New Amendment To 'Son of Sam' Law Could Strip Asa Ellerup Of Million Dollar Payday

In a recent episode of "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski, alongside psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott, delves into the contentious issue surrounding Asa Ellerup's potential million-dollar payday from a documentary. This Peacock Network project, produced by 50 Cent's G Unit Productions, has raised a storm of debate, particularly around the expansion of the Son of Sam law in New York.

Asa Ellerup, embroiled in the chilling narrative of her husband Rex Heuermann, alleged to be the Long Island serial killer, finds herself at a controversial crossroads. The proposed legislative amendment aims to prevent relatives of defendants, like Ellerup, from profiting off criminal cases. This potential law change has garnered support from Attorney John Ray, who represents some of the victims' families. But the broader implications of this legal shift bring a complex ethical dilemma to the forefront.

Scott, contributing her expert insights, echoes Brueski’s concerns over the broad reach of such legislation. While the public sentiment leans towards disallowing Ellerup from profiting off the tragic circumstances, the law could inadvertently penalize genuine victims like Kerri Rawson. Rawson, the daughter of the BTK killer, has channeled her traumatic experience into victim advocacy. A blanket law like the proposed one could unjustly strip individuals like her of their legitimate earnings and impede their advocacy work.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into the intricacies of legislating against profiteering in crime-related scenarios. Scott points out the challenge in legislating intent, a crucial element in differentiating cases like Ellerup’s from others. The timing of the documentary, amidst ongoing legal proceedings against Rex Heuermann, adds to the unease surrounding Ellerup’s role in the saga.

As Brueski and Scott explore, the intent behind Ellerup’s involvement in the documentary remains a gray area. If Ellerup is eventually found to have no involvement in the crimes, her narrative could be seen in a different light. However, the speculative nature of the documentary’s goals, potentially aimed at implicating her further, casts a shadow on her intentions.

The discussion then shifts to the potential consequences of such a documentary. Drawing parallels with Robert Durst’s self-incrimination in "The Jinx," Brueski speculates on the documentary’s possible outcomes. If Ellerup inadvertently incriminates herself, the million-dollar deal could ironically transition from a lucrative opportunity to a source of funds in prison.

This episode of "Hidden Killers" leaves listeners with a thought-provoking dilemma: balancing the need to prevent the exploitation of criminal cases for profit, against the risk of unjustly penalizing those who seek to use their personal tragedies for positive advocacy. As Scott aptly puts it, the solution might lie in nuanced legislation, tailored to address specific scenarios without overreaching into the lives of innocent victims turned advocates. As the legal and moral debate continues, the question remains: How can the law equitably distinguish between opportunistic profiteering and genuine victim advocacy?

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Release date

Lydbog: 5. januar 2024