NEW YORK — An architect from New York, accused of multiple murders linked to the notorious Gilgo Beach cases, is contesting the DNA evidence that prosecutors claim ties him to the crimes while also pursuing separate trials for the numerous charges he faces.
Rex Heuermann’s defense team argues that the DNA techniques used in the investigation are not widely recognized within the scientific community and should, therefore, be dismissed from the trial proceedings. Additionally, Heuermann’s attorneys are advocating for the prosecution’s case to be divided into several trials rather than addressing all charges at once.
The investigations into the deaths, which began in late 2010, have revealed at least ten victims, most of whom were female sex workers. Their remains were located along a secluded highway near Gilgo Beach on the south shore of Long Island.
Heuermann was taken into custody in 2023 and is specifically charged with the murders of three women—Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Lynn Costello, and Megan Waterman—whose deaths occurred between 2009 and 2010. Following his arrest, he was also charged in connection to other cases: the murder of Valerie Mack in 2000, Jessica Taylor in 2003, Maureen Brainard-Barnes in 2007, and Sandra Costilla in 1993.
Heuermann has persistently denied all allegations, entering a plea of not guilty for each count. His attorney, Michael Brown, expressed concerns after a court session on Wednesday, suggesting that the sheer volume of evidence presented against Heuermann may lead to an unfair conviction due to the “cumulative effect” of such evidence.
Brown highlighted a significant difference in the details surrounding some cases, pointing out variations in the timelines, methods of murder, and disposal sites, suggesting that it would be prejudicial to try these unrelated cases together. “The danger of having count after count, victim after victim in the same trial is that ‘If there’s smoke, there’s fire’ mentality,” he remarked, emphasizing that each issue is distinct and should be treated separately.
In response, prosecutors filed a written document regarding the DNA evidence and plan to address Brown’s request for separate trials in a future court session. Heuermann is scheduled to appear in court again on February 18.
Key pieces of evidence that prosecutors plan to present include DNA findings from hair strands obtained at some of the crime scenes. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney has asserted that the DNA science used in the case is reliable and intends to oppose the motion for separate trials.
In their filing, the prosecution noted that the “whole genome sequencing” methodology employed has gained acceptance in various peer-reviewed scientific publications and among a diverse array of professionals, from federal regulators to virologists. Additionally, they stated that testing conducted by Astrea Forensics, a laboratory based in California, was verified through an accepted mitochondrial DNA testing method recognized by New York courts.
Prosecutors also alleged that Heuermann maintained a detailed “blueprint” on his computer, containing checklists to be followed before, during, and after the alleged murders, as well as tactical notes for future references.
