DNA Evidence Debate Intensifies in Gilgo Beach Murder Trial

RIVERHEAD, New York — A legal battle over the admissibility of DNA evidence in the Gilgo Beach murder case continued on Wednesday. Rex Heuermann, 61, is accused of killing seven women, many of whom were sex workers, in the early 1990s through the early 2010s. The ongoing court proceedings are focusing on whether new DNA testing methods can be used against him.

During the hearing, forensic genetics expert Dr. Nicole Novroski demonstrated the capabilities of whole genome sequencing as a powerful tool for analyzing old and degraded DNA. To emphasize her point, she even showed a clip from the movie ‘Jurassic Park,’ arguing that the technology is established, albeit its courtroom application is not yet widespread.

“Is this this person’s DNA? Are we sure?” asked Dr. Julie Burrill, a Stony Brook University DNA forensic researcher, during her testimony. She explained that, unlike traditional DNA testing, this new method could potentially match even low-quality hair samples to a suspect if enough DNA locations align.

“If you get enough matching locations between two distinct samples of DNA, that might give you enough statistical weight on that evidence to infer that these two DNA sources came from the same person,” Burrill stated, reinforcing the scientific credibility of the new technique.

However, the defense is opposing the method’s use in court. Attorney Michael Brown argued that the new DNA testing is unproven and likened it to “magic.” He claimed that it has not yet been fully accepted in New York’s legal system.

Novroski maintained that nuclear DNA testing is widely recognized within the forensic community and has been applied in numerous criminal cases. Despite this, Brown has continued to express doubt about the reliability of the methods presented.

The prosecution’s case, led by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, has argued that the evidence collected by a California-based lab, Astrea Forensics, is both reliable and essential in linking Heuermann to the murders.

In 2023, Heuermann was arrested and charged with the deaths of women whose remains were found along Ocean Parkway. The victims include Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Lynn Costello, and Megan Waterman, among others.

As the hearing progressed, the courtroom saw emotional moments, including support from Heuermann’s estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, and daughter, Victoria. Ellerup, who finalized her divorce from Heuermann just days before the hearing, expressed her belief in his innocence.

The court proceedings are expected to continue as expert witnesses present conflicting views on the admissibility of the DNA evidence. Judge Tim Mazzei is set to make a ruling on the matter soon.

The wider implications of this case are significant, as the outcome may set a precedent for the use of genome sequencing in murder trials across the country.