s policy, which will end when he fails to cover the premium. Heuermann is no longer working after his arrest in July.
“That’s a big fear and stress on her on top of all this other stuff that’s going on,” Macedonio said.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Heuermann was arrested on July 13 for the deaths of three of the four women known collectively as the “Gilgo Four.” The bodies were found within days of each other on Gilgo Beach in December 2010. All four women were buried in burlap sacks.
Heuermann has been charged with six counts of murder in the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; and Amber Lynn Costello, 27; and is the prime suspect in the death of 25-year-old Maureen Brainard-Barnes.
Amid the investigation, Ellerup and her two adult children stayed in a hotel as law enforcement searched the family’s Massapequa Park home. Investigators uncovered a “massive” amount of evidence in connection with the case.
Her lawyers, however, said Friday that the home was left in shambles with “valuables shattered” and their pillows, couches, and other items destroyed.
Watch the full presser below
Heuermann pleaded not guilty at his arraigmment. He remains behind bars at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility without bail.
Meanwhile, the daughter of the “Happy Face” serial killer, Melissa Moore, created a GoFundMe fundraiser for Ellerup to help with the family’s basic needs and to possibly help restore their home.
Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Feature Photo: Ava Ellerup/Facebook; Rex Heuermann/Suffolk County Police Department via AP]
