Judge assigned in Steven Avery civil case

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SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) – The civil case for one of the state’s most notorious homicides is moving forward.

Sheboygan County Circuit Court Judge Angela Sutkiewicz has been assigned to the wrongful death case filed against Steven Avery and his nephew, Brendan Dassey, in the death of Teresa Halbach, according to Sheboygan Press Media reports.

Halbach’s family filed the lawsuit in 2006, seeking unspecified monetary damages.

Avery and his nephew were convicted of killing the 25-year-old photographer on the family property near Mishicot on Oct. 31, 2005.

The civil case had been on hold because it overlapped the criminal case and unsuccessful appeals by both men, though it now appears to be moving forward.

The killing drew extraordinary attention because Avery had spent 18 years in prison for rape before DNA samples proved another man committed that crime.

Court records show that Avery has filed for a new judicial assignment, which was granted late last month. A telephone scheduling conference is set for Nov. 25 with Sutkiewicz.

The case will otherwise remain in Manitowoc County Circuit Court.

Neither Avery nor Dassey currently have attorneys for the civil case, though Avery has filed a motion seeking to have counsel appointed.

Avery, now 51, was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. Dassey, 24, is also serving a life term, though he’s eligible for parole in 2048, when he’ll be 59 years old.

Information from: Sheboygan Press Media, http://www.sheboygan-press.com