Son of Gilgo Beach victim files wrongful death suit against Rex Heuermann and his family
The civil suit, filed by Benjamin Torres, alleges he has suffered lasting psychological trauma following his mother’s death in 2000.
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The son of Gilgo Beach victim Valerie Mack has filed a wrongful death lawsuit that, for the first time, names not only the accused killer but also members of his family as defendants.
The civil suit, filed by Benjamin Torres, alleges he has suffered lasting psychological trauma following his mother’s death in 2000.
In addition to Rex Heuermann, the man charged in a series of killings tied to the Gilgo Beach investigation, the lawsuit names Heuermann’s ex-wife, Asa Ellerup, and their daughter, Victoria Heuermann. The complaint claims they may have profited from the case, citing a documentary deal, and alleges they could have known about or concealed information related to the killing or failed to act.
Speaking outside the family’s home in Massapequa Park, the family’s attorney, Bob Macedonio, denied the allegations.
“It is deeply troubling in the wake of such tragedy that anyone would choose to advance claims that have no factual basis,” Macedonio said. “The individual responsible acted alone. Rex Heuermann has been indicted, charged with a series of homicides, and he will have his day in court to answer those charges.”
Macedonio also noted that Victoria Heuermann was 3 years old at the time of Mack’s death.
The lawsuit comes as Heuermann is expected to enter a guilty plea in court Thursday, according to multiple sources. Macedonio declined to comment on that development.
