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Former Manitowoc County officer sues Netflix over 'Making a Murderer'

Judge denies new trial for Steven Avery
Posted at 6:06 PM, Dec 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-17 19:06:10-05

MANITOWOC COUNTY, Wis. — A former Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office police officer is suing Netflix and the creators of the docu-series, "Making a Murder". The Netflix series documents the trials of Steven Avery, who was convicted in 2007 of Teresa Halbach's 2005 murder.

Andrew Colborn is suing for defamation, emotional distress, and negligence. In a lawsuit filed Monday, Colborn and his lawyers claim "Making a Murderer" made false accusations about his actions as a police officer during the investigation into Teresa Halbach's murder.

The lawsuit claims the Netflix series, "falsely led viewers to the inescapable conclusion that plaintiff and others planted evidence to frame Avery for Halbach’s murder". Colborn's lawsuit says the docu-series "selectively edited and spliced trial and deposition testimony, excluding facts and evidence that contradict their false narrative."

Colborn's lawsuit claims that since the series has premiered, he has received online threats and insults, as well as threatening phone calls.

"Recorded telephone threats alone fill the capacity of 28 compact discs," the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit is demanding a retraction as well as a judgment against the defendants. The lawsuit states Colburn is asking for a jury trial.

Netflix declined to comment.