Back in December, the same day thatStar Wars: The Force Awakenshit theaters, Netflix debuted their new documentary seriesMaking a Murderer, which, just like the newStar Warsmovie, became a cultural phenomenon. The series followedSteven Averyand his nephewBrendan Dassey, who were both convicted for the 2005 murder ofTeresa Halbach, although the series offered plenty of evidence that suggested both men were innocent. Earlier today, justice was served forBrendan Dassey, whose conviction was overturned by a federal judge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
TheAssociated Pressreports that the judge orderedBrendan Dasseyshall be freed within the next 90 days, unless prosecutors seek to re-try him. A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice would not comment on whether or not they would re-try the case. Here’s what Magistrate JudgeWilliam Duffinwrote in his ruling, about the “false promises” made toDasseythroughout the case.
“These repeated false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dassey’s age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dassey’s confession involuntary under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.”
This ruling came afterBrendan Dassey’s appeal was rejected by the state courts.Brendan Dasseywas just 16 years old whenTheresa Halbachwas killed in 2005, confessing to law enforcement officials that he helped his uncleSteven Averyrape and murderTheresa Halbach, although his attorneys argued that his rights were violated throughout the interrogation.Steven Averywas convicted for the murder in a separate trial, and he is currently appealing his conviction, for which he is serving a life sentence. The first season became so popular that fans even urgedPresident Obamato pardonSteven Averyin an online petition, although the President responded by saying he cannot pardon a state criminal offense, and that a pardon would have to be issued at the state level.
This news comes just three weeks afterNetflixissued a Season 2 renewal forMaking a Murderer, which is currently in production. The renewal announcement revealed thatSeason 2will followAveryandDassey’s investigative and legal teams as they challenge their convictions, while the State fights to have the convictions and life sentences upheld. This new season will also offer exclusive access to Avery’s new lawyerKathleen Zellnerand Dassey’s legal team, led byLaura NiriderandSteve Drizin, as well as intimate access to the families and characters close to the case. The first season earned 6 Emmy Award Nominations. Stay tuned for more onBrendan DasseyandSteven Avery’s intriguing cases as we begin the wait forMaking A MurdererSeason 2.
