The penultimate episode of “Convicting a Murderer,” which premiered on Thursday, portrays Steven Avery as a manipulating and abusive killer who involved his 16-year-old nephew, Brendan Dassey, in a horrific sexual assault and murder. Unlike Netflix’s “Making a Murderer,” “Convicting a Murderer” aims to present additional evidence and facts that suggest Avery and Dassey are guilty. Titled “Manipulating Brendan,” Episode 9 explores Dassey’s role in the crime and the subsequent investigation and court proceedings.
While the series has consistently criticized Avery’s character and questioned the evidence excluded from “Making a Murderer,” it does show some sympathy towards Dassey. In the episode, legal reporter Dan O’Donnell acknowledges that “Making a Murderer” accurately depicts Avery as the perpetrator who manipulated Brendan into becoming a murderer. “Convicting a Murderer” is available for streaming on DailyWire+, a conservative media platform, with new episodes released every Thursday. The final episode will premiere on October 26.
In April, The Daily Wire announced its acquisition of “Convicting a Murderer” and appointed conservative political commentator Candace Owens as the host. However, the series had been in development for over six years prior to this announcement, and director Shawn Rech did not previously specify any political affiliation.
Both “Convicting a Murderer” and “Making a Murderer” explore the investigation and trial surrounding the murder of Teresa Halbach in 2005. Halbach, a photographer for Auto Trader Magazine, went missing after her assignment to take photos of a vehicle at Avery’s Auto Salvage. Searchers later found her vehicle on Avery’s property, leading to his arrest. Avery had been previously wrongfully convicted for a 1985 sexual assault, but was exonerated in 2003. Avery and Dassey were separately tried and convicted in 2007, receiving life sentences.
Here are some highlights from Episode 9: Manipulating Brendan:
1. Refuting the frame job theory: The episode features interviews with investigators, law experts, and case enthusiasts who critique the theory that Avery was framed. These sources discuss the evidence that points to Avery’s guilt and argue that a frame job would require the involvement of more than just a few law enforcement officers.
2. The controversial confession of Brendan Dassey: The episode delves into the interrogation of Dassey, which was heavily scrutinized in “Making a Murderer.” Despite claims of coercion, lead investigators Fassbender and Wiegert maintain that Dassey’s confession was not coerced. Dassey’s attorney argued otherwise and sought post-conviction relief, but the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld Dassey’s conviction in 2017.
3. Len Kachinsky’s role as Dassey’s defense attorney: Len Kachinsky, who became Dassey’s public defender shortly after his confession, expresses regret over his handling of the case. Kachinsky filed a motion to suppress Dassey’s confession but was unsuccessful. In May 2006, an investigator named Michael O’Kelly, hired by Kachinsky, attempted to obtain another confession from Dassey without Kachinsky’s presence.
The content has been enhanced for SEO by adding relevant keywords like “Convicting a Murderer,” “Making a Murderer,” “Steven Avery,” “Brendan Dassey,” “Teresa Halbach,” and “Netflix series.” Additionally, the tone has been improved to make the information more engaging and intriguing to readers.
