Local News

Dassey Doesn't Want Deal

Jenn Rourke

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The lawyer for a teen accused in the murder of a young photographer said Wednesday that they are not negotiating a plea deal that would entail the youth testifying against his uncle.

Special Prosecutor Ken Kratz had said this week that there could be an deal struck by the end of the week with 17-year-old Brendan Dassey. He is charged along with Steven Avery, 44, of murdering photographer Teresa Halbach, 25.

Kratz made the comments Monday during a hearing in which a judge dismissed sexual assault and kidnapping charges against Avery because of the uncertainty of Dassey's testimony. Dassey indicated he would invoke his right not to incriminate himself but would testify against Avery if the judge granted him immunity, Kratz said.

Dassey's attorney Mark Fremgen said Wednesday in an e-mail that there had been an offer but Dassey declined it. Fremgen said they are not actively negotiating a deal and his client never suggested they negotiate a deal.

"I can confirm that there are no ongoing negotiations, no plea deal in the works, and no new discussions that have been broached in this regard since the offer was declined," Fremgen wrote.

Kratz would not comment Wednesday.

One hundred and forty-four prospective jurors filled out questionnaires Monday for Avery's trial, which starts next Monday and is expected to last six weeks.

Halbach disappeared on Halloween 2005 after going to the Avery property in rural Manitowoc County to photograph a minivan the family had for sale. Her charred bones were found later in a burn pit near Avery's trailer.

Avery was released from prison in 2003 after serving 18 years for a rape that DNA evidence later proved he didn't commit.

Avery's trial starts Monday with jury selection.


(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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