LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: Rex Heuermann, 60, the Giglo Beach murder suspect made a striking legal move by signing over his Long Island home to his estranged wife, Asa Ellerup.

The unexpected transfer comes as Heuermann remains behind bars, facing suspicion of murdering Megan Waterman, 22, Melissa Barthelemy, 24, and Amber Lynn Costello, 27, over a decade ago. He is also the prime suspect in the death of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

Their bodies were discovered wrapped in burlap and discarded on Gilgo Beach in 2010.

How long did Rex Heuermann live in Long Island?

Rex Heuermann, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, purchased the Massapequa Park house from his parents for $170,000 in 1994, and since then its value has increased to around $530,000.

The suspect finalized the deed transfer for his Massapequa Park residence to his wife of more than 25 years on October 5 after filing it on September 22, as per The US Sun.

It was revealed that Ellerup, who filed for divorce in July, assumed sole ownership of the property, where the pair lived along with their two children, Christopher and Victoria. This significant move involves the house that became a focal point in the long-unsolved murder investigation, attracting attention from reporters and locals.

Rex Heuermann's estranged wife makes first jail visit, vows to attend trial

The couple's adult children, Christopher and Victoria, along with Asa Ellerup, faced upheaval when they were forced to vacate their home following Rex Heuermann's July 13 arrest. With the property at the center of a police search for potential evidence, the family spent over a week sleeping in a rental car.

Upon their return, the house was in "a mess", prompting Ellerup to express determination to restore the home. She said, "This is my home. I raised my children in this home, and I’ve got to fix it up."

The legal drama intensifies as Ellerup demands the return of Heuermann's extensive collection of legally purchased guns and various outstanding jewelry removed from their home during the police search.

The Long Island mother paid her first visit to Heuermann in jail recently, marking her initial encounter since his imprisonment. Ellerup, also plans to attend her estranged husband's trial for the murders, emphasizing her intent to make judgments based on the evidence presented.