Should 'Son of Sam' Law Be Changed To Stop LISK Suspect's Wife From Profiting On Doc?

Catching the Long Island Serial Killer

In the tangled web of the Long Island serial killer case, a new chapter unfolds with Asa Ellerup, the wife of the alleged murderer, Rex Heuermann, being followed around by a documentary crew. The decision to spotlight Asa through the lens of a Peacock Network documentary has stirred a whirlwind of debate, particularly around the Son of Sam law and its implications. The question arises: Should the law be adapted to encompass scenarios like Asa's?
Defense attorney Bob Motta, host of the podcast "Defense Diaries," shares his insights on this complex issue with Tony Brueski on the "Hidden Killers" podcast. Asa, currently not divorced from Heuermann, is technically still part of a marital estate, meaning that any income, including the alleged million-dollar payout from the documentary, is legally shared with her husband. This situation raises legal and ethical questions, especially in light of the Son of Sam law, which prohibits criminals from profiting from their crimes.
The conversation shifts to compare Asa’s situation with that of Kerri Rawson, the daughter of the notorious BTK killer. Unlike Asa, Rawson uses her traumatic experience for advocacy and victim support. Motta highlights the contrasting intent between the two women, noting that Rawson's work is a genuine effort to provide insight and aid to others affected by similar tragedies. He emphasizes the need for sensitivity and ethical consideration in true crime, an industry often criticized for profiting from others' misfortunes.
The debate on the proposed bill to alter the Son of Sam law is intricate. While it's clear that some individuals like Rawson use their experiences for positive outcomes, there are cases like Asa’s, which many perceive as exploiting tragedy for financial gain. This gray area in the law poses a challenge: How do you legislate intent when it varies so significantly from person to person?
Motta expresses his skepticism about Asa Ellerup's intentions, especially considering her actions to secure the couple's assets and her apparent eagerness to participate in the documentary. He suggests that the filmmakers' goal might be to expose her possible involvement or knowledge of her husband's alleged crimes, akin to the infamous revelations in "The Jinx" documentary about Robert Durst.
The "Hidden Killers" episode ends with a question that lingers in the minds of listeners: Will karma catch up with Asa Ellerup, or will she manage to navigate the treacherous waters she finds herself in? As the world watches the unfolding events, the answers to these questions remain to be seen.
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