Local News

Dassey Murder Trial Update

Jenn Rourke

MANITOWOC, Wis. (AP) -- A jury from outside Manitowoc County will be brought in to hear the trial of a 17-year-old who is accused of raping, killing and mutilating a woman on Halloween 2005.

Brendan Dassey and his uncle, Steven Avery, have been charged in the death of 25-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach, who disappeared after going to the Avery family's auto salvage lot near Mishicot on a photo shoot. Charred fragments of her remains were found later at a burn pit at the Avery property.

Judge Jerome Fox decided Friday to bring in jurors for the trial, which will be held in Manitowoc County. He did not choose a county for the jury to be picked.

Fox also denied a defense request to have Dassey's confession to police thrown out and to hold a preliminary hearing. Dassey had waived the preliminary hearing on the advice of his previous attorney.

His trial is scheduled to begin April 16. Avery is scheduled for trial Feb. 5 in Calumet County.

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