Judge Allows DNA Evidence in Rex Heuermann’s Gilgo Beach Trial
A Suffolk County judge has ruled that prosecutors can use advanced DNA evidence in the upcoming trial of Rex Heuermann, the New York architect accused of being the Gilgo Beach serial killer.
The decision, handed down Wednesday by Judge Tim Mazzei in Riverside, allows the district attorney’s office to introduce evidence produced by Astrea Forensics, a California-based laboratory specializing in whole genome sequencing. This technique analyzes highly degraded DNA, such as hair fragments recovered from the victims’ remains, and has linked multiple samples to Heuermann and members of his family.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney welcomed the ruling, telling reporters, “We were able to prevail for one simple reason: The science was on our side.”
Defense Pushback
Heuermann’s defense team, led by attorney Michael Brown, immediately pushed back, filing a new motion to block the DNA evidence on different grounds. Brown argued that New York public health law prohibits for-profit laboratories from submitting evidence in criminal proceedings, raising fresh doubts about the admissibility of Astrea’s findings.
Judge Mazzei said he will rule on the defense’s latest motion on September 23. At the same hearing, he is expected to decide whether Heuermann will face one consolidated trial or multiple trials for the different victims.
Breakthrough Forensic Techniques
Astrea Forensics’ methods have come under scrutiny because they have never before been used as evidence in a New York courtroom. While Heuermann’s attorneys contend the science lacks broad acceptance, prosecutors argue that genome sequencing is a reliable tool already used in other scientific fields.
If upheld, Mazzei’s ruling could set a precedent for the use of this technology in future criminal cases in New York.
Case Background
Heuermann, 61, is charged with the murders of seven women: Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla, and Valerie Mack. Their remains were found between 1993 and 2011 in the Gilgo Beach area of Long Island, sparking one of the state’s most infamous serial killer investigations.
Heuermann was arrested on July 13, 2023, and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He remains in custody at the Riverhead Correctional Facility as legal battles over evidence and trial structure continue to delay the start of proceedings.
The case, which has gripped the public for over a decade, is also the subject of the Peacock documentary The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets.
