Brendan Dassey, Netflix Star, Not Being Released From Prison

Turns out there won't be a homecoming today for Brendan Dassey, one of the "stars" of the Netflix "documentary," Making a Murderer.

From the New York Times:

A federal appeals court on Thursday blocked the release of Brendan Dassey, one of the subjects of Netflix’s “Making a Murderer,” from a prison in Wisconsin while the state appeals a judge’s decision to overturn his conviction on murder and sexual assault charges.

Mr. Dassey, 27, was to be freed by 8 p.m. on Friday from Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, Wis., after a federal judge, William E. Duffin, overturned his conviction in August and ordered his release on Monday.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit agreed to an emergency motion filed on Wednesday by the state Department of Justice to keep him behind bars until the appeal of his overturned conviction is settled, according to WBAY, a local TV station.

My thoughts are with the family and friends of Teresa Halbach.

Brendan Dassey Released From Prison

BREAKING: Federal magistrate judge orders Brendan Dassey released from prison as he awaits results of appeal and possible retrial

— News/Talk 1130 WISN (@newstalk1130) November 14, 2016

From FOX6 News:

A federal judge has ordered the release of Brendan Dassey, the man convicted of helping his uncle kill a woman in a case profiled in the popular Netflix series “Making a Murderer,” while prosecutors appeal his overturned conviction.

As part of the motion, Dassey must provide to the court the address of his intended residence no later than noon on Tuesday, November 15th. He has also been ordered not to have any contact with the family of Teresa Halbach or co-defendant Steven Avery. He must also not possess a firearm or any controlled substance. Dassey’s trial is also restricted to the Eastern District of Wisconsin — and he “shall not obtain a passport.”

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UPDATE, November 17, 2016: Dassey won't be released from prison on Friday, November 18.

From the New York Times:

A federal appeals court on Thursday blocked the release of Brendan Dassey, one of the subjects of Netflix’s “Making a Murderer,” from a prison in Wisconsin while the state appeals a judge’s decision to overturn his conviction on murder and sexual assault charges.

Mr. Dassey, 27, was to be freed by 8 p.m. on Friday from Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, Wis., after a federal judge, William E. Duffin, overturned his conviction in August and ordered his release on Monday.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit agreed to an emergency motion filed on Wednesday by the state Department of Justice to keep him behind bars until the appeal of his overturned conviction is settled, according to WBAY, a local TV station.

Brendan Dassey Conviction Overturned

BREAKING: Federal judge in Wisconsin overturns conviction of Brendan Dassey, who was featured in "Making of a Murderer."

— The Associated Press (@AP) August 12, 2016

READ THE COURT REPORT: Federal judge overturns Brendan Dassey's conviction https://t.co/dY2hJ5DHbx #NBC15 pic.twitter.com/OcaBmIvKxD

— nbc15_madison (@nbc15_madison) August 12, 2016

:: BREAKING NOW @tmj4: Federal judge orders Brendan Dassey released from prison. #MakingAMurderer pic.twitter.com/QlT3fztSsc

— Steve Chamraz (@TMJ4Steve) August 12, 2016

Steven Avery Netflix 'Documentary' Parody

I'm amazed that the Steven Avery "documentary" on Netflix is so popular, its trailer even spawning parodies.





To the clueless, not everyone from Wisconsin talks like that.

It's hard to watch the portrayal of Avery as a victim.

Millions of people are being led to believe he's innocent because of this Netflix series. Very creepy.
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Another "Making of a Murderer" reference:

Challenge accepted. #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/WzDv3xBGBL

— Fallon Tonight (@FallonTonight) January 6, 2016

Kenneth Kratz

UPDATE, April 1, 2011: Documents detail women's claims against ex-DA
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UPDATE, March 28, 2011: Ex-Wis. prosecutor won't face charges over sexting

Investigators determined Ken Kratz committed misconduct but no crime.
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UPDATE, October 4, 2010: Kratz Resigns
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Note: Scroll down for updates.

