In a recent turn of events, a New York judge permitted the use of DNA evidence tied to the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heuermann. This evidence, which is said to connect Heuermann to six of the seven women he is accused of killing, has been a subject of contention due to its acquisition through novel DNA technology.

The defense opposed the evidence, questioning its reliability as it was obtained using whole genome sequencing, a technology that hadn’t been used in a New York court before. The prosecution, however, maintained that the technology was a natural progression from accepted scientific methods. According to them, the defense’s motion to dismiss the evidence should be denied as the technique is “generally accepted in the scientific community” and is utilized in a variety of scientific and forensic settings.

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Heuermann, arrested in July 2023, stands accused of the murders of seven women whose remains were found on Long Island between 1993 and 2011. He pleads not guilty. His attorneys previously argued that DNA results from hairs found on six victims should not be used as evidence in the case.

Judge Timothy Mazzei ruled on Wednesday that the nuclear DNA results from the rootless hairs recovered from the victims are permissible in court. Mazzei cites the broad acceptance of whole genome sequencing in the relevant scientific community. The decision came after considering expert testimony, peer-reviewed articles, and the use of the technology in other states, such as California and Idaho.

Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating, “We won. The evidence is admissible. Full speed ahead for trial.” This marks the first instance of such techniques being allowed as evidence in a New York court, a development that could potentially open the doors for more cold cases to proceed to prosecution.

Prosecutors assert that the DNA evidence ties hairs from six of the seven victims to Heuermann, his wife, and daughter. A key factor in the case, according to Tierney. The defense awaits a decision on its motion to divide the case into multiple trials, which Judge Mazzei will rule on later this month.

The use of new DNA technology in court cases raises important questions about the future of forensic science and its role in the justice system.