Scientific tests may clear Steven Avery, says new lawyer

The new lawyer for Steven Avery said she believes her client is innocent and that developments in scientific testing may help him be exonerated.

Avery is the subject of Netflix’s globally popular documentary series Making a Murderer.

The show, spread out over 10 episodes, details the case against Avery and his nephew, Brendan Dassey. who were both convicted of murder.

It suggests that authorities planted evidence against the men, a claim that has been rejected by local law enforcement.

Avery’s lawyer Kathleen Zellner told Dateline NBC she believes Avery is innocent and that developments in scientific testing may be the proof her client needs.

“Generally, since 2007, there have been significant advances in forensic testing,” Zellner said. “Am I going to tell you exactly what it is? I am not. But it’s been a long time. There was a lot of evidence that wasn’t tested.”

In a separate interview with ABC, she also revealed that tests would be done on the Rav4 where Halbach and Avery’s blood was found but no fingerprints.

“I want to examine what was not tested in the car that should have been tested,” she said, adding that they are looking into other possible suspects.

Avery was convicted of the 2005 murder of 25-year-old Teresa Halbach, and his case has become a cultural sensation since Making a Murderer premiered in December.

Dateline also spoke to former district attorney Ken Kratz, who prosecuted Avery. “Steven Avery’s guilty and deserves to be right where he is,” Kratz said.

His new lawyer, Kathleen Zellner, believes she can clear his name.

Avery’s lawyer from 2005, Jerry Buting, said that he stands by his defence.

“From the evidence I’ve looked at I think he is innocent,” Buting told Dateline. “I think he certainly was not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt under the evidence that was presented.”

Avery’s defence centred on the theory that the Manitowoc County, Wisconsin man was being framed for the murder by local police.

Previously, Avery had been exonerated for the assault of a female jogger after already serving 18 years of his sentence. At the time of the investigation into Halbach’s murder, he had an ongoing $36m (€33m) civil suit against the county that also included the policemen involved in his conviction.

“What I feel like, they’re going to railroad me again,” Avery told a reporter during the investigation. “They set me up the first time. I had to do 18 years to prove my innocence. Now, they want to redo it and see if they can get me, plant evidence so I don’t get back out.”