Kenneth Kratz, the Calumet County district attorney, has been behaving badly.

Calumet County's district attorney tried to start a relationship with a domestic violence victim by sending her 30 text messages over three days while he was prosecuting her ex-boyfriend.

...Kratz said in a statement Wednesday that he was "embarrassed at this lapse of judgment" but that the state Office of Lawyer Regulation determined that no professional misconduct had occurred.

Keith Sellen, director of the regulation office, said he is prohibited from confirming Kratz's statement.

Earlier Wednesday, Kratz told The Associated Press, which first reported on the text messages, that the situation was "a non-news story." E-mails released by the state show that Kratz wrote to Department of Justice officials that his texts were not sexual in nature and that he was concerned about keeping news of the texts out of the media.

Kratz had gained attention for his prosecution of Steven Avery, who was convicted in 2007 of killing freelance photographer Teresa Halbach in 2005. She died two years after Avery was released from prison based upon DNA evidence that cleared him of involvement in a sexual assault.

Kratz also prosecuted four women who were charged last year with luring a man to a motel and gluing his penis to his abdomen as revenge for his cheating on one of them.

According to the police report, Kratz, 50, began sending text messages to Stephanie L. Van Groll, 26, after she met with him Oct. 20 regarding domestic abuse charges that had been filed against her ex-boyfriend. Van Groll reported the text messages to Kaukauna police two days later.

I disagree with Kratz. This is not a "non-news story." Kratz was abusive toward a victim he should have been helping.

Van Groll reported the text messages to police just two days after the harassment occurred. She clearly found the texts to be out of line and was concerned their impact on her case.

Apparently, Kratz can handle embarrassment. He won't resign as a result of the revelations.

A Wisconsin prosecutor known for two decades as an advocate for crime victims says he is embarrassed about sending sexually suggestive text messages to a choking victim while he was prosecuting her ex-boyfriend, but will remain in office.

Calumet County District Attorney Kenneth Kratz issued that statement Wednesday after The Associated Press reported on the 30 texts he sent to a 26-year-old woman who had complained to police last year. A police report shows he repeatedly sent Stephanie Van Groll text messages in October 2009 trying to spark an affair.

"Are you the kind of girl that likes secret contact with an older married elected DA ... the riskier the better?" Kratz, 50, wrote in one message. In another, he wrote: "I would not expect you to be the other woman. I would want you to be so hot and treat me so well that you'd be THE woman! R U that good?"

Kratz was prosecuting Van Groll's ex-boyfriend on charges he nearly choked her to death last year. He also was veteran chair of the Wisconsin Crime Victims' Rights Board, a quasi-judicial agency that can reprimand judges, prosecutors and police officers who mistreat crime victims.

Perhaps I'm misinterpreting Kratz's message, but 'I would want you to be so hot and treat me so well that you'd be THE woman! R U that good?' sounds sexual in nature to me.

..."I have never been the subject of attorney discipline during my entire 25-year career, and until today, have enjoyed a spotless reputation as a vigorous advocate for crime victims," he said.

Van Groll told police in Kaukauna, Wis., where she lived, that she felt pressured to have a relationship with Kratz or he would drop charges against her ex-boyfriend.

Kratz said he "immediately removed himself" from the prosecution after learning about the complaint, and the state Department of Justice took over. Kratz said he resigned from the crime victims board, which he helped create, after more than a decade as chair as a "self-imposed sanction." He and his wife filed for divorce last December.

"Self-imposed sanction"?

Oh, come on. I don't think that "sanction" adequately addresses the matter.

"Nothing really happened to him and I had three days of hell," Van Groll said in a phone interview with the AP. "They gave him a slap on the wrist and told him not to do it again. If it was anybody else that did something like this, they'd lose their job."

Domestic violence experts called Kratz's text messages disturbing and unethical for several reasons, including the power differential between a prosecutor and a younger abuse victim.

