Protest planned Friday to support Steven Avery
At least 100 supporters — from near and far — of convicted killer Steven Avery are expected to protest Friday in Manitowoc.
Organizer Megan McGuiness said the event, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. near the Manitowoc County Courthouse, will be peaceful.
Avery and his nephew, Brendan 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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Timeline: History of the Steven Avery case
"I'm hoping that we can come together as a group and let our voices be heard in a good way," McGuiness said. "We don't want any chaos. Maybe we can get opinions changed. This is one way to do it."
McGuiness, a resident of Hastings, Minnesota, said after watching the series she believes innocent men are sitting behind bars.
"(The series) is mind-boggling. It's an emotional roller coaster," said McGuiness, adding that her intent is not to blast Manitowoc County. "A lot needs to be said, done and heard basically of how the justice system is. It could be any of us really who are sitting in these two guys' positions right now. For a big group to come together like this ... we're not giving up hope and we're going to keep (the Avery family) going until whatever happens."
Sheriff Robert Hermann has said "Making a Murderer" is one-sided and people aren't getting the whole story. Still, as long as the protest is peaceful, he doesn't have any issues with it.
"Obviously, we're taking some different precautions," he said. "Hopefully, it's a peaceful demonstration, and that's what it sounds like it's going to be. We're OK with that."
The Manitowoc Police Department, which was not involved in the case, will monitor the protest since it is occurring within city limits.
Related: “Makng a Murderer” coverage, archived stories and more
A portion of South Ninth Street and a parking lot next to the courthouse will be blocked off for protesters and media to gather. Parking will be restricted around the courthouse.
Assistant Manitowoc Police Chief Scott Luchterhand said there won't be a large police presence, unless protesters become unruly.
"Hopefully everyone is very well-behaved. They can go out there. They can voice their concerns over the series and what happened," he said. "They have the right to protest, and as long as they're doing it in a peaceful manner, it's not really a police concern."
At least two different groups of Avery supporters are planning to protest at the same time. Police have spoken with organizers of both groups to notify them of city regulations they must follow to keep themselves and others safe.
The Salvation Army of Manitowoc County will be set up at the event from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. providing hot chocolate and coffee to people standing outside. The Courthouse Pub, located across the street from the courthouse, also will have coffee available.
"We're being as accommodating as we can because we ... respect that first amendment right to get their views across," Capt. Larry Zimney said.
Luchterhand said while a minimum of 100 people are expected, the number could go much higher, making planning a challenge.
"This could become a much bigger demonstration," he said. "It's so up in the air. You've got to prepare for the worst, but hope for the best."
Sarah Kloepping: 920-686-2105 or skloepping@htrnews.com.