Out-of-state Avery supporters join protest

Cassandra Bates drove seven hours overnight to show her support for Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey.

The Cincinnati resident said she and her 13- and 14-year-old sons wanted to attend the protest held Friday in Manitowoc because they believe innocent men are behind bars.

"Once I started (watching 'Making a Murderer'), I couldn't stop," she said. "After that, couldn't sleep, couldn't rest. I knew something had to be done. Our justice system has been broken for a long time."

Avery and his nephew, Dassey, who were convicted in 2007 of killing freelance photographer Teresa Halbach, have gained supporters worldwide since the Dec. 18 release of "Making a Murderer." The 10-episode Netflix series questions the tactics used by the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Department and raises concerns about the validity of the convictions.

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The event, which drew about 60 Avery supporters, a handful of counter-protesters and many onlookers, began at 10 a.m. outside the Manitowoc County Courthouse and lasted for more than four hours despite temperatures in the teens.

"It's all about holding people accountable. He did not get a fair trial," said Franklin resident Katie Stamoularas, one of the protest organizers. "Everybody has blinders on. I'm upset with the justice system. They did not do their job. That could be your brother, your nephew, your son, your grandson. How would you feel if that was you?"

Chants of "Manitowoc County take a stand. Don't imprison an innocent man" and "We want justice. When do we want it? Now," echoed from the steps of the courthouse.

Signs with phrases such as "Poor people lose," "Let's get even, Steven" and "Can't you see? Set Brendan Dassey free!" dotted the crowd.

The Manitowoc Police Department, which was not involved in the case, monitored the protest outside since it occurred within city limits.

Manitowoc Police Capt. Larry Zimney said while there was some arguing between the two sides, overall, the protest was peaceful.

"It went very well. There was no violence, no property damage," he said. "Everybody was respectful of everybody's rights. The banter that was going back and forth was expected, but it never got out of hand. They're exercising their constitutional right, which we fully respect."

One Manitowoc County man, who didn't want to be named because of threats, was holding a sign that stated "We back the badge."

"I'm supporting the police officers in the state of Wisconsin and around the whole country," he said. "This man was tried. He was convicted. Now all of sudden there's shambles and he's innocent? I don't think that's right."

Some men repeatedly yelled to protesters, "He's guilty. Go home," while walking through the crowd.

Sheriff Robert Hermann said inside the courthouse, which is the Sheriff's Department's jurisdiction, extra deputies were stationed at the entrance to monitor anyone who entered. No bags were allowed inside the building Friday and only one door — with a walk-through metal detector — was open to the public.

“Other than the extra guys we brought in, it’s been business as usual for us,” he said during the event. “As long as it’s a peaceful demonstration, we’re OK with that and we’re willing to accommodate it.”

Nearby businesses such as Manitowoc Coffee and Courthouse Pub said some protesters stopped in but didn't disrupt service.

“I would say a good 80 percent of the folks in here (about noon were) from the protest,” Courthouse Pub owner John Jagemann said. “It’s been peaceful. People have freedom of speech in this country and from that standpoint, it’s been a good day. I think there are many who lived through this when it happened and there’s some sadness that it’s being brought up again. It was a tragedy.”

At least 100 people were expected to attend the event. Protesters say cold temperatures may have played a factor in a smaller turnout.

Organizer Megan McGuiness said the event had a decent number of people — some from as far as Colorado, Florida and Texas — and did what it was supposed to do: raise awareness in a peaceful manner.

"Of course, we had a few negative nellies out there, but that's to be expected. Nothing got out of control. It was absolutely wonderful," she said. "I think for sure we gave hope and sent a message to ... these men to just hang in there and we're not going to give up on you."

At 2:30 p.m., only Illinois resident Allie Apperson remained on the courthouse steps holding a sign, shivering, but firm in her stance. The protest was supposed to last until 4:30 p.m., but dispersed early because of the cold.

"I'm just determined, I guess," said Apperson, adding she believes opinions were changed through her efforts today.

— Marcus Nesemann contributed to this report.