Making A Murderer – Brendan Dassey’s Conviction Overturned

Making A Murderer

For those of you who watched “Making A Murderer” on Netflix you were most likely shocked by the outcome. There was always doubt whether Steven Avery the main suspect was innocent or not. His conviction at the end was still shocking but not as shocking as the conviction of his nephew Brendan Dassey. Brendan was only 17 years old when he was convicted as an adult of first degree murder, second degree sexual assault and mutilation of a corpse. He was sentenced to life in prison with eligibility for parole in 2048. His interrogation and confession were the main driving forces in court to reach a verdict.

Brendan Dassey

Brendan Dassey is the son of Barbara and Peter Dassey. Barbara Dassey is the sister of Steven Avery making Brendan his nephew. He has three brothers and a half brother. At the time of conviction Brendan was a sophomore in High School with an IQ under the deficiency line. He had been already enrolled in special education classes. Brendan had no past history of any criminal activity. He did not have many friends, was mostly quiet and kept to himself. His main interests were Wrestlemania and video games.

Interrogation And Confession

The interrogation took place over four different sessions over a 48 hour period. The first three times happened within 24 hours. Brendan had no legal representation or a parent in place. They used the “Reid technique” to have him confess. The Reid technique isolates the suspect and they are repeatedly accused of committing the crime. When a suspect with low self esteem, low IQ or vulnerable are applied this technique it results in a false confession.

Conviction Overturned

Judge William E. Duffin a federal judge in Milwaukee has overturned the conviction on August 12th. The reason for the overturn has to do with the fact that the confession was involuntary and unconstitutionally obtained. The judge also found that investigators made many false promises to Brendan in return of a confession. The state has now 90 days to appeal the federal order or Brendan Dassey will be once again a free man at the age of 26.