Ever since I finished watching Netflix’s Making a Murderer last month, I’ve been devouring everything that offers more information, theories and facts on this horrible crime and the figures at the heart of it all: Steven Avery, his nephew Brendan Dassey and murder victim Teresa Halbach.
Like Serial Podcast Season 1 and The Jinx (See our blogs posts Serial: A Podcast and The Suspect: 5 Articles About Robert Durst for more on those series.), Making a Murderer has sparked numerous discussions and debates about the guilt or innocence of these two men and the criminal justice system.
While there's so much information available, I've picked five articles that answer lingering questions and acknowledge some of the feelings the documentary leaves you with. You can read these articles using CPL's Online Resources, but I've also noted if an article is available freely on the web.
"Dead Certainty" by Kathryn Schulz
The New Yorker, January 25, 2016 (also available on The New Yorker website)
This well-rounded commentary explores the series and the questions it raises.
"The Anatomy of 'Making a Murderer': Netflix Documentary Tells a Frightening Story About the American Criminal Justice System" by Donna J. Brown
Concord Monitor, January 31, 2016 (also available on the Concord Monitor website)
Donna J. Brown, who has served as defense counsel in several high-profile murder trials, focuses on the American criminal justice system.
"'Making a Murderer's' Steven Avery Case Left Mark on Twin Cities Reporters" by Amy Carlson Gustafson
Saint Paul Pioneer Press, January 8, 2016 (also available on the Pioneer Press website)
Hear from three reporters who covered Steven Avery's case as they react to the series.
"The Story Behind a True Crime Documentary a Decade in the Making" by Mekado Murphy
New York Times, December 21, 2015 (also available on the New York Times website)
The documentary’s directors share insights into their work.
"Guilty Pleasure: How Making a Murderer Tapped into Our Weakness for True Crime" by Chitra Ramaswamy
The Guardian, January 11, 2016 (also available on The Guardian website)
This article concentrates on current trends and provides context for interpreting the documentary.
For social interaction, series highlights and updates, follow @MakingAMurderer and #MakingAMurderer on Twitter.
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