"If what's being alleged is true, it's sad a prosecutor would use the same sort of power and control over a woman who has already experienced that in her personal life," said Patti Seger, executive director of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Kratz's behavior is terribly disturbing.

Sending THIRTY text messages in three days to a crime victim when he should have been focusing on prosecuting her ex-boyfriend isn't a minor momentary lapse in judgment.

Did Kratz just snap on this one occasion with Van Groll or has this been a pattern with him? It's possible he treated other victims the same way and they didn't come forward and file complaints.

Such an incredible lack of respect for a victim of abuse is inexcusable.

In Van Groll's case, Kratz became part of the problem.

FOX 11 has the Ken Kratz text messages:

Kratz: It was nice talking with you! Feel free to text me (between 8 and 4) if you are bored. You have such potential. See ya. KEN (your favorite DA).

Kratz: I'm not worried...well maybe just a little. I'm more curious what made me text you?

Kratz: Ok. We'll go with that answer. Thanks for putting up with me so far. I wish you weren't one of this office's clients. You'd be a cool person to know!

Kratz: No text yet today? I'm feeling ignored. Are you even up yet?

Kratz: Oh no. I hope you feel better. Do you need me to bring some chicken soup.

Kratz: I can do, but you are awfully sweet. Just don't tell anyone, ok?

Kratz: Seriously I hope you feel better soon. Please keep in touch. Its maybe not the wisest thing

Kratz: How about a margarita? That has some fruit juice in it!

Kratz: I know this is wrong. I am such a honest guy, and straight shooter...but I have to know more about you. Does that make sense to you? I bet u get this a lot!

Kratz: Are u the kind of girl that likes secret contact with an older married elected DA...the riskier the better? Or do you want to stop right now before any issues?

Kratz: I need direction from you. Yes you are a risk taker and can keep your mouth shut and you think this is fun. or you think a man twice your age is creepy so stop

Kratz: Ok. No problem. Either way I think you are very nice. I am very smart, but know this is ALL up to you and really does depend how close to the edge you live!

Kratz: Still wondering if I'm worth it?

Kratz: Can I help you answer any questions?

Kratz: You don't say much, do you?

Kratz: When you are that pretty, I guess you don't have to! (now the compliments start).

Kratz: Its true. Why would such a successful, respected attorney be actling like he's in 7th grade? Are you worried about me?

Kratz: You should never lie to me! Obviously we have talents and things to offer that the other is intrigued by, or you would have called me creepy! You wanna accept

Kratz: Me either. Its supid. Have u ever been spoiled by someone? I mean like being taken care of and spoil him with attention in return? Without ever saying no?

Kratz: If you are not worth that kind of passion, we'll know it right away. For now I'm just suggesting we find out. Its either perfect or I'm not going to do it!

Kratz: Hey..Miss Communication, what's with the sticking point? Your low self-esteem and you fear you can't successfully play in my big sandbox? Or???

Kratz: I'm leaving for the day. Let me know after 8 tomorrow. You will be either excited or grossed out about the opportunity you have. But it will only come once!

Kratz: What do you hope your life looks like in 5 yrs? What kind of residence? A job, making how much in the household? A relationship with what kind of guy? $$$?

Kratz: How are you feeling today. You stopped talking yesterday.

Kratz: Are you serious? Ok? That's it? Are you busy? Are you in a board meeting? You are beautiful and would make a great young partner someday. But I won't beg!

Kratz: I'm serious! Im the atty. I have the $350,000 house. I have the 6-figure career. You may have the tall, young, hot nymph, but I am the prize! Start convincing

Kratz: Finally an opinion. I would not expect you to be the other woman. I would want you to be so hot and treat me so well that you'd be THE woman! R U that good?

Kratz: You forgot to write me for the last time saying you could never give me enough attention to steal me away, and you are so modest that you wouldn't know how to!

