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How to Watch the Rex Heuermann Documentary, The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets

Rex Heuermann, the subject of a gripping Peacock documentary, now admits to killing eight women and dumping their bodies along Long Island's waterfront. 

By Chris Phelan
Killer Rex A. Heuermann walking with two men.

Rex Heuermann admitted in court on Wednesday, April 8 to killing eight women and disposing of their bodies along the coast in and around Gilgo Beach, Long Island — a major development in a case that has haunted New York for years. 

Rex Heuermann update

Heuermann, 62 — who initially pleaded not guilty to the charges against him — changed his plea during a Suffolk County Court appearance on Wednesday, where he admitted to killing eight women, strangling them and dumping their bodies in the areas of Gilgo Beach, Manorville and Southampton, NBC News reports.

As part of the plea deal, Heuermann pleaded guilty to seven murder counts and admitted that he caused the death of Karen Vergata. He won't be charged with Vergata's murder.

Heuermann's sentencing is set for June 17, when it's expected that he'll be handed life in prison without parole, as well as three consecutive life sentences, and four sentences of 25 years to life, according to NBC News.

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Heuermann was the subject of Peacock's chilling 2025 three-part documentary, The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets.

The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets

How can I watch the Rex Heuermann documentary, The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets?

All three parts of The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets are currently streaming on Peacock. They include Episode 1, "Monster Among Us"; Episode 2, "House of Secrets"; and Episode 3, "The Good Wife."

What is The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets about? 

As the Peacock synopsis reads, the documentary provides "a look inside the home of the suspected Gilgo Beach killer for the first time, where never-before-heard disclosures from his own family unravel a chilling portrait of a man accused of living a double life."

Asa Ellerup listening to Attorney Robert Macedonio speak in front of a group of microphones.

Keep reading to learn more about the documentary's subject, and his alleged crimes.

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Who is Rex Heuermann?

Heuermann is a former architect and a father who was born on Long Island, New York, and lived there his whole life. In 1994, he founded the Manhattan-based firm RH Consultants and Associates. Heuermann was arrested outside his office in Midtown Manhattan in 2023 in connection with the Gilgo Beach serial killings.

He was initially charged in connection with the murders of three women, but in the months that followed, was ultimately charged with killing seven women.

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Who are the Gilgo Beach victims?

Between 2010 and 2011, 11 sets of human remains were found along Gilgo Beach and nearby areas. Many of the victims were sex workers. Not all of the victims were linked to Heuermann.

These are the eight women Heuermann has confessed to killing and disposing of their bodies throughout Long Island's Gilgo Beach area:

  • Melissa Barthelemy (24)
  • Megan Waterman (22)
  • Amber Lynn Costello (27)
  • Maureen Brainard-Barnes (25)
  • Valerie Mack (24)
  • Jessica Taylor (20)
  • Sandra Costilla (28)
  • Karen Vergata (34)

Note: Although Huermann admitted to causing the death of Vergata, he will not be charged with her murder, as part of his plea deal.

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Victoria Heuermann, the daughter of Rex Heuermann, speaks to the media at Suffolk County Court.

Who are Rex Heuermann's wife and kids?

Heuermann married Asa Ellerup in April of 1996. Authorities believe that Heuermann's wife was out of town when his alleged victims were killed. Ellerup filed for divorce shortly after Heuermann's July 2023 arrest.

Heuermann and Ellerup have two adult children, including daughter Victoria, and Ellerup's son from a previous relationship, Christopher.