‘Making a Murderer': Read Steven Avery’s Note From Prison
Avery believes he has a new way to clear his name
Beatrice Verhoeven | January 30, 2016 @ 3:43 PM
Last Updated: January 30, 2016 @ 9:02 PM
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Steven Avery has some words for his supporters from behind bars.
Avery’s new attorney, Kathleen Zellner, visited the “Making a Murderer” subject in jail, and the man convicted of the 2005 murder of Wisconsin photographer Teresa Halbach wrote a handwritten letter to his supporters.
“Third visit WCC: SA thrilled about chance of new forensic testing–like innocent men always are.#MakingAMurderer,” Zellner wrote.
In a statement provided to TheWrap at the beginning of the month, Zellner said, “We are continuing to examine every aspect of Mr. Avery’s case and all of his legal options. We are confident Mr. Avery’s conviction will be vacated when we present the new evidence and results of our work to the appropriate court.”
“Making a Murderer” follows Avery and Dassey who were convicted of the murder of Halbach in 2005. Avery, who was exonerated of a rape conviction after serving 18 years in prison, still maintains his innocence today, as does Dassey. Before Zellner stepped in as his new attorney, Avery was planning to file his own appeal, and is motions will be heard on Feb. 11.
'Making a Murderer': 9 Updates in Steven Avery's Case Since the Premiere (Photos)
Ken Kratz, who prosecuted Steven Avery, sent TheWrap a nine-point list that he said indicated Avery's guilt, including his claim that Avery "targeted" victim Teresa Halbach.
A White House petition calling for Avery's pardon reached 100,000 signatures, the threshold qualifying it for a White House review. However, the possibility of a presidential pardon was quickly shot down, as the president is constitutionally barred from pardoning convicts in state cases.
A 2009 court filing emerged with a bombshell accusation by Avery -- that his brothers Charles and Earl Avery may have killed Halbach.
Avery has retained a new attorney, Kathleen Zellner, who specializes in wrongful convictions. In a statement obtained by TheWrap, Zellner cited "new evidence" in the case and says that she's "confident Mr. Avery’s conviction will be vacated."
Avery filed a new appeal, claiming that a juror tainted his jury by repeatedly claiming that Avery is "fucking guilty." Avery also asserts that he received "inadequate assistance" from his trial and appellate lawyers.
Attorney Len Kachinsky, whose representation of Avery's nephew Brendan Dassey drew heavy criticism from "Making a Murderer" viewers, told TheWrap that he's "not responsible for Dassey going to prison," adding, "You can say I made a mistake, that I should’ve [attended] or I should have rescheduled the interview — that’s valid criticism.”
Dean Strang, one of Avery's defense attorneys, told TheWrap that a "mass" of potential new evidence has emerged since the premiere of "Making a Murderer."
"Making a Murderer" filmmakers Moira Demos and Laura Ricciardi appeared on the "Late Show With Stephen Colbert" to assert that Avery is "not guilty," with Demos opining, "I mean there are things that he could be guilty, but is he guilty beyond a reasonable doubt? Nothing I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a lot of stuff, nothing I’ve seen has convinced me of that.”
The "Making a Murderer" filmmakers also said that one of the jurors in the Avery trial has come forward to say they believe he is innocent.
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From new evidence to fresh appeals, where his case stands now
Ken Kratz, who prosecuted Steven Avery, sent TheWrap a nine-point list that he said indicated Avery's guilt, including his claim that Avery "targeted" victim Teresa Halbach.
