How do you measure the value of marital property when your spouse is accused of being a notorious serial killer? This is the conundrum Asa Ellerup, the estranged wife of the alleged Long Island serial killer, Rex Heuermann, finds herself embroiled in.

 

 A recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," hosted by Tony Brueski, explored the nuances of this perplexing situation. He was joined by Eric Faddis, a former felony prosecutor, and attorney, and together they unpicked the moral and legal intricacies surrounding Asa Ellerup's request to reclaim the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of firearms owned by her husband, a collection amounting to around 300 guns.

 

 Brueski set the tone by stating, "Just the optics of it are obviously horrible." Ellerup's actions have certainly raised eyebrows and have sparked significant media interest. Faddis weighs in on the matter, "Is this a reasonable request on the part of Ms. Ellerup? You know, I think it is." He further adds that while the situation seems premature, considering that Ellerup hasn't filed for divorce yet, her claim to the firearms as marital property remains valid.

 

 But the broader implications of this case and the mystery shrouding Rex Heuermann delve deeper than marital assets. Brueski poses a pertinent question that has likely crossed the minds of many: "How much did [Asa] know?" For a man accused of decades of criminal activities, including the stalking of women, it raises concerns about the dynamics of their marital life and if Asa ever had inklings of her husband's alleged dark side.

 

 The discussion doesn't stop there. The narrative around Asa Ellerup and her children takes another twist. Over the past month, they have been spotted on their porch almost daily, making public pleas for financial support. The family has reportedly received around $55,000 from public donations, but they seem to continually seek attention and monetary aid.

 

 Brueski expresses his bafflement, "It's been pretty much we need money, we're horribly victimized as well... It just seems completely nuts." Faddis, however, plays the devil's advocate, pointing out that if the family was truly uninvolved, they might be reeling from the situation. Their lives have been thrust under a microscope, and their reactions, however perplexing to outsiders, might be their way of grappling with their newfound reality.

 

 Yet, it's impossible to ignore the opportunistic behavior exhibited by the Ellerup family. Asa's lack of public sympathy for the victims and her focus on financial gain presents her under a different light, especially when the world's eyes are on her. Faddis acknowledges this, adding that if he were her counsel, he would advise her "to be less public and stop asking for money."

 

 Towards the close of their conversation, Brueski and Faddis speculate on the nature of life in the Heuermann household. They ponder if Asa's current behavior is just a manifestation of the chaos that might have always reigned in their life. "Maybe this is how she's lived her life all the time. It's just now that there's a microscope on it, we're seeing far more of the opportunist type behavior come out in a very inopportune time," muses Brueski.

 

 This case not only exposes the complexities surrounding the legality of marital property but also provides a window into the psychological and moral quandaries faced by families of accused individuals. As the Long Island serial killer investigation progresses, one can't help but wonder: How well do we truly know the people we share our lives with?

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