Protesters Rally in Wisconsin for ‘Making a Murderer's' Avery, Dassey

The rally occurred several hours before a one-hour “Dateline” special on the convictions was set to debut on NBC

Dozens of protesters rallied in front of the Manitowoc County Courthouse in Wisconsin Friday in support of the convicted killers who are the subjects of the popular Netflix series “Making a Murderer.”

Steven Avery and his nephew, Brendan Dassey, are currently serving life sentences for the 2005 murder of 25-year-old Teresa Halbach, whose bones and belongings were found burned near Avery's trailer. Only Dassey is eligible for parole in 2048.

"Making a Murderer" debuted on Netflix last month. The series, which follows Avery and his family, generated backlash from people nationwide who believe Avery and Dassey are innocent and argue that the two did not receive a fair trial.

More than 50 people protested in front of the courthouse, according to Herald Times News, including Avery's cousin Kim Ducat. Many held signs that contained messages including “free Steven and Brendan.” They also chanted “free Steven Avery.”


Another group also protested against the pro-Avery rally, according to Herald Times News. One man wore a sign that read “keep him locked up forever.”

Earlier this month, Avery appealed his case and Kathleen Zellner, a lawyer from southwest suburban Downers Grove, was hired to represent Avery.

Dassey, who was a teenager when he was convicted, is currently being represented by Northwestern University’s Center for Wrongful Convictions of Youth.

HTR News reported that there was no violence or property damage during the protests.

The rally occurred several hours before a one-hour “Dateline” special on the convictions was set to debut. The episode, titled “The State of Wisconsin vs. Steven A. Avery,” will air at 9 p.m. Central Time on NBC.

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