Kratz: And that you may look good at first glance, but women that are blonde, 6ft tall, long legs and great bodies don't like to be shown off or to please their men!

These messages don't constitute professional misconduct?

Good grief. If that's the case, the bar for misconduct is set incredibly low.

Texting a victim about her low self-esteem and suggesting she fears she's can't successfully "play in [his] big sandbox" is not professional.

Kratz obviously wanted to keep the messages out of the media because they are so inappropriate and could damage his career. Moreover, he lied about the messages not being sexual in nature.

The fact that Kratz was harassing a victim in this manner is very troubling.

It's also troubling that the "state Office of Lawyer Regulation determined that no professional misconduct had occurred."

What?

Kratz did not conduct himself professionally. I don't think this is a gray area.

Kratz texted, "Why would such a successful, respected attorney be actling like he's in 7th grade?"

That's a good question!

Citizens of Calumet County deserve a district attorney that can be trusted to behave better than a junior high kid. Kratz should be committed to serving the community in a professional manner rather than serving his own desires.

I think Kratz's texts go beyond embarrassing. They're not befitting an individual holding the office of district attorney.

FOX 11 Video.


Read:

Ken Kratz statement

Department of Justice statement
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UPDATE: Kratz wanted case to remain private

A Wisconsin prosecutor who sent sexually suggestive text messages to a domestic abuse victim downplayed the seriousness of their content and urged state officials to keep the matter from the public, his peers and state regulators, e-mails show.

...E-mail exchanges between Justice officials and Kratz, obtained by The Associated Press through the open records law, show Kratz repeatedly downplayed the nature of the messages and sought to keep them from the public.

Kratz said they were "a series of respectful messages" that were not sexual at all.

Kevin Potter, administrator of DOJ's division of legal services, rejected that and told Kratz the texts could have jeopardized the prosecution of Shannon Konitzer on a felony strangulation charge.

Potter said the woman could have refused to cooperate or the messages could have become evidence used to question her motives and credibility.

Potter told Kratz he could have been seen by the woman as going easy on Konitzer if he reached a plea bargain because she rejected his overtures, or that he wanted the case to end quickly so they could start a relationship. If he would have prosecuted Konitzer to the fullest extent, that could have been seen as a way to ingratiate himself with the woman, Potter wrote.

"Although I in no way want to discount the 'potential' problems that this matter may have caused, the fact is that none of that occurred," Kratz responded.

Kratz stepped aside from the prosecution, and an assistant attorney general won a conviction earlier this year.

But the e-mails show Kratz at first resisted resigning as chairman of the Wisconsin Crime Victims' Rights Board or reporting his conduct to the Office of Lawyer Regulation.

...In his statement Wednesday, Kratz said he had resigned from the board "as a self-imposed sanction." He also took credit for reporting his own conduct in December to Office of Lawyer Regulation, which found in March his behavior was inappropriate but not professional misconduct.

Before Kratz reported himself, he had proposed settling the matter with Justice officials by stepping down from the board but having them agree not to refer the matter to or to initiate "public disclosure" of the matter. "I'm hoping ... that goal is shared by all," Kratz wrote in one message.

So the "self-imposed sanction" wasn't as self-imposed as Kratz claimed and he didn't report his behavior to the Office of Lawyer Regulation as he claimed.

What's that? Another "lapse in judgment"?

Was Kratz's statement yesterday a "lapse in judgment"?

