A New York judge has ruled that advanced DNA evidence, specifically whole genome sequencing, will be admissible in the upcoming trial of Rex Heuermann, the architect accused in the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
This decision by Judge Timothy Mazzei marks a significant legal precedent, as it is the first time such sophisticated DNA analysis techniques will be presented in a New York court. Heuermann, 61, faces charges related to the murders of seven women, whose remains were discovered between 1993 and 2010 along the shores of Gilgo Beach. The identified victims are Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla, and Valerie Mack.
The prosecution's case heavily relies on DNA evidence analyzed by Astrea Forensics, a California-based laboratory specializing in whole genome sequencing of degraded samples. This advanced technique examines over 100,000 points of comparison, offering a higher degree of certainty than traditional methods that typically analyze 24 to 27 DNA markers.
Heuermann's defense team had contested the admissibility of this evidence, arguing it had not been previously tested or admitted in New York's criminal courts and potentially contravened state public health law regarding for-profit laboratories. However, Judge Mazzei found that the defense had not sufficiently refuted the prosecution's scientific evidence. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney hailed the ruling as a pivotal advancement in forensic science, stating, "The science was on our side."
Whole genome sequencing, while relatively new to New York courtrooms, has been used in various scientific breakthroughs, including the mapping of the Neanderthal genome. Its ability to extract DNA from old or degraded samples, such as hair strands found with the Gilgo Beach victims, provides a powerful tool for investigators. The prosecution asserts that this technology has linked Heuermann, his ex-wife, and his adult daughter to hair strands found on six of the seven victims. Despite the defense's arguments regarding the licensing of Astrea Forensics, the judge's ruling permits the evidence's use as the trial progresses. A trial date has not yet been finalized, and Heuermann maintains his innocence.