Ever since “Making a Murderer” premiered on Netflix, people have been fiercely debating online whether or not Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey are innocent in the death of Teresa Halbach.
Several theories have been advanced which implicate others involved in their trial of Halbach’s murder, as well as suggesting the whole plot was a land grab scheme, among others.
Check out some of the most popular “Making a Murderer” theories below.
Bobby Dassey (Steven Avery’s nephew and Brendan’s brother) and Scott Tadych (Avery’s brother-in-law) provided alibis for each other at the trial, both claiming they saw the other drive off to go hunting the day of the murder.
But questions are now coming up about their testimony, such as Tadych claiming that Halbach was gone by the time he left Avery’s property at 3 p.m. the day of the murder, which contradicts testimony by the bus driver who claims to have seen Halbach on the property around 3:30 that day.
Bobby also had fresh scratches on his back when he was questioned and examined by police, but he told them the scratches came from a puppy.
One reddit user advanced the theory that Avery’s arrest after being released from prison was a scheme to acquire his 40-acre property.
This theory hinges on a man mentioned only once in the documentary: Doug Hagg. Hagg is said to be a mentor to Kratz. In addition, redditors discovered that Hagg was also the head of the real estate transfers and registry office in Wisconsin.
Some are then speculating that Avery’s property must have some kind of significance, be it agricultural or geological, as a gravel pit mine is nearby.
After having been exonerated for a rape he didn’t commit after 18 years, many are wondering what would drive Avery to brutally rape and murder a woman whom he barely knew.
In addition, Avery was in the process of pursuing a $36 million civil suit against the police for his wrongful conviction. Many theorize that he would do everything he could to stay on the right side of the law, lest he endanger his chance of winning.
The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office Framed Avery
Many could not believe that Sgt. Andrew Colborn and Lt. James Lenk, both of whom were named in Avery’s civil suit, were so intimately involved with the case.
It was Lenk who found Halbach’s keys in Avery’s bedroom, despite them being missed in previous searches. And Colborn knew details about Halbach’s car before he logically should have. While most agree the officers planted evidence, some are going so far as to suggest they were involved in the murder itself.
Halbach’s Ex-Boyfriend or Brother Killed Her
Ryan Hillegas, Halbach’s ex-boyfriend, stated during the trial that he “guessed” her cell phone password in an attempt to find out where she was. Her brother Mike knew the password as well.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that someone had erased several voicemail’s off of Teresa’s phone after she disappeared. However, neither Hillegas nor Mike were ever treated as suspects during the investigation.
Netflix in January: What's Coming and What to Watch Before It's Gone (Photos)
What's Coming Jan. 1:"The Rundown" Watch The Rock in one of his first comedic roles in this 2003 gem co-starring Seann William Scott, Christopher Walkin and Rosario Dawson.
More New Arrivals: "How To Change The World" "Journey To Les Mans" "We Need To Talk About Kevin" "Angry Birds Toons" (Season 2) "Ice Age: The Meltdown" "2 Fast 2 Furious" "Smokin' Acres 2: The Assassin's Ball" "Constantine" "Forensic Files: Collection 2" "Loins of Punjab" (Bollywood) "Piku" (Bollywood) "The Good Road" (Bollywood)
Columbia Pictures
What to Watch Before It Leaves Jan. 1: "Rocky" 1-5 With "Creed" in theaters, use Christmas break to marathon most of the movies that came before Sylvester Stallone's third Golden Globe nomination for the franchise.
What's Coming Jan. 4:"Training Day" Watch one half of Denzel Washington's Oscar-winning performances before another lucky leading man takes home one of the most prestigious awards in Hollywood at the 2016 Academy Awards.
Warner Bros.
What to Watch Before It Leaves Jan. 4: "The Nightmare Before Christmas " Why? Because it's one of the most original Christmas movies ever. Or at least it was, when this blurb was written.
Disney
What's Coming Jan. 5:"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"(Season 10) and "New Girl" (Season 4) If you haven't seen either of these hilarious shows yet, watch them from the beginning. If you're a fan who doesn't have cable and are eagerly awaiting the chance to catch up, you're welcome.
FX
What's Coming Jan. 8: "Adult World" Emma Roberts plays a naive college graduate who takes a job at a sex shop while being mentored by an aging poet played by John Cusack.
More New Arrivals: "Tom Segura: Mostly Stories" "Dragons: Race To The Edge"
IFC
What's Coming Jan. 12: "The Ladykillers" Joel and Ethan Cohen ("The Big Lebowski") co-wrote and co-directed this 2004 comedy remake starring Tom Hanks as the leader of a group of idiotic criminals attempting to pull off a heist from the bottom of an old lady's basement.
Buena Vista Pictures
What's Coming Jan 13: "Parks and Recreation" (Season 7) Did you miss the futuristic final season of this NBC comedy starring Amy Poehler, Chris Pratt, Nick Offerman and a bunch of other funny people? Now's your chance to see how it all ends.
NBC
What to Watch Before It Leaves on Jan. 14: "Beyond Scared Straight!" (Seasons 4-5) Last chance to set your troubled child on the right path by forcing him or her to watch other kids get yelled at by convicts who probably wish this A&E show was available to stream while they were growing up.
A&E
What's Coming Jan. 15: "The Overnight" Adam Scott, Taylor Schilling and Jason Schwartzman star in this critically acclaimed indie comedy that was in theaters this past fall.
More New Arrivals: "Degrassi: The Next Class" (Season 1) "Occupied" "Moonwalkers" "The Last Five Years"
The Orchard
What's Coming Jan. 16: "Hyde Park On Hudson" Bill Murray fan? Check out one of his more charming performances as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The movie didn't get the best reviews, but it's probably more entertaining than that boring Christmas special he made for Netflix.
Focus Features
What's Coming Jan. 17: "Z Nation" (Season 2) Still not tired of zombies? Then Syfy's version of "The Walking Dead" might be up your alley.
What's Coming Jan. 23:"Chelsea Does" This four-part Netflix Original documentary series follows former E! late-night comedian Chelsea Handler on a personal journey through topics including drugs, marriage, racism and Silicon Valley.
What's Coming Jan. 25: "From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series"(Season 2) Fans of the show who are not fans of Robert Rodriguez's El Ray Network can now watch more adventures inspired by his 1996 action-horror movie starring George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino.
El Ray Network
What's Coming Jan. 28:"Frozen Planet" If you enjoyed previous nature documentaries "Blue Planet" and "Planet Earth," then we're willing to bet you'll enjoy watching nature at work in the arctic, too.
BBC America
What's Coming Jan. 31: "Words and Pictures" Valentine's Day will be right around the corner, so not a bad time to nestle up next to your partner and watch this poorly reviewed romantic drama starring Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche.
Roadside Attractions
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Cord-cutters can get excited for the latest seasons of a few great TV comedies, while ”Rocky“ fans should enjoy the first five movies before they’re gone