Critical DNA evidence to be allowed in Gilgo Beach serial killer case, judge rules

[ad_1] A New York choose on Wednesday admitted DNA proof that Suffolk County prosecutors say hyperlinks alleged Gilgo Seashore serial killer Rex Heuermann to the murders of no less than seven victims.

The protection had challenged the proof because it was obtained utilizing new DNA expertise -- generally known as entire genome sequencing -- that had by no means been utilized in a New York court docket.

Prosecutors efficiently argued the expertise was derived from accepted scientific strategies. Forward of a sequence of court docket appearances over the summer season, prosecutors argued the protection movement to dismiss the proof must be denied as a result of the method is "typically accepted within the scientific group” and is predicated on expertise “relied upon in all kinds of scientific and forensic settings."

Heuermann, who was arrested in July 2023, has pleaded not responsible to the murders of seven girls whose stays have been discovered discarded on Lengthy Island between 1993 and 2011.

His attorneys had urged the choose to preclude proof pertaining to DNA outcomes obtained from hairs recovered from six victims: Maureen Brainard Barnes, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack.

"For over thirty years, New York State courts have repeatedly tailored to embrace developments in DNA expertise," Suffolk County Assistant District Legal professional Andrew Lee stated earlier this 12 months. "The development of forensic science and nuclear DNA evaluation involving Complete Genome Sequencing has allowed legislation enforcement to now hyperlink genetic profiles in keeping with the defendant, and/or people who've resided with him, to 6 of the seven victims by way of hairs discovered on the crime scene and/or on the victims. The Folks intend to introduce such proof of defendant’s guilt at trial, which can help the jury in its willpower."

Alleged Gilgo serial killer Rex Heuermann seems in Decide Timothy Mazzei's courtroom at Suffolk County Courtroom for a standing convention on February 25, 2025 in Riverhead, New York.