By David Lohr

(Continued)

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Despite watching his uncle receive a sentence ensuring he would never again breathe free air, Dassey was confident going into court that Judge Fox would have mercy on him. Perhaps he thought the letter he had sent Fox last year would somehow impact his case. Regardless, Dassey's hopes were quickly dashed at Thursday's sentencing hearing.

"He could have been a national hero or a murderer. He decided