Brendan Dassey

The jury was sworn and instructed before both sides gave opening statements. Karen and Katie Halbach testified, and investigator Thomas Fassbender described the property search and Dassey’s garage-cleanup account before qualifying several points on cross-examination.

Investigators testified about searches of the trailer, vehicle, burn area, and garage. Firearms and trace-evidence examiners described their findings and limits; the court received Exhibits 132 through 140 while reserving whether jurors would see them.

Kayla Avery disavowed parts of an earlier account about Brendan, while a school counselor described what Kayla had told her. Witnesses also testified about RAV4 DNA and bloodstains, the burn-pit search, and a probable dental identification.

Pevytoe and Eisenberg testified about burned remains, while O'Neill faced questions about his recorded interview of Brendan Dassey. The jury also heard stipulated accounts, and Wiegert began testimony about Kayla Avery's reports to investigators.

Mark Wiegert testified about Brendan Dassey’s interviews, including deceptive questioning, drawings, and the garage search. The judge limited the defense’s proposed use of Dassey’s February 27 answers, and cross-examination continued through adjournment.

Mark Wiegert finished testifying about Brendan Dassey's interview and the investigation. After the State rested, the court denied a motion to dismiss Count 2. The defense called a school psychologist, Blaine Dassey, and Michael Kornely.

Brendan Dassey testified about the bonfire, garage cleanup and accounts he said he had made up. A fingerprint examiner discussed prints from the RAV4, and the court set limits on Dr. Gordon’s suggestibility testimony.

Gordon testified about Dassey’s suggestibility and the limits of his opinion. After the defense rested, Armentrout challenged Gordon’s testing and conclusion while acknowledging limits on his own review.

The court ruled on Count 3 and jury instructions before closing arguments. The jury found Brendan Dassey guilty on all three counts; the court entered judgment, revoked bail, and set sentencing.