FOLLOW US

Suffolk County's highest-ranking police official suggests that Asa Ellerup, married for over 27 years to Rex Heuermann, was in the dark about her husband's alleged double life of horrifying crime. Rex Heuermann, the suspect of recent criminal revelations, has left his wife and family shocked, police commissioner Rodney Harrison suggests.

The Shrouded Life of Rex Heuermann

"The possibility that Mr. Heuermann's family was oblivious to his sinister double life is not implausible," commented Harrison regarding the ongoing investigation. Despite this, the Suffolk County authorities aren't excluding any possibilities. The investigation continues to compile facts that might reveal if the family had any knowledge of the alleged actions of Rex Heuermann.

Rex Heuermann's Wife Divorce Proceedings

Last week, Rex Heuermann, 59, was apprehended and accused in the murders of three women from the notorious "Gilgo Four" case. Their remains were discovered in 2010 along a stretch of Gilgo Beach, Long Island. Rex Heuermann remains the prime suspect in the disappearance and murder of a fourth woman, although charges have not been filed in that case.

Shortly after her husband's arrest, Asa Ellerup initiated divorce proceedings, her attorney Robert Macedonio confirmed to CNN. No further comment was given on the matter.

A Family Life Lived in Ignorance

Ellerup was reportedly taken aback by her husband's criminal charges, according to Harrison. Unknowingly, her DNA was a critical element that helped authorities link Rex Heuermann to the aforementioned crimes.

Their life together, spanning 27 years since their marriage in April 1996, was mostly lived in Rex Heuermann's childhood home in the Long Island suburb of Massapequa Park. Despite their longstanding presence in the community, their neighbors knew surprisingly little about the family.

Described by neighbors as distant, the family and their house were often referred to as "creepy", according to Long Island Press. Neighbors, including Frankie Musto, said, "The family is very to themselves, quiet. We never saw anything suspicious."

A Shocked and Embarrassed Family

When authorities disclosed the details of the alleged crimes to Ellerup and her daughter, they were "shocked, disgusted, embarrassed," according to Harrison. He interprets their reaction as a sign of their ignorance about Rex Heuermann's hidden life. However, he added, "time will tell."

Efforts to reach Rex Heuermann's wife and daughter have been made by CNN but to no avail.

The Next Chapter in the Case

Following his arrest, Rex Heuermann was held without bail, entering a plea of not guilty via his attorney. His next appearance in court is slated for August 1st.

Suffolk County correctional facility, where Rex Heuermann is detained, has not seen any visitors for him since his arraignment, Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., told CNN. Despite his allowance of two daily phone calls, it remains unclear if he has communicated with anyone.