Rex Heuermann, the accused Gilgo Beach serial killer, is currently having his attorneys advocate for the exclusion of specific evidence during his impending trial, particularly DNA information linked to various victims.
This development was highlighted in previous coverage by CrimeOnline, detailing that Heuermann is facing charges connected to the deaths of seven women. In an effort to bolster his defense, his legal team is striving to have DNA proof from hair samples gathered at six crime scenes deemed inadmissible on grounds that the analysis method utilized lacks reliability.
Seeking a pivotal edge in the legal proceedings, his attorneys have formally requested the judge overseeing the case to eliminate the expert testimonies that reference the nuclear DNA findings. If this legal maneuver proves successful, it could substantially undermine the prosecution’s stance during the trial.
“We’re not going to engage in what ifs, obviously that’s among many other key components of our case, so we’re prepared to defend it,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said Tuesday, according to ABC New York.
Heuermann, an architect and father of two from Massapequa Park, with seven of the at least 10 murders connected to Gilgo Beach.
Heuermann’s defense team filed a motion in Central Islip this week, arguing that the scientific method used by California’s Astrea Forensics lab lacks general acceptance as reliable in the scientific community.
This motion, filed Tuesday, initiated the process for a hearing to determine if the DNA profile that links Heuermann to the murders will be allowed in court.
“If we we’re not confident in the efficacy and the admissibility of that evidence, we would not have used it,” Tierney said.
When asked if Heuermann is currently a suspect in the remaining Gilgo Beach cold case murders, Tierney said, “Not right now.”
Check back for updates.
[Rex Heuermann/Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office via AP]
