Attorneys for a Wisconsin inmate featured in the Netflix series “Making a Murderer” say they’re disappointed a federal appeals court has blocked his release from prison.
Brendan Dassey will remain in prison pending an appeal following an order Thursday from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.
Dassey’s case, along with that of his uncle, Steven Avery, gained national attention with the release of the Netflix documentary. He was sentenced to prison in 2007 for helping Avery rape and kill Teresa Halbach.
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Dassey was 16 at the time of Halbach’s death. His attorneys argued police coerced his confession. In August of this year, a federal judge agreed. Earlier this week, he ordered Dassey released from prison by Friday night.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice, which is appealing the case, asked the 7th Circuit to intervene. A three-judge panel agreed, ordering Dassey to remain in prison during his appeal.
Dassey’s attorneys posted a statement online saying they were “disappointed more than words can say” with the appellate decision.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with original reporting from WPR.
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