Rex Heuermann's wife says the Gilgo Beach suspect 'is not capable' of the brutal murders and claims she visits him every week because he 'deserves benefit of the doubt'

Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann is 'not capable' of the brutal murders he's been accused of, according to his estranged wife. 

Asa Ellerup, who was married to the Long Island architect for 27 years with two kids, regularly visits him in jail because she said he 'deserves the benefit of the doubt'. 

'I will listen to all of the evidence and withhold judgment until the end of trial,' she said in a statement released by her lawyer Robert A Macedonio.

'I have given him the benefit of the doubt, as we all deserve.'

Macedonio said that she visits the accused killer 'weekly' at Suffolk County Jail in Riverhead and 'still maintains that Rex is not capable of the crimes he is accused of'. 

Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann is 'not capable' of the brutal murders he's been accused of, according to his estranged wife Asa Ellerup (pictured)

Ellerup has said she visits Heuermann (pictured) 'weekly' at Suffolk County Jail in Riverhead and 'still maintains that Rex is not capable of the crimes he is accused of'

Cops say Ellerup, 59, and their children, Victoria Heuermann, 26, and Christopher Sheridan, 33, did not know about the killings and were out of town at the time. (Pictured: Ellerup and her daughter in their attorney's office July 2023) 

The attorney added that Ellerup's 'heartfelt sympathies go out to the alleged victims known as the 'Gilgo four' - Brainard-Barnes; Amber Lynn Costello, 27; Megan Waterman, 22; and Melissa Barthelemy, 24. 

'Nobody deserves to die in that manner,' Ellerup's statement says. She filed for divorce six days after Heuermann was charged with the first three murders.

Asa Ellerup (pictured) filed for divorce six days after her husband was charged with the murders 

Cops say Ellerup, 59, and their children, Victoria Heuermann, 26, and Christopher Sheridan, 33, did not know about the killings and were out of town at the time.

Heuermann, 60, has spent most of his days since his July 2023 arrest in a small windowless cell at the Riverhead Jail as he awaits trial. 

Between 1996 and 2011, the remains of 11 people were found on Gilgo Beach, Long Island, and Heuermann is accused of being the serial killer behind four of the deaths. 

All had advertised their services on Craigslist and Backpage, and were found tied up in burlap sacks within a few miles of each other. 

Ellerup has also shown up at her ex's court hearings - along with a documentary camera crew - to observe developments in his case.

She reportedly signed a seven-figure deal with NBC Universal, Texas Crew Productions and G-Unit to feature in a documentary about the case. 

The families of the victims slammed Peacock as 'evil' for 'paying at least $1 million' to Ellerup. 

The attorney added that Ellerup's 'heartfelt sympathies go out to the alleged victims known as the 'Gilgo four' - Brainard-Barnes; Amber Lynn Costello, 27; Megan Waterman, 22; and Melissa Barthelemy, 24

Asa Ellerup, who was married to the Long Island architect for 27 years with two kids, regularly visits him in jail because she said he 'deserves the benefit of the doubt'. (Pictured: Ellerup attending a court hearing for Heuermann)

Ellerup has also shown up at her ex's court hearings - along with a documentary camera crew - to observe developments in his case

Heuermann, 60, has spent most of his days since his July 2023 arrest in a small windowless cell at the Riverhead Jail as he awaits trial

She reportedly signed a seven-figure deal with NBC Universal, Texas Crew Productions and G-Unit to feature in a documentary about the case

Asa Ellerup, wife of Rex Heuermann arrives at the Suffolk County Court house as he estranged husband is charged with another murder in January 2024

Ellerup emigrated to the United States from Iceland as a child, and grew up near Heuermann on Long Island

Between 1996 and 2011, the remains of 11 people were found on Gilgo Beach, Long Island, and Heuermann is accused of being the serial killer behind four of the deaths

Sherre Gilbert, the sister of Shannan Gilbert, whose remains were found in 2010 and led to the discovery of other victims, went to social media to express her shock, using the words: 'disappointed...disgusted... flabbergasted...frustrated.' 

'The way that the media will buy stories to further re-victimize, re-traumatize, and exploit the families & victims of serial killers is evil!,' Sherre said. 

Ellerup emigrated to the United States from Iceland as a child, and grew up near Heuermann on Long Island. 

Heuermann last appeared in court early February for an update on the progress of his case.

 He was brought into a silent Suffolk County Courthouse in Riverhead, Long Island, New York - a hearing Ellerup did not attend. 

His attorney revealed to DailyMail.com that the accused murderer was still being held in isolation in prison and was 'lonely and depressed'.

It marked the first time the architect had appeared in court since January 16, when he pleaded not guilty to killing sex worker Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, in 2007.

Heuermann has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder over the deaths of Barthelemy in 2009, and Waterman and Costello in 2010. 

He was more recently charged with second-degree murder over the death of Brainard-Barnes in 2007.