An officer Steven Avery has accused of planting evidence in the investigation of Teresa Halbach's murder took the stand Tuesday afternoon, where he defended the integrity of the search for the missing photographer. Special Prosecutor Ken Kratz questioned Manitowoc County Sergeant Andrew Colburn about accusations that he may have planted blood evidence at the scene to implicate Avery in the murder. Colburn said the claims are "ridiculous."
Avery's defense is claiming Colburn and another officer planted blood evidence at the scene. The says it may have been taken from a vial of blood that was used to clear Avery of his false rape conviction, which he spent 18 years in prison for.
Colburn also testified about finding the key to Halbach's vehicle in Avery's trailer on a bedroom floor. Colburn said officers realized the importance of that evidence.
The 44-year-old Avery and his 17-year-old nephew Brendan Dassey are accused of murdering Teresa Halbach in October of 2005. She was last seen at the Avery family salvage yard where she was taking pictures of a vehicle for a website. The trial is in its second week.
