Steven Avery, of Manitowoc County, WI, was convicted in 1985 and sentenced to life for assaulting a local woman. Although an unsavory character, crude and prone to violence, Avery vehemently maintained his innocence. Ten years later, DNA testing emerged as a reliable forensic tool and substantiated his claims. With the assistance of the Midwest Innocence Project, Avery drew widespread support and sympathy, resulting in a new trial. He was exonerated in 2003 after serving 18 years in prison. Two years later, he was thrust into the media spotlight again when he was arrested for the brutal rape and murder of a young photographer. This time, Avery was convicted and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, the maximum punishment the state of Wisconsin could impose at that time. Johnny Heller narrates with solid tonal qualities and expression.
VERDICT Relevant to current issues in the U.S. judicial system involving wrongful convictions, this story is sure to fascinate the true-crime aficionado. It also served as the basis for a popular Netflix documentary series called Making a Murderer; that series' fans may enjoy. ["Recommended for those who enjoy reading true crime, courtroom dramas, and Wisconsin history": LJ 6/15/14 review of the American Bar Assn. hc.]
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