Books

A 'Making A Murderer' Attorney Is Writing A Book

by K.W. Colyard

Jerome Buting no longer represents Steven Avery, but the Making a Murderer attorney is writing a book inspired by the case that has captivated the U.S. for the last few months. Since the docu-series hit Netflix on December 18, viewers have been outraged over what appears to be the retaliatory framing of two innocent men by law enforcement and judicial officers. The Associated Press reports that "Buting will draw on his 35-year career and assail the 'dysfunction' of the criminal justice system" in his as yet untitled book.

For those not in the know, Avery served 18 years in prison after he was wrongfully convicted of rape and assault in 1985. Upon his exoneration, he filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Manitowoc County. Shortly thereafter, Manitowoc and neighboring Calumet County launched an investigation into the disappearance of a local woman, with Avery and his nephew, Brendan Dassey, as the prime suspects. Both men were convicted in 2007.

Using interviews with family, excerpts from news broadcasts, and footage from courtroom and police tapes, Making a Murderer spread Avery's story to the masses. Many viewers were convinced that the two Wisconsin counties had planted evidence and manipulated Dassey, who has a learning disability, in order to exact revenge on Avery for his lawsuit.

Avery and Dassey now have different legal representation, and are preparing to appeal their individual cases.

Post-Making a Murderer fascination with the Avery case continues to produce reading material for the series' massive audience. A 2014 book, The Innocent Killer , got a U.K. release and an Audible edition earlier this year. In January, former Calumet County District Attorney — and sexter of domestic violence victims — Ken Kratz announced his intention to write a book on the case.

The Making a Murderer attorney's upcoming book will not focus solely on Avery and Dassey, however. In a Monday tweet, Buting said he planned to relate just how often throughout his career he had witnessed the kind of investigation flaws that Making a Murderer made famous.

Buting and fellow Avery attorney Dean Strang, who turned into a viral meme after the show aired, are set to begin a 27-stop speaking tour in April.

Image: Netflix