I think it's time for Kratz to step aside.
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UPDATE, September 17, 2010: Van Hollen says he had to release Kratz e-mails
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UPDATE, September 17, 2010: Calls for Kratz to resign
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UPDATE, September 18, 2010: Kratz statement, September 17, video and transcript
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UPDATE, September 20, 2010: Kratz takes medical leave; Length of leave is undetermined
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UPDATE, September 20, 2010: Doyle ready to begin removal process against DA
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UPDATE, September 21, 2010: Woman claims Kratz harassed her as she sought pardon

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UPDATE, September 21, 2010: Two more women step forward, accuse Kratz
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UPDATE, September 23, 2010: Kenosha County DA encouraged woman to go public with Kratz allegation
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UPDATE, September 25, 2010: Fifth woman has complaint about DA
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UPDATE, September 29, 2010: Embattled DA wasn't candid in statements, board says
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UPDATE, October 4, 2010: Kratz resigns over text messages

Guilty Brendan Dassey

UPDATE, August 12, 2016:

BREAKING: Federal judge in Wisconsin overturns conviction of Brendan Dassey, who was featured in "Making of a Murderer."

— The Associated Press (@AP) August 12, 2016

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UPDATE, January 5, 2016:

Evidence 'Making a Murderer' Didn't Present in Steven Avery's Murder Case

It's sick that Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey are being considered victims because some filmmakers are arguing on their behalf.

People need to examine ALL the evidence rather than accept a slanted version of events.

Many in the Netflix crowd are falling for the filmmakers' twisted reality.

This has to be really tough on Teresa Halbach's family.
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UPDATE, January 4, 2016:

Petition calls for pardon for subject of Netflix series 'Making a Murderer' https://t.co/mVI85kj0zV pic.twitter.com/NTrXmBjDUI

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 4, 2016

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On October 31, 2005, Teresa Halbach was raped, murdered, and her body mutilated.

In March 2007, Steven Avery was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide in the murder of Halbach, as well as being a felon in possession of a gun.

Late Wednesday night, Avery's nephew 17-year-old Brendan Dassey was found guilty of taking part in Halbach's rape and murder.

Manitowoc -- Eighteen months after Teresa Halbach's family last saw her, a jury confirmed late Wednesday night that learning-disabled teenager Brendan Dassey had helped his uncle Steven Avery brutally murder - then burn - the photographer in a Manitowoc County junkyard.

"We got the verdicts we wanted," said her brother Michael Halbach, who for nearly six weeks of trials in two courthouses had acted as the family's spokesman.

Halbach family members in the courtroom gallery clutched hands when Manitowoc County Circuit Judge Jerome Fox read the verdict: Dassey, 17, was guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree sexual assault and mutilating a corpse - crimes that could send him to prison for life.

The teenager, who had shuffled through the courthouse hallway without glancing at a bank of brightly-lighted television cameras, did not flinch when the verdict was read and walked out of the courtroom without looking back at his family members in the gallery. Outside the courthouse, his mother, Barb Tadych, said the case had been "set up."

...The closing arguments by each side focused on how much credence jurors should give the detailed confession that Dassey gave four months after the crime and recanted during the trial.

Assistant Attorney General Tom Fallon, one of three prosecutors in the case, focused on the horrific details, and how well Dassey's account fit with the grisly tale told by charred bone fragments, blood stains and DNA evidence. Fallon insisted jurors could not want for stronger proof of Dassey's guilt.

"People who are innocent don't confess in the detail provided, to the extent this defendant provided," Fallon told jurors.

Dassey had told the investigators that, after getting off his school bus Oct. 31, 2005, he took mail to Avery's trailer. There, Avery invited Dassey to have sex with Halbach, who was handcuffed, shackled and screaming. Dassey went home briefly, then returned, stripped, raped Halbach, then, after a discussion with Avery, helped bind and stab her before the pair took her to a garage where Avery shot her. After that, according to the confession, the pair burned her body in a pit.

...[Teresa's brother] Michael Halbach said the most painful part of the trials was seeing Dassey's confession video.

..."Teresa can now enjoy her normal life in heaven," her brother said, "without having to worry about us. The hard part is over."

My heart goes out to the Halbach family.

It must have been torture to hear the details of how their beloved Teresa suffered before she was murdered.

I hope they can find some solace in the verdicts, in knowing that justice was done.

