Local News

Murder Suspect Recants 8/4/06

Jenn Rourke

MANITOWOC - Brendan Dassey is backing off claims that he had anything to do with the murder of Teresa Halbach.

Investigators said the 16-year-old gave them a detailed explanation of his role in the murder, but Dassey reportedly wrote a letter to the judge saying he wasn't telling the truth.

In the letter postmarked June 29, Dassey said he didn't go to his uncle's trailer after school the day Teresa Halbach was killed.

Instead, Dassey said he hung out at home until 7 p.m., when his uncle, Steven Avery called and asked if he wanted to come over to watch a bonfire. Dassey said after the bonfire, he went home and went to bed.

Both Dassey and Avery are charged with raping and killing the 25-year old photographer, then burning her body last Halloween.

Investigators said charred remains of her body were found in a burn pit at Avery's home.

Dassey's lawyer said he didn't advise his client to write the letter.

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