

Long Island Serial Killer | The Trial Of Rex Heuermann
True Crime Today
"Catching the Long Island Serial Killer" is a gripping and emotionally charged podcast that pulls back the curtain on one of the most infamous unresolved serial murder cases in American history. Journey with us as we unravel the chilling narrative of the Gilgo Beach Killings, walking the eerie pathways where the bodies of numerous victims were discovered. We dive deep into the elusive identity of the suspected killer, Rex Heuermann, revealing his disturbing double life as a respected architect and a monster lurking in the shadows. Our heartfelt interviews with victims' families, including the brave sister of Melissa Barthelemy, expose a twisted web of torment, grief, and loss, shedding light on the emotional scars left behind. This podcast is not just about exploring the chilling mystery of the Long Island Serial Killer, but a tribute to the resilience of those who've been affected and their quest for justice. Tune in to "Catching the Long Island Serial Killer" and discover the grim secrets that Long Island has kept hidden for too long.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 24, 2025 • 24min
“He Saved Us” — Or Did He? Gilgo Killer's Wife, Asa Ellerup’s Love Story Examined by FBI Profiler
“He Saved Us” — Or Did He? Gilgo Killer's Wife, Asa Ellerup’s Love Story Examined by FBI Profiler
In Segment 2 of our deep-dive into the Gilgo Beach case, Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke turn their focus to the beginning — the origin story of Asa Ellerup and Rex Heuermann’s relationship.
What started as an act of kindness during Asa’s divorce quickly evolved into a lifelong partnership built, perhaps, on imbalance. She was young, vulnerable, in need of support. He was strong, stable, and offered her something she desperately craved: a sense of family and emotional safety. But beneath that surface — according to experts and prosecutors — may have been something else entirely.
Robin Dreeke examines the early dynamics of Asa and Rex’s bond, including key psychological indicators of emotional grooming, dependency, and how empathy can be weaponized by manipulators. Using real behavioral science and decades of field experience, Dreeke breaks down why Rex may have been drawn to Asa—not out of love, but for how perfectly she fit into the hidden life he needed to maintain.
We also explore the concept of “lack of curiosity,” a recurring behavioral trait Dreeke believes allowed Rex to operate in plain sight. This episode dissects key parts of the Peacock documentary that showcase Asa’s perspective on her marriage, the home they shared, and the vault of secrets that sat quietly beneath their feet.
If you’re interested in the psychological mechanisms predators use to stay hidden—and the painful cost to the people closest to them—this segment offers a hauntingly clear window into how it all begins.
Hashtags:
#GilgoBeach #AsaEllerup #RexHeuermann #FBIProfiler #TrueCrimePodcast #RobinDreeke #EmotionalGrooming #SerialKillerPsychology #HiddenKillers #PeacockDocumentary
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Jun 24, 2025 • 19min
Rex Heuermann's Wife SHOWS OFF Secret Rooms She Was BANNED From Entering | "Nothing Was Off Limits"
Rex Heuermann's Wife SHOWS OFF Secret Rooms She Was BANNED From Entering | "Nothing Was Off Limits"
This footage will make you question everything about denial and control. Psychotherapist Shavaun Scott analyzes the most contradictory statements ever captured as Rex Heuermann's wife gives a tour of rooms she was BANNED from entering while claiming "nothing was off limits."
Watch as Asa Ellerup shows us:
The gun room with a STEEL DOOR and combination lock
The "secret room" under the stairs she couldn't access for 27 YEARS
The basement where prosecutors believe women were murdered
Her dismissal of murder planning documents as "Dexter style" fiction
Most disturbing: She demonstrates these locked spaces while insisting Rex kept no secrets. This is "doublethink" - holding two contradictory beliefs simultaneously.
Key psychological insights:
Why Asa closes her eyes when confronted with evidence
How she was the "4th person in 30 years" to enter the gun room
Her claim investigators are "picking, picking, picking" to create a narrative
The childhood bedroom where murders allegedly occurred
How denial can override physical locked doors in your own home
This isn't just about one woman's denial - it's about recognizing control patterns: ✓ Locked rooms you can't enter ✓ No access to finances ✓ Complete isolation from support ✓ Normalized abnormal behavior
Victoria Heuermann now believes her father is "most likely" guilty. Asa continues visiting him weekly, maintaining his innocence despite DNA evidence linking him to seven murders.