Here's more:

MANITOWOC, Wis. -- Unlike his uncle, who never took the witness stand at either trial, Dassey testified in his own defense, saying he had lied when he told of going to Avery's home, seeing Halbach shackled nude in a bed, raping her and helping Avery kill her and burn the body.

He said he made up the story but may have taken some details from a book he read.

"I don't know," he answered repeatedly when asked why he would say such things.

The prosecution argued that evidence such as leg irons and handcuffs in Avery's bedroom and two bullets — one with Halbach's DNA on it — matched what the teen had told investigators.

Avery's trial drew widespread attention because he had served 18 years in prison for a 1985 rape before DNA evidence showed he didn't commit that crime. Released in 2003, he claimed he was framed for the Halbach murder by the same sheriff's department he was suing for the wrongful conviction.

...In closing arguments, special prosecutor Tom Fallon said Dassey accepted his uncle's invitation to rape Halbach because he wanted to know what sex was like. He helped kill her and burn her body to dispose of the evidence of the crimes, he said.

But defense attorneys argued there was little that tied Dassey to Halbach's death, other than what they claim was a false confession.

I agree with the jury's decision.

I don't buy the argument that Dassey made up such a specific confession, one that he later recanted. I don't think Dassey was capable of fabricating such a grisly story in such detail, a story that was so consistent with the evidence found on Avery's property -- like the charred fragments of Halbach's bones.

He will be sentenced August 6. Dassey may get life in prison. He should.

Dassey's uncle will be sentenced in June. Hopefully, he'll be put away for life, too.

It's beyond me to understand how Avery and Dassey could do what they did to Teresa Halbach.

It's pure evil.

________________________________

Listen to audio from the courtroom.

Watch video from the courtroom.

Steven Avery: The Movie

In Wisconsin, Steven Avery has been an obsession.

To say that the media coverage of the murder trial has been excessive is an understatement.

People are fascinated by the story.

Although the announcement of the verdict arrived unexpectedly, late on Sunday afternoon, the media were poised to pounce.

Some locals stations broke into regular programming to bring the latest news, including statements from victim Teresa Halbach's brother, the lead prosecutor, and the defense attorneys.

Helicopters brought live scenes from outside the Calumet County Courthouse, even though there was really nothing to see.

I want to be very clear about this.

There's no question that Steven Avery's case is newsworthy. It's a legitimate, major story. There's no question that it should receive attention and be covered thoroughly.

I understand why stations preempted programming to inform viewers of the verdict, though a crawl probably would have sufficed.

I don't get the need to provide live extended coverage of the news conference. I think a report on remarks could have waited for the next scheduled news broadcast, but that's just me.

Obviously, the media were giving the people what they want. Apparently, people can't get enough of the story.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has extensive coverage of the case.

The JS notes that Avery's conviction for the killing of Teresa Halbach made American legal history.

Avery is only the second person to be convicted of a serious crime after being freed from prison through DNA testing and the first such person to be subsequently convicted of killing someone, according to the national Innocence Project.

...Avery personalized efforts to free wrongly convicted prisoners in Wisconsin when he was released from prison on Sept. 11, 2003, after having served 18 years. He was the first Wisconsin prisoner freed by the now 9-year-old Wisconsin Innocence Project, which used DNA tests to link another man to the assault that put Avery in prison.

The Wisconsin Innocence Project, a program of the University of Wisconsin Law School, is affiliated with a national program, the New York-based Innocence Project.

According to the national organization, 197 people have been freed from prison through DNA testing after having been wrongly convicted of a crime. Before Avery, the only one to later be convicted of a serious crime was Kerry Kotler of New York.

Kotler was freed from prison in 1992, after serving 11 years for a rape that DNA tests eventually showed he did not commit. Less than three years later - and three weeks after being awarded $1.5 million for his wrongful conviction - Kotler was convicted of another rape and sent back to prison.

The fact that Avery was freed and now is on his way back to prison has put him in the national spotlight.

Avery's journey from prison and back again is getting attention across the country. Literally hundreds of news outlets are running the story.

