Jason Orth

Jason Orth, a Manitowoc County sergeant, testified for the prosecution on Day 4 of Steven Avery's 2007 trial about his response to a RAV4 found at Avery Salvage Yard. He described its missing rear plate and the branches and other objects around it. Orth said he looked inside for Teresa Halbach without opening or touching the vehicle. He could not clearly read its VIN; after Detective Remiker arrived, Orth saw a memory card bearing Halbach's name through the back window and said Remiker reported a VIN match.

Orth also described watching the RAV4 while officers secured the area. On cross-examination, Jerome Buting tested what Orth could see through its windows and from his later guard position. Orth said he saw no blood during his brief looks, but had been looking for a person and could not see inside from where he stood watch. Buting also questioned the timing of Orth's access log. Orth said he began rough notes before preparing the final log and no longer had those notes. Todd Hermann separately testified that he relieved Orth for breaks and saw no one disturb the vehicle during his own observation.

On redirect, Orth said the item he noticed inside stood out against the darker interior, though he was uncertain of its exact color and emphasized that he had only glanced in.