A New York court has ruled that Tysean Griiffin must provide a DNA sample as part of a criminal case involving weapons possession. This decision, made by Judge Yadhira González-Taylor on July 16, 2026, comes as part of an ongoing investigation into Griiffin's alleged illegal possession of firearms. The ruling impacts Griiffin, who faces multiple felony charges, and sets important precedents regarding the collection of DNA evidence in criminal cases.
The case stems from an incident on September 17, 2025, when Griiffin was arrested for possessing two firearms and cannabis. The police found the weapons in a backpack located in a vehicle where Griiffin was the sole occupant. The prosecution argued that obtaining a DNA sample would help establish whether Griiffin had handled the firearms, which could be crucial for the case.
In the court's opinion, the People of the State of New York, represented by District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and Assistant District Attorney Shanza S. Malik, sought a court order under Criminal Procedure Law § 245.40 (1) (e) to compel Griiffin to submit to a buccal swab for DNA analysis. Griiffin's defense attorney, John Jody, opposed the motion and requested a protective order to limit the use of Griiffin's DNA.
The case reached the court after the prosecution filed a motion on February 17, 2026, requesting the DNA sample. Griiffin's defense filed an opposition on March 6, followed by a cross-motion for a protective order. After reviewing the arguments, the court requested additional briefs, which were submitted by July 2, leading to the final ruling.
The Ruling
The court ruled in favor of the prosecution, granting the request for a buccal swab from Griiffin for DNA analysis. Judge González-Taylor stated, "the prosecution has established probable cause to believe that defendant unlawfully possessed the firearms." The court emphasized that the method of collecting a buccal sample is safe and reliable, and does not violate Griiffin's constitutional rights.
However, the court denied the prosecution's request to use all reasonable force to obtain the DNA sample, calling it premature. Griiffin's cross-motion for a protective order was granted, which prohibits the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) from using his DNA for any other case except for comparison with the DNA profile related to this specific case.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for Griiffin and similar cases in the future. By allowing the DNA sample to be collected, the court reinforces the prosecution's ability to gather evidence that could support or refute claims of possession of illegal firearms. The ruling also highlights the balance courts must strike between law enforcement needs and individual privacy rights.
Furthermore, the protective order granted to Griiffin serves to safeguard his DNA from being used in unrelated cases, addressing privacy concerns regarding DNA databases. This aspect of the ruling may influence future cases where defendants seek to limit the scope of DNA evidence collection and use.
What's Next
Griiffin has the option to appeal the court's decision. Details about any potential related cases or further proceedings were not available in the court filing. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how DNA evidence is handled in similar criminal cases moving forward.