Exoneration of the Day - Netflix Making a Murderer Series Brendan Dassey Conviction Overturned

Brendan Dassey, the person convicted of murder which lead to the Netflix series “Making a Murderer” has just had his conviction overturned by a federal judge in Milwaukee, WI.

In 2007 Dassey was convicted in the murder of Teresa Halbrach. The judge citing the manner in which prosecutors obtained the confession was improper, due to Dassey’s below normal IQ. This included obtaining a confession without Dassey’s mother present, and Dassey possibly incriminating himself without truly understanding that he was confessing to a crime he may not have committed. Dassey’s uncle, Steven Avery who is also part of the storyline of “Making a Murderer” is also serving time in prison for Halbach’s murder.

This murder has fueled speculation that Dassey may be innocent and the police may have planted evidence. The 10-part Netflix series also sparked interest by the media in this case leading to a petition seeking Dassey’s release from prison, including via a presidential pardon. When Dassey was 16 he confessed that he helped his uncle with the crime of raping and murdering Halbach. He later recanted his confession.