Sit tight fans of Making a Murderer; Investigation Discovery (ID) is set to air a special episode of Front Page following up on developments since the series aired. Variety says the show will include new interviews with familiar faces like defense attorney Jerry Buting, DA Ken Kratz, ADA Michael Griesback, and Milwaukee reporter Tom Kertscher. Brandon Massey’s half-brother Brad and forensic expert Peter Massey will also appear.
Investigation Discovery are the experts in true crime programming. Their lineup features shows like Stalked: Someone’s Watching, and Wives with Knives, alongside standard fare like 20/20 and 48 Hours. Earlier this month an executive for ID told a group of press, “As the country’s most experienced true crime network, we feel compelled to address some critical details missing from the case as presented in the Netflix documentary.”
After I watched Making a Murderer two things came to mind: 1) composer Gustavo Santaolalla (Brokeback Mountain, Babel) must have been watching a lot of Game of Thrones when he scored this 2) I hope I never find myself embroiled in the US criminal justice system. If I do though I’m going to get those two documentary filmmakers on my side; their choice to stick with the case – even moving to Wisconsin at times – for 10 years was instrumental in getting that great sleeping giant, the American public, to respond.
The show centered on the case of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin salvage yard owner who served 18 years for a crime he didn’t commit before DNA evidence exonerated him. Two years later he was arrested again, this time charged and tried for the disappearance, rape, and brutal murder of a local woman. He was sent to prison for life without parole.
The series showcased potential motivations and moments where local police may have bungled or influenced the investigation to secure a conviction. An uproar ensued as soon as Murderer hit Netflix in December, with petitions calling for Avery’s release.
Since that initial furor died down (and the White House responded to one of the petitions) additional people have come forward to point out details that were left out of the show, casting a much more menacing light over Avery. ID will certainly be covering these accusations as well as giving an update on Avery’s appeal.
Front Page: The Steven Avery Story, will air January 30 at 9pm.