"Then, about seven years ago, investigators turned to Astrea Forensics, a California lab using new techniques to analyze old, highly degraded DNA samples - including rootless hairs like the one discovered with Brainard-Barnes' body. Now, that lab's work is the focus of a pivotal decision in the closely watched case. A state judge is weighing whether to allow the DNA evidence generated through Astrea Forensics' whole genome sequencing into the trial of Rex Heuermann, who is accused of killing 25-year-old Brainard-Barnes and six other women."
"If allowed, it would mark the first time such techniques could be admitted in a New York court, and one of just a handful of such instances nationwide, according to prosecutors, defense lawyers and experts. Prosecutors say Astrea's findings, combined with other evidence, overwhelmingly implicate Heuermann, 61, as the killer. But lawyers for the Manhattan architect argue the company's calculations exaggerate the likelihood that the hairs recovered from the burial sites match their client."
Maureen Brainard-Barnes' skeletal remains were found near Gilgo Beach in winter 2010 with only a single stray hair as physical evidence. Initial crime-lab methods could not extract usable DNA from the degraded strand. About seven years ago, investigators submitted the sample to Astrea Forensics, which applies new techniques to analyze highly degraded DNA, including rootless hairs. Astrea used whole-genome sequencing to generate DNA evidence that prosecutors say, combined with other evidence, overwhelmingly implicates Rex Heuermann. Defense lawyers argue the lab's calculations overstate the likelihood that the hairs match their client. A judge must now determine admissibility.
Read at 6abc Philadelphia
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