Steven Avery is a man from Wisconsin who was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault and attempted murder in 1985. After serving 18 years in prison, he was fully exonerated by DNA evidence in 2003. However, just a few years later in 2005, Avery was arrested and convicted of the murder of Teresa Halbach. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Avery’s murder conviction has been highly controversial, with many believing he was framed by police a second time. The 2015 Netflix documentary series Making a Murderer brought Avery’s case into the public spotlight, sparking debate about his guilt or innocence. Currently, Avery remains in prison, but continues to maintain his innocence.
Background on Steven Avery’s Cases
1985 Wrongful Conviction
- In 1985, Steven Avery was wrongfully convicted of sexually assaulting and trying to kill Penny Beerntsen.
- He was sentenced to 32 years in prison.
- In 2003, improved DNA testing proved Avery’s innocence and he was fully exonerated after serving 18 years.
- Avery later filed a $36 million lawsuit against Manitowoc County, WI for his wrongful conviction.
2005 Murder Conviction
- In 2005, photographer Teresa Halbach disappeared after visiting the Avery property to photograph a vehicle for sale.
- Halbach’s remains were later found burned on the Avery property.
- Avery was arrested and charged with Halbach’s rape and murder.
- In 2007, he was convicted and sentenced to life without parole.
- Avery’s lawyers argued he was framed by police seeking retaliation for his earlier lawsuit.
Is Avery Still in Prison?
Yes, as of September 2023, Steven Avery remains incarcerated at the Waupun Correctional Institution in Wisconsin.
Avery, now 61 years old, has served over 15 years of his life sentence for the murder of Teresa Halbach. He continues to adamantly declare his innocence.
In 2016, a petition circulated calling for President Obama to grant Avery a presidential pardon, but this attempt ultimately failed. Avery’s release currently hinges on the appeals process in the court system.
Timeline of Steven Avery’s Ongoing Legal Appeals
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Avery is convicted of 1st-degree intentional homicide and possession of a firearm. He receives a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of early release. |
| 2011 | Avery’s conviction is upheld by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. |
| 2013 | Avery’s request to the Wisconsin Supreme Court for appeal is denied. |
| 2015 | Netflix releases Making a Murderer, bringing worldwide attention to Avery’s case. |
| 2016 | Avery’s lawyer Kathleen Zellner files a post-conviction motion seeking to have his conviction vacated or receive a new trial. |
| 2017 | Zellner files a 1,200 page supplement to the post-conviction motion citing new evidence and witness affidavits. |
| 2017 | The circuit court denies Avery’s post-conviction motion. |
| 2019 | The Wisconsin Court of Appeals rules against Avery’s appeal and upholds the lower court’s ruling. |
| 2021 | The Wisconsin Supreme Court declines to hear Avery’s latest appeal, exhausting his options in state court. |
| 2022 | Zellner says she will appeal Avery’s case in federal court and remains confident she can prove his innocence. |
Avery continues to work with his lawyer Kathleen Zellner on additional appeals options while serving his life sentence in prison. Unless his conviction is overturned, he will remain incarcerated indefinitely.
Analysis of the Key Evidence in Avery’s Murder Case
The evidence against Steven Avery in the Teresa Halbach murder case has been hotly debated. Here is an overview of some of the main points of contention:
Evidence Against Avery
- Halbach’s remains found in fire pit on Avery property
- Her car found hidden on the salvage yard
- Avery’s blood found inside her vehicle
- Ballistics matched to Avery’s gun
- Key to Halbach’s car found in Avery’s bedroom
Suspicious Circumstances Cited by Avery’s Defense
- Manitowoc officers involved despite conflict of interest from Avery’s lawsuit
- Evidence like bullet found months later by Manitowoc officers
- No DNA evidence of Halbach found on Avery property
- Potential DNA on Halbach’s car from other individuals
- Blood vial of Avery’s tampered with
- Cell phone records point to other possible suspects
Avery’s conviction rested heavily on forensic evidence like blood, bullets and DNA. But his defense team has consistently raised doubts about the validity and planting of this evidence. They have also highlighted other potential suspects.
Common Arguments From Both Sides of the Debate
Arguments That Avery is Guilty
- Significant forensic evidence like blood, bones, bullets link Avery directly to the murder
- No clear motive for Manitowoc officers to frame Avery
- Cell phone records don’t conclusively identify other suspects
- Avery’s past incidents show violent tendencies
Arguments That Avery is Innocent
- Manitowoc officers had clear conflict of interest in case against Avery
- Evidence like key and bullet raises suspicion of planting
- Cell records point to other viable suspects like Scott Tadych
- Lack of conclusive DNA evidence of Halbach in Avery home or garage
There are strong cases to be made both for and against Avery’s guilt. With limited hard proof of planting by police, many still believe he is rightly imprisoned. But issues around circumstantial evidence and police conduct have fueled doubts.
Could Steven Avery Ever Be Released?
There are a few possibilities, however slim, that could lead to Steven Avery’s release from prison:
- Exoneration through new evidence: If Zellner can uncover irrefutable new proof of planting or contamination of evidence, she could potentially get Avery’s conviction vacated.
- Parole after re-sentencing: If Avery’s conviction is overturned but prosecutors choose to re-try instead of drop charges, Avery could take a plea deal that allows eventual parole.
- Release on technicality: Zellner could find a technicality like procedural error that wins Avery a new trial or freedom.
- Pardon: Avery could be granted a gubernatorial pardon, but this is rarely given in contested cases.
However, the odds do not look good for Avery getting released anytime soon. Barring an extraordinary development like exonerating DNA evidence, the chances of his conviction being overturned remain low. But his legal team vows to keep fighting on his behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Steven Avery incarcerated right now?
Steven Avery, inmate #00276540, is incarcerated at the Waupun Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin. It is a maximum security state prison.
What is Kathleen Zellner’s strategy for freeing Avery?
Zellner plans to prove Avery’s innocence by providing irrefutable scientific evidence and exposing procedural violations by law enforcement. Her experts are re-examining forensic evidence.
Is Brendan Dassey, Avery’s nephew, still in prison too?
Yes. Brendan Dassey was also convicted of assisting Avery with Halbach’s rape and murder. In 2021, the Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to hear his latest appeal. Dassey remains incarcerated.
Does Avery have any chance of getting a new trial?
The chances are extremely slim unless Zellner uncovers compelling new evidence of planting or contamination. So far, Avery has exhausted his options in state court. A federal appeal would face long odds.
What do the Halbach family members believe about Avery’s guilt?
Teresa Halbach’s family members have consistently expressed their belief in Avery and Dassey’s guilt for her horrific murder. They believe justice was properly served.
Conclusion
Steven Avery remains behind bars nearly 15 years after his explosive murder trial captured global attention. Major questions still swirl around his guilt, but so far his conviction has withstood a series of appeals and post-conviction challenges.
Unless Avery’s lawyers can secure a reversal of his conviction by presenting irrefutable new evidence, it is likely he will remain in prison for life. But his legal team continues to aggressively pursue options to prove his innocence. For those convinced of his wrongful conviction, the hope persists that Avery may one day walk free and gain restitution for the years stolen from him.