Rex Heuermann fights to dismiss DNA evidence in Gilgo Beach murders
- Rex Heuermann is contesting DNA evidence linked to six victims at his pre-trial hearing today.
- Prosecutors argue the DNA results are reliable and should be considered, while defense claims the testing methods are unproven.
- The outcome of this hearing will significantly impact the trial and the admissibility of the evidence presented.
In New York, accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann was back in court for a crucial pre-trial hearing regarding DNA evidence collected from murder victims. His defense attorney plans to argue that the nuclear DNA evidence, derived from hairs found on six victims, should be invalidated due to its origin from a California lab that remains unaccredited in New York. The DNA analysis utilized a cutting-edge technology called Whole Genome Sequencing which has not yet been validated in New York courts, raising questions about its reliability. Despite the defense's concerns, prosecutors assert that the technique is scientifically credible and widely accepted. They are confident that this DNA evidence, among other collected items, will assist in establishing Heuermann's guilt at trial. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the deaths of seven women between 1993 and 2011. Prosecutors are also relying on a significant volume of evidence from 350 electronic devices confiscated from Heuermann, including a collection of violent and explicit pornography that may be linked to the nature of the crime.