‘Making A Murderer’: 5 Things To Know About Steven Avery’s Case

During the holidays, #MakingAMurderer was trending the whole weekend — and that’s because it’s the must binge-watch show of the moment on Netflix. So, what is it exactly? And who is the case about?

Steven Avery, 53, is a man that everyone is talking about — especially after Netflix’s Making a Murderer was released on Dec. 18. His infamous case of being wrongfully convicted is detailed in the new series and has bought up a ton of questions. So here’s everything you must know.

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1. Steven had many charges against him before the case that put him in prison. He was first sentenced to prison at age 18, for burglary of a bar. He spent 10 months in prison. At age 20, he plead guilty to animal cruelty after pouring oil and gasoline on his cat and throwing it in a fire.

2. In 1985, his life changed forever. He was charged with assaulting his cousin, possessing a firearm as a felon, and the rape of Penny Beerntsen. He served six years for assault/firearm possession and 12 years for assault, sexual assault, and attempted rape.

3. In September 2003, he was released from Wisconsin prison. After new DNA evidence, he was exonerated of the rape charge. He then filed a $36 million lawsuit against Manitowoc County, the sheriff and the DA.

4. Two years later, on Nov. 11, 2005, Steven was charged with the murder of photographer Teresa Halbach. Steven was scheduled to meet with Teresa, a photographer, on Oct. 31, to shoot a minivan for Auto Trader Magazine (he was a co-owner of Avery Auto Salvage). She disappeared that day. After he was found guilty, he protested claiming he was set up, but in March 2007, he was found guilty of murder and illegally possessing a firearm. Three months later, he was sentenced to life in proson and 10 years for felony possession. He is currently in Waupun Correctional Institution.

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5. Teresa has a bill named after her. The photographer went missing on Oct. 31, 2005 — the day the state legislators passed “The Avery Bill,” which would help prevent wrongful convictions. However, following his charge, the bill was renamed for Teresa’s family.

Many are unsure if he was guilty, set up, or what the truth really is. The first season of Making a Murderer on Netflix recounts his story and was filmed over ten years. Will you be watching, HollywoodLifers?