A New York choose on Wednesday admitted DNA evidence that Suffolk County prosecutors say hyperlinks alleged Gilgo Seashore serial killer Rex Heuermann to the murders of at the least seven victims.
The protection had challenged the proof because it was obtained utilizing new DNA know-how — referred to as complete genome sequencing — that had by no means been utilized in a New York courtroom.
Prosecutors efficiently argued the know-how was derived from accepted scientific strategies. Forward of a collection of courtroom appearances over the summer season, prosecutors argued the protection movement to dismiss the proof needs to be denied as a result of the approach is “usually accepted within the scientific neighborhood” and relies on know-how “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 had 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 constantly tailored to embrace developments in DNA know-how,” Suffolk County Assistant District Lawyer Andrew Lee mentioned earlier this yr. “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 means of hairs discovered on the crime scene and/or on the victims. The Individuals intend to introduce such proof of defendant’s guilt at trial, which is able to support 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.
James Carbone/Pool through Getty Photos
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