RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — Court proceedings have begun in a Long Island court to determine if specific DNA evidence will be permissible in the trial of a Manhattan architect accused in the notorious Gilgo Beach murders. Focused inquiries are being made on whether DNA tests conducted by Astrea Forensics, particularly involving hairs found from most of the seven victims, can be legally admitted. These hairs are at the center of controversy due to the California-based laboratory’s use of a method not previously recognized by New York courts.
An academic testifying during the preliminary hearings described the forensic technique as “nuclear DNA” or “whole genome sequencing.” This innovative method is generally respected within scientific arenas. Dr. Kelley Harris, a genome sciences professor at the University of Washington, characterized Astrea Forensics’ approach as a sophisticated and effective method for determining potential matches between hair samples and suspects.
The defense lawyer, Michael Brown, challenged Dr. Harris’ statements, pointing out her lack of experience in the criminal forensic field. Additionally, he questioned Harris’ professional connections to Dr. Richard Green, a co-founder of Astrea Forensics, suggesting potential bias due to their past collaborations.
Brown contested the use of the 1,000 Genomes Project by Astrea Forensics as part of their reference database. This project, known for sequencing the DNA of about 2,500 individuals globally, is argued to be inadequate for a criminal reference population. Brown expressed skepticism regarding its appropriateness and potential impact on the case.
Further testimonies are anticipated in subsequent sessions, with expert witnesses presenting additional insights before Judge Timothy Mazzei reaches a decision. The accused, Rex Heuermann, was in attendance with his immediate family and legal representatives. Notably, no specific trial date has been established yet, but the defense has motioned to split the case into multiple trials, citing concerns about overwhelming evidence. The request has faced opposition from Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney’s team.
Prosecution arguments hinge on the widespread acceptance of whole genome sequencing within scientific discourse, as well as its verification by alternative methods like mitochondrial DNA testing, a technique acknowledged by New York’s legal system. Astrea Forensics’ conclusions reportedly align with established scientific validations.
Since the late 2010s, the haunting discovery of several victims along a desolate Long Island highway has fueled disturbing inquiries. Heuermann was detained in 2023, linked to the deaths of three women between 2009 and 2010. Additional charges followed his arrest, connecting him to four more victims in earlier years. Despite these indictments, Heuermann insists on his innocence, having entered a plea of not guilty to every charge levied against him.