Steven Avery's New Attorney Discusses 'Making a Murderer' Case
Kathleen Zellner announced Jan. 8 that she was a new attorney for Avery.
-- The new attorney for Steven Avery, the center of Netflix's hit series "Making a Murderer," says he's feeling "extremely positive" knowing new forensic testing can be done in his case.
Avery is "thrilled that there is new development in technology," Kathleen Zellner, who announced a few weeks ago that she was one of his new attorneys, told ABC affiliate WBAY-TV outside the Waupun Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin, where she met with him Friday. The high-profile attorney has previously represented clients who have been released from prison after wrongful convictions.
“Since 2007, there have been significant advances in forensic testing," Zellner told WBAY-TV. "The clearest way to do this is with scientific testing and that’s what we will be asking to do."
Avery was sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2007 for the murder of Teresa Halbach. But when the Netflix series was released in December, it captivated the nation, renewing interest in his case and leading many to believe that Avery was wrongly convicted.
Zellner said Friday she had been following Avery’s case for years, and after questioning him for hours, she realized she needed to take on his case.
“When someone wants every possible test done that could be done that would prove their guilt or innocence, that’s when you know they’re innocent,” Zellner told WBAY-TV. "He’s very positive."
Ken Kratz, who prosecuted Avery's case, told ABC News earlier this month that the series "itself is not going to form the basis of a new trial."
"It doesn't matter how much attention it receives -- unless there's a legal challenge that comes forth, there shouldn't be any reason for a new trial," said the former Wisconsin state prosecutor. "It's unfortunate, however, that the victim's family really has to go through questions and this kind of nonsense."
Zellner said there may be some movement in the appeals process within the next 30 days, WBAY-TV reported.