CHILTON, Wis. -- A man who spent 18 years in prison for a rape he didn't commit was convicted Sunday of murdering a photographer, whose charred bones were found in a burn pit outside his home.

Steven Avery, 44, put his head down and shook it when the verdict was read. He faces a mandatory life prison term for killing Teresa Halbach, 25, on Halloween 2005 near his family's salvage yard.

Halbach disappeared Oct. 31, 2005, after going to the yard in rural Manitowoc County to photograph a minivan that Avery's sister had for sale through Auto Trader Magazine. Avery had called that morning to request the photo, testimony showed.

...Two years before Halbach died, Avery was released from prison after serving 18 years for a Manitowoc County rape that DNA analysis showed he did not commit. He later settled a wrongful-conviction lawsuit against the county for $400,000 and used it for his defense.

The jury convicted Avery of first-degree intentional homicide and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was acquitted of mutilating a corpse. The panel deliberated over three days and heard a month of testimony.

I'm thankful that Teresa Halbach's family members finally have some closure and can take solace that justice has been done.

But because Avery insists that he's innocent, and because his nephew Brendan Dassey will go on trial next month for assisting in the murder and rape of Halbach, this story isn't going away.

A young woman brutally murdered; Avery wrongly accused of rape, released from prison, then convicted of murder a few short years later.

It's a movie just waiting to be made.

That's what's bothered me about this case and the coverage in the media.

Steven Avery's crime and Teresa Halbach's tragedy provide entertainment for some and profits for others.

That's creepy. It doesn't sit well with me.

There's a fine line between reporting the news and exploiting it.

I hope people keep in mind that Teresa Halbach wasn't a character in a murder mystery. I hope they keep her family in their prayers.

Steven Avery

Let's talk about Wisconsin's obsession.

No, not the Packers, not beer.

Certainly not cheese.

Let's talk about the Steven Avery murder trial.

Steven Avery is Wisconsin's version of Anna Nicole Smith.


The media's coverage of the story has gone beyond excessive. It's become a circus.

Without question, Steven Avery's trial for the gruesome murder of Teresa Halbach is a legitimate story. The media would be remiss if they didn't follow it and provide reports.

That said, the coverage is getting ridiculous. In my view, it's become exploitative.

Just in time for February sweeps! Woo Hoo!

What perfect timing!

The hoopla isn't just a TV thing. The hype has spilled everywhere.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel website offers regular "updates from inside and outside of the courtroom."

It has live video, courtesy of NBC26 in Green Bay, a sister station of Milwaukee NBC affiliate TODAY’S TMJ4 of the Journal Broadcast Group.

There's also a must-see special section of archives providing everything you wanted to know about Steven Avery.

Radio has jumped on the Avery gravy train, too.

Newsradio 620 WTMJ has a trial blog and trial podcasts.

Away from your TV, PC, or radio?

Not to worry.

You can get your Avery fix via TEXT ALERTS.

Enough!

I realize that people are interested and I understand why. The Steven Avery case has all the elements that make for great entertainment, just like the Anna Nicole Smith story.

Drama and deviance and death.

The public is fascinated and the media are giving them what they want -- More, more, more.

The family and friends of Teresa Halbach have my sympathy. While they must be relieved that they're on the road to justice being done, it must be so painful to have their beloved Teresa be the topic of water cooler chat.

If there are any, Anna Nicole Smith's loved ones have my sympathy, too. (Did anyone besides her son really love her? I hope so.)

Yes, it's news; but it morphs into a twisted entertainment, the ultimate reality show. It's all so unseemly.

Although we have the technology to go 24/7 in real time with these news stories, that doesn't mean that we should.

How does one cope in this O.J. Simpson - JonBenet Ramsey - Anna Nicole Smith - Steven Avery obsessed world?

Make a choice. Dive in and immerse yourself or tune it out.

It's a free country.

A voyeuristic, frivolous country.