Gilgo Beach Victim's Son Sues Convicted Killer's Family

Benjamin Torres files wrongful death lawsuit against Rex Heuermann, ex-wife and daughter for profiting from his mother's murder.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:08pm

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An extreme close-up of a dismembered human foot, the skin and bone texture visible under harsh flash lighting against a dark background, conceptually representing the disturbing evidence of the Gilgo Beach serial murders.The gruesome details of the Gilgo Beach killings continue to haunt the victims' families, who seek justice and accountability.Norwich Today

The son of Gilgo Beach serial killer victim Valerie Mack has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against convicted murderer Rex Heuermann, as well as Heuermann's ex-wife Asa Ellerup and daughter Victoria Heuermann. The suit alleges the family members profited from media deals exploiting the notoriety of the killings, depriving Mack's son Benjamin Torres of her care and support.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing trauma and legal battles faced by the families of serial killer victims, who often struggle to find justice and closure even after convictions. It also raises questions about the ethics of media companies profiting from such horrific crimes.

The details

Valerie Mack, a 24-year-old escort from New Jersey, was one of the victims of the Gilgo Beach serial killer. Her partial remains were found in 2000 and 2011 after she went missing. The lawsuit alleges Mack was "tortured ferociously" and her body was dismembered, with her foot, head and hands dumped separately. Her son Benjamin Torres was 6 years old when she was killed.

  • Mack's partial remains were first found in September 2000.
  • Additional remains were found along Ocean Parkway in April 2011.
  • Mack was positively identified as the victim in May 2020.
  • Rex Heuermann pleaded guilty to 7 counts of murder on April 8, 2026.

The players

Benjamin Torres

The sole heir and son of victim Valerie Mack, who was 6 years old when his mother was killed.

Rex Heuermann

The convicted Gilgo Beach serial killer who pleaded guilty to 7 counts of murder, including the killing of Valerie Mack.

Asa Ellerup

The ex-wife of Rex Heuermann, who the lawsuit alleges profited from media deals exploiting the notoriety of the killings.

Victoria Heuermann

The daughter of Rex Heuermann, who the lawsuit alleges profited from media deals exploiting the notoriety of the killings.

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What they’re saying

“The lawsuit says she was "tortured ferociously and her body was dismembered.”

— Benjamin Torres, Sole heir of victim Valerie Mack

What’s next

The lawsuit seeks to recover any money the Heuermann family members received from media deals related to the Gilgo Beach killings, as well as compensation for Torres' pain and suffering, punitive damages, and legal fees.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing trauma and legal battles faced by families of serial killer victims, who must grapple with the notoriety and exploitation of their loved ones' deaths even after convictions. It raises ethical questions about media companies profiting from such horrific crimes.