Wrecking Crew

Demolishing the Case Against Steven Avery

By: John Ferak

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Updated 5th Anniversary Edition Including Exclusive Interview with Steve AveryIn 2016-17, while working for the USA TODAY NETWORK's Wisconsin Investigative Team, author John Ferak wrote dozens of articles examining the murder case against Steven Avery, who had already beaten one wrongful conviction only to be charged again with the murder of Teresa Halbach in 2005. This case captured global attention through the Netflix documentary "Making A Murderer."

In this anniversary edition of WRECKING CREW: Demolishing the Case Against Steven Avery, Ferak not only lays out in meticulous detail the post-conviction strategy of Kathleen Zellner, the high-profile, high-octane lawyer fighting to free Avery but also includes a new "Five Years Later" section. This update provides fresh insights and developments in Avery's ongoing legal battle.

Additionally, this special edition features an exclusive epilogue: a November 2023 interview with Steven Avery. For this book, Zellner, arguably America's most successful wrongful conviction attorney, granted Ferak unprecedented access to the exhaustive pro bono efforts she and her small suburban Chicago law firm have invested in a man she believes to be wrongfully ensnared by Manitowoc County's unscrupulous justice system. This anniversary edition offers new revelations and a comprehensive look at a case that continues to stir public debate and demand justice.

©2023 John Ferak (P)2023 WildBlue Press

John Ferak provides the latest updates on the case

The "Updated 5th Anniversary Edition" provides the latest updates on the case, and the fight for justice, with hopes of a new trial for Steven Avery. Ferak interviews Avery's attorney, and she outlines the legal maneuvers taken since the first edition of "Wrecking Crew." While Zellner remains optimistic, Ferak writes of the state of Wisconsin's "win at all cost" strategy to keep this high profile case permanently closed.

The updated edition also examines the evidence that was not introduced in Avery's original trial, including incrimination computer activity that seems to implicate Avery's nephew Bobby Dassey as the one responsible for Halback's death. Brendan Dassey, another nephew of Avery's and Bobby's brother, was also convicted of the crime. Brendan was only sixteen at the time of the murder, and was deemed highly suggestible, with many feeling he was coerced during the interrogation.

As noted on Wikipedia, the 2015 Netflix series Making a Murderer, which chronicles the trials of Dassey and Avery, has generated global dialogue centered around wrongful convictions, coerced confessions, interrogation of minors, and criminal justice reform. Ferak analyzes the impact the show has had on the case.

Additionally, in this updated edition, Ferak explores the most recent evidence and witnesses that have come to light.

Disjointed and poorly laid out plot.

Terrible way to tell a story. Bits and pieces. Lots of important details were left out. Seems that someone was just trying to capitalize off this crime. I wish I had not wasted my time or credit.