New ‘Making a Murderer’ Evidence Suggests Rush to Charge Steven Avery

Netflix’s Making a Murderer explored the possibility that the documentary series’ subject, Steven Avery, may have been framed for the murder of Teresa Halbach. As Uproxx reports, new evidence seems to support that theory. Halbach’s death certificate obtained through Freedom of Information requests, which can be viewed via StevenAveryCase.org, houses several inconsistencies that suggest there may have been a rush to charge Avery with the crime.

In the certificate, “no” is checked under body found, yet ‘yes’ is checked under “Autopsy Performed.” While the immediate cause of death lists “undetermined,” it is crossed out. In the box for manner of death, “homicide” is checked.

The certificate is dated November 10th, 2005, but as Uproxx reports, the coroner had only received the bone fragments on November 9th. The death certificate identifies that the remains are Halbach’s on December 5th per the coroner’s signature, which was six weeks before the bones were positively identified on January 19th, 2006, according to Uproxx.

In order for authorities to charge Avery, there must be proof of death, and Avery was charged with murder on November 9th. The inconsistencies and dates on the death certificate seem to imply that the paperwork was pushed through quickly in order to charge Avery.

Avery is currently serving a life sentence for Halbach’s murder. Avery served 18 years in prison for a sexual assault he didn’t commit, but he was exonerated by DNA evidence in 2003. Two years later, Avery and his nephew Brendan Dassey were convicted for Halbach’s murder. Avery and Dassey are waiting to have their appeals heard.

In other Making a Murderer-related news, Avery’s lawyers are plotting a 26-city North American speaking tour to discuss Avery’s case, while Making a Murderer‘s filmmakers are considering a second season.