Readers React: After ‘Making a Murderer’: What about other injustices?

To the editor: The real tragedy here extends far beyond Steven Avery. As a result of the 10-part Netflix documentary “Making a Murderer,” he may yet regain his freedom. (“Are we making too much of ‘Making a Murderer’?,” Opinion, Jan. 7)

But for others currently serving time for crimes they didn’t commit who have not had documentaries made about their cases, there will be no justice. The value of this documentary is that it points out the deep flaws in our justice system.

Now, of course, the question is, what will we do about it?

Is it possible that Avery is guilty of murder? Sure, in the sense that anything is possible, but it is so unlikely that, after watching “Making a Murderer,” the viewer is left staring at the television in horror.

Avery’s conviction rested on dubious evidence provided by the same sheriff’s department that had wrongly accused him of rape 18 years before and the confession of his 16-year-old nephew, a boy so mentally handicapped that after finally confessing to murder and rape, he wondered when he could go home and watch TV.

Clearly the unprincipled investigators sought not the truth, but just a conviction.

Bart Braverman, Los Angeles

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