Advanced DNA methods put to the test in Gilgo Beach murder trial case

In the ongoing trial of Rex Heuermann, accused of being the Gilgo Beach serial killer, a pivotal decision is looming. The focus of the debate is whether DNA evidence generated by Astrea Forensics, a California lab specialising in analysing old, highly degraded DNA samples, will be admitted as evidence.

If admitted, this would mark the first time such techniques have been admitted in a New York court. The DNA evidence is central to the case, with investigators claiming it has overwhelmingly implicated Heuermann as the killer.

In last year's trial and conviction of David Allen Dalrymple, Astrea's whole genome sequencing results were allowed as evidence. The remains of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, one of the victims in the Gilgo Beach case, were found near Long Island's Gilgo Beach in 2010. Investigators at the time lacked significant evidence to identify the suspected serial killer.

However, Astrea's whole genome sequencing results identified a match between the hair found with Brainard-Barnes' remains and Heuermann's wife. This finding, combined with other evidence, such as cellphone call information and tracking data, a "blueprint" for the killings, and a second DNA analysis from Mitotyping Technologies, links Heuermann or his family to the victims.

Not everyone agrees on the validity of Astrea's methods. William Thompson, a professor emeritus of criminology at the University of California, Irvine, has expressed concerns about the lab's statistical analysis, describing it as "unvalidated" and lacking wide acceptance in the scientific community.

On the other hand, Dr. Dan Krane, a professor at Wright State University, testified for the defense that Astrea Forensics' methods are "wildly and unfairly prejudicial." Meanwhile, Nathan Lents, a biology professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, has suggested that the "mathematical quibble" doesn't warrant dismissing the evidence outright.

Heuermann's lawyers argue that Astrea's DNA methods need more scrutiny and evaluation. New York State Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei is expected to announce whether he'll allow Astrea's DNA work into the trial during a Wednesday hearing in Riverhead.

The institution involved in the Gilgo Beach case for conducting DNA analysis on highly degraded DNA samples is the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center. Astrea Forensics uses reference data from the 1,000 Genomes Project for its statistical analysis.

The outcome of this decision could set a precedent for the use of such techniques in New York courts. The trial of Rex Heuermann continues, with the focus on whether Astrea's DNA methods will be admitted as evidence in the fight for justice for the victims of the Gilgo Beach serial killer.