Ep 7. Return to Manitowoc County

In season 5 episode 7 of Dateline: Secrets Uncovered, viewers are taken on a journey back to Manitowoc County, the site of one of the most notorious trials in recent history. The episode begins with a recap of the original trial that took place in 2007, where Steven Avery was convicted of the murder of Teresa Halbach. With new evidence emerging and the release of the popular Netflix documentary "Making a Murderer," Avery's case has continued to make headlines.

As the investigation gets underway, Dateline takes a closer look at some of the key players involved in the trial. One such player is former prosecutor Ken Kratz, who is interviewed about his role in the case and his response to the backlash he received after "Making a Murderer" was released. Kratz talks about the toll the case took on his personal life and how he believes justice was served in the end.

Another important figure in the trial was Avery's defense attorney, Jerry Buting. Buting provides insight into his strategy during the trial and his thoughts on the evidence that was presented. He also discusses how the documentary impacted public perception of the case and the justice system as a whole.

As the investigation delves deeper, Dateline uncovers new evidence that was not presented during the trial. Viewers are presented with audio recordings of jailhouse conversations between Avery and his family, where he discusses his innocence and his desire for a new trial. Additionally, new forensic evidence is analyzed that was not previously mentioned during the trial.

The episode also explores the impact the case has had on the Halbach family and the community as a whole. Friends and family members of Teresa Halbach discuss how her death affected them and the struggles they've faced in the aftermath. The filmmakers also highlight the public's opinion on the case and the impact it has had on the justice system.

As the investigation comes to a conclusion, Dateline leaves viewers with more questions than answers. While new evidence may cast doubt on Avery's guilt, the truth may never be fully known. The episode serves as a reminder of the complexities of the justice system and the impact cases like Avery's can have on those involved.