Peacock’s gripping new documentary series, The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets, delves into the chilling case of Rex Heuermann, a man arrested in 2023 and accused of being the infamous Gilgo Beach serial killer. The documentary offers an unprecedented look into Heuermann’s personal life and the investigation into one of the most notorious murder cases in U.S. history.
A Terrifying Discovery: The Gilgo Beach Murders
In 2023, the arrest of Rex Heuermann sent shockwaves through the nation. Heuermann, a former architect from Long Island, was apprehended after being connected to the killings of three women whose bodies were found near Gilgo Beach in the early 2010s. The bodies, discovered along a secluded stretch of highway, were part of a string of murders that had been haunting the area for over a decade.
The Gilgo Beach case had long remained unsolved, despite efforts from local law enforcement and the FBI. But Heuermann’s arrest changed everything. Authorities claim Heuermann had a double life, living as a seemingly normal suburban husband and father while hiding his dark, violent side.
The investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders initially began in 2010 when the first victim, Shannon Gilbert, went missing. As investigators unearthed more bodies, they found that all of the victims were women working in the sex trade, with their bodies dumped in the same vicinity near Gilgo Beach. For years, the case languished without significant leads, despite numerous attempts to link the victims and identify the killer.
Peacock’s Documentary: A Look into Heuermann’s Life
The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets takes a deep dive into Heuermann’s life, exploring how he maintained a facade of normalcy. The documentary includes rare footage from his home, private interviews with his wife, Asa Ellerup, and children, and conversations with key investigators involved in the case.
The series is structured as a three-part documentary, with each episode running about an hour. It explores the psychological aspect of Heuermann’s alleged double life, using interviews with criminologists, detectives, and the people closest to him. The show asks the difficult question: Could anyone have known what Heuermann was hiding?
One of the most chilling aspects of the documentary is the exploration of Heuermann’s
home in Massapequa Park, Long Island, where he lived with his wife and children. Asa Ellerup provides emotional interviews about her relationship with Heuermann and how she never suspected the dark secrets he had hidden for so many years. The documentary paints a harrowing portrait of the lies and manipulation that went on behind closed doors.
Heuermann’s Trial and the Broader Implications
As of 2025, Heuermann remains in custody, awaiting trial for the murders. His case has sparked widespread media attention, and House of Secrets delves into the legal aspects of his trial, including the charges of murder, human trafficking, and abuse that have been levied against him. The documentary also raises important questions about serial killers and how they manage to evade detection for so long.
The larger impact of this case has been the renewed focus on unsolved cold cases and the way gendered violence is often overlooked. Investigators have pointed to the fact that many of the Gilgo Beach victims were women working in sex work, highlighting how marginalized people are often treated as invisible or less important in society’s eyes.
The premiere of The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets on June 10 is expected to stir new public interest in the case and may provide crucial insight into the psychology of serial killers and the complexities of criminal investigations.