Overview

• New York State Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei ruled that DNA evidence developed through whole genome sequencing is admissible in the case against Rex Heuermann.
• The decision is believed to be the first time this advanced analysis of degraded or rootless hair has been allowed in a New York court.
• Prosecutors say results from California-based Astrea Forensics link hairs from six of seven victims to Heuermann, with separate traditional testing tying some hairs to him or his family.
• Investigators previously reported that DNA from a discarded pizza box linked Heuermann to hair found on one victim.
• Defense attorneys filed a new motion arguing the evidence violates New York public health law because a for-profit lab is involved, with the judge setting the next court date for Sept. 23.