#RexHeuermann #GilgoBeachKiller #AsaEllerup #TrueCrime #LockedRooms #SerialKiller #PsychologicalAnalysis #BodyLanguage #Denial #LongIslandSerialKiller
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Jun 23, 2025 • 16min
10 Signs Alleged Gilgo Beach Killer, Rex Heuermann’s Family Missed — Behavioral Analysis from the FBI
10 Signs Alleged Gilgo Beach Killer, Rex Heuermann’s Family Missed — Behavioral Analysis from the FBI
In this gripping first segment, retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke—former chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program—joins Tony Brueski to explore the disturbing paradox at the center of the Gilgo Beach case: How did Rex Heuermann’s family not know?
Asa Ellerup, Rex’s longtime wife, has become one of the most controversial figures in the case—not because she’s accused of anything—but because of what she didn’t see. In this episode, Dreeke walks us through her emotional profile, behavioral patterns, and the psychological traits that may have made her the perfect partner for a man allegedly living a double life.
We examine key footage from Peacock’s The Gilgo Beach Killer: Secrets of a Serial Killer and discuss the FBI’s view of how people like Heuermann are able to manipulate those closest to them. Dreeke explains how serial predators often seek out partners who lack curiosity, who prioritize stability over questions, and who are more likely to rationalize away red flags in the name of love or loyalty.
Is Asa a victim herself? Was she chosen for her trust, her dependence, or simply her desire to believe the best in someone? This segment breaks down not just her words, but her behaviors, her relationships, and the life she thought she was living—until the knock on the door that changed everything.
If you’ve ever wondered how evil hides in plain sight, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Hashtags:
#GilgoBeach #RexHeuermann #AsaEllerup #TrueCrimeAnalysis #FBIProfiler #HiddenKillers #RobinDreeke #SerialKillerMindset #PeacockDocumentary #DenialAndDeception
Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?
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Jun 23, 2025 • 20min
"I Finally Got Him, He's Mine" - Rex Heuermann's Wife STILL Worships Accused Gilgo Beach Killer
"I Finally Got Him, He's Mine" - Rex Heuermann's Wife STILL Worships Accused Gilgo Beach Killer
This might be the most disturbing analysis of denial ever captured on film. Psychotherapist Shavaun Scott joins me to decode footage from the Peacock documentary that reveals how Rex Heuermann didn't just hunt his victims - he carefully selected and groomed his own wife as the perfect enabler.
We examine Asa Ellerup's transformation from vulnerable 18-year-old to devoted wife who STILL calls Rex her "hero" despite overwhelming evidence linking him to seven murders. This goes beyond simple denial - we're witnessing a trauma bond so powerful it's created an alternate reality.
Shocking revelations include:
How Rex allegedly killed Sandra Costilla BEFORE marrying Asa in 1996
Every murder occurred when Asa took the family to Iceland
Rex monitored all devices and controlled every penny for 27 years
Asa had NO access to bank accounts when he was arrested
She took $1 MILLION for the documentary while victims' families struggle
Daughter Victoria now creates "disturbing artwork" processing trauma
The basement where women allegedly died is where Asa "still feels Rex"
Most chilling: Prosecutors found Rex's murder planning document from 2000 with notes about "maintaining normal appearance." Was marrying Asa part of the plan? Was she chosen specifically because she'd never question, never suspect, never see?
This isn't just one woman's denial - it's a masterclass in how predators identify vulnerability and create enablers who'll defend them even against DNA evidence.
Content Warning: Detailed discussion of serial murder, psychological manipulation, and extreme denial
#RexHeuermann #GilgoBeachKiller #AsaEllerup #TrueCrime #LongIslandSerialKiller #TraumaBonding #PeacockDocumentary #SerialKillerPsychology #TrueCrimeCommunity #CriminalMinds
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Jun 22, 2025 • 17min
Living With a Serial Killer FBI Expert Explains How Rex Heuermann Hid Seven Murders From Family-WEEK IN REVIEW
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 comment and watch this podcast as a video?
Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod
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Jun 22, 2025 • 13min
FBI Profiler Why Gilgo Beach Killer Kept Murder Trophies and a Kill Manual for 20 Years-WEEK IN REVIEW
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 comment and watch this podcast as a video?
Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod
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Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Jun 18, 2025 • 29min
She Called Him 'Hero' While He Allegedly Killed 7 Women: FBI Expert Analyzes Asa Ellerup's Denial
She Called Him 'Hero' While He Allegedly Killed 7 Women: FBI Expert Analyzes Asa Ellerup's Denial
Description: In one of the most psychologically complex aspects of the Gilgo Beach murders case, Asa Ellerup continues to stand by her husband Rex Heuermann, calling him her "hero" despite charges he murdered seven women. She describes visiting him in jail as feeling like "a first date" - nervous and excited. Former FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke provides unprecedented analysis of this profound denial and what it reveals about trauma, love, and the human capacity for self-deception.
While daughter Victoria has concluded her father is "most likely" the Gilgo Beach killer after seeing overwhelming evidence, Asa tours the basement where prosecutors allege murders occurred and dismisses the theory as "absolutely absurd" and "Dexter-style." This stark family divide offers a real-time case study in how different people process the same devastating information.
Dreeke, former head of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Program, explains the psychological mechanisms behind such powerful denial: trauma bonding, cognitive dissonance, and the mind's protective ability to reject information that would shatter one's entire worldview. He discusses how 27 years of marriage create a "truth infrastructure" that's almost impossible to demolish, even when faced with damning evidence including DNA links, a murder planning document, and trophy collections.
The conversation delves into the broader implications for anyone who's ever wondered "Would I know?" Dreeke reveals why intelligent, observant people can miss signs of deception from those closest to them, and what this case teaches us about the difference between healthy trust and dangerous denial. He also addresses the financial and emotional factors that might influence Asa's public stance, including her battle with cancer without insurance and participation in a controversial documentary.
This episode is essential listening for anyone grappling with betrayal, those supporting family members in denial, or anyone seeking to understand how love can blind us to terrible truths.
Hashtags: #AsaEllerup #RexHeuermann #GilgoBeachKiller #Denial #TraumaBonding #FBIProfiler #RobinDreeke #TrueCrime #PsychologicalDenial #CognitiveDissonnace #SerialKillerWife #FamilyBetrayal #TrueCrimePodcast #StandingByYourMan #LongIslandSerialKiller #LISK #CrimePsychology #RelationshipBlindness #ToxicLoyalty #BehavioralAnalysis #TrueCrimeCommunity #WomenInDenial #MarriageAndMurder #FamilyTrauma #JusticeForVictims
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Jun 17, 2025 • 17min
Living With a Serial Killer: FBI Expert Explains How Rex Heuermann Hid 7 Murders From Family
Living With a Serial Killer: FBI Expert Explains How Rex Heuermann Hid 7 Murders From Family
Description: How does a man accused of brutally murdering seven women over three decades hide such horrific crimes from the family sleeping under the same roof? In this eye-opening interview, former FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke, who led the Bureau's Behavioral Analysis Program, breaks down the sophisticated psychological mechanisms that allow serial killers to compartmentalize their lives.
Rex Heuermann, a 61-year-old Manhattan architect, allegedly maintained two completely separate existences - devoted family man in Massapequa Park by day, predator hunting vulnerable women by night. His wife of 27 years, Asa Ellerup, continues to support him, while his daughter Victoria now believes he's "most likely" guilty. This family divide offers a unique window into how deception operates in long-term relationships.
Dreeke explains the concept of "truth-default state" - why spouses detect lies at only 50% accuracy, essentially no better than a coin flip. He reveals how environmental factors like suburban normalcy and professional success create cognitive dissonance that prevents family members from recognizing warning signs. The discussion covers specific patterns Heuermann allegedly used: only killing when family was out of town, using multiple burner phones, and maintaining strict operational security that ultimately failed him.
Drawing parallels to other cases like BTK killer Dennis Rader, Dreeke provides crucial insights for listeners about red flags in relationships: secretive technology use, unexplained absences, compartmentalized friendships, and subtle personality shifts. He addresses the haunting question every family member asks: "How did I not know?"
This episode is particularly valuable for women concerned about relationship safety, offering practical advice on when privacy becomes concerning secrecy and how to strengthen intuition without becoming paranoid. Dreeke's expertise in trust assessment and human behavior provides listeners with tools to protect themselves while understanding the complex trauma faced by families of accused killers.
Hashtags: #SerialKillerPsychology #RexHeuermann #GilgoBeachMurders #FBIBehavioralAnalysis #RobinDreeke #TrueCrime #Compartmentalization #DoubleLife #FamilyTrauma #CriminalPsychology #RelationshipRedFlags #TrueCrimePodcast #AsaEllerup #VictoriaHeuermann #SerialKillerFamily #DeceptionDetection #LISK #LongIslandSerialKiller #TrueCrimeCommunity #PsychologicalManipulation #DomesticDeception #CrimeAnalysis #BehavioralProfiling #TrustYourGut #WomensSafety
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Jun 16, 2025 • 13min
Profiler: Why Gilgo Beach Killer Kept Murder Trophies and a 'Kill Manual' for 20 Years
Profiler: Why Gilgo Beach Killer Kept Murder Trophies and a 'Kill Manual' for 20 Years
Description: In this chilling episode, retired FBI Special Agent and former head of the Behavioral Analysis Program Robin Dreeke reveals the dark psychology behind Rex Heuermann's most damning evidence - the murder planning document discovered on his computer and his collection of newspaper clippings about the Gilgo Beach killings.
Why would someone accused of murdering seven women keep a detailed "kill manual" for over two decades? Dreeke explains how the 'HK2002-04' document, containing sections on body disposal, DNA avoidance, and victim selection, represents more than just planning - it's a window into the mind of a methodical predator. The document included disturbing notes like "wash body inside and all cavities" and "remove head and hands," showing a level of premeditation rarely seen even in serial killer cases.
But perhaps even more revealing is Heuermann's collection of "trophies" - newspaper clippings dating back to 1993, including a 2016 People Magazine cover story about the Gilgo Beach murders. Dreeke analyzes why serial offenders keep such dangerous mementos and what psychological needs these items fulfill. Is it about reliving the crimes? Maintaining control? Or something even darker?
Drawing from his decades of experience in behavioral analysis and counterintelligence, Dreeke explains how Heuermann's need to document and collect represents a fatal flaw common among serial offenders - the very evidence meant to help them often becomes their downfall. He also discusses how technology has changed the way predators operate, from the creation of digital planning documents to the mistakes that led to Heuermann's capture, including taking selfies with burner phones.
This conversation is essential listening for anyone trying to understand the criminal mind and offers valuable insights into recognizing dangerous behavior patterns. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast, psychology student, or someone concerned about personal safety, Dreeke's expert analysis provides a rare glimpse into how the FBI profiles and catches serial killers in the digital age.
Hashtags: #GilgoBeachKiller #RexHeuermann #FBIProfiler #RobinDreeke #TrueCrime #SerialKiller #CriminalPsychology #GilgoBeachMurders #LongIslandSerialKiller #LISK #TrueCrimePodcast #MurderMystery #CriminalMinds #ForensicPsychology #BehavioralAnalysis #TrueCrimeCommunity #CrimeDocumentary #SerialKillerDocumentary #ColdCase #TrueCrimeAddict #MurderInvestigation #CriminalProfiling #TrueCrimeStories #GilgoFour #JusticeForVictims
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Jun 15, 2025 • 26min
Rex Heuermanns Wife Calls Serial Killer Husband Her Hero - 5 Most Disturbing Quotes From New Documentary-WEEK IN REVIEW
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 comment and watch this podcast as a video?
Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/
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Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod
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