Fri Apr 04 01:40:00 UTC 2025: ## DNA Expert Testifies in Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Case
**Riverhead, NY** – A forensic scientist testified Wednesday in the pretrial hearings for Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer, supporting the admissibility of DNA evidence crucial to the prosecution’s case. Dr. Nicole Novroski, associate director and associate professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, stated that the whole genome sequencing used to analyze degraded hair samples found with the victims’ remains is a valid and widely accepted method. She emphasized its effectiveness, particularly with rootless hairs, in providing a comprehensive DNA profile.
The defense, led by Michael J. Brown, contests the admissibility of this evidence, arguing the scientific methods haven’t been sufficiently tested in New York courts. Brown highlighted Novroski’s recent familiarity with a key computational procedure used by the California-based lab, Astrea Forensics, and the lab’s lack of current accreditation.
While Novroski acknowledged Astrea’s lack of accreditation and her limited knowledge of one specific procedure, she maintained that the overall methods are scientifically sound and have been peer-reviewed. The prosecution, meanwhile, contends the DNA evidence links Heuermann and his family to hairs found with six of the seven alleged victims.
The hearing is part of a Frye hearing to determine the admissibility of the DNA evidence. Judge Timothy Mazzei is expected to rule on this and a defense motion to try the cases separately in the coming days. Novroski’s testimony continues Thursday.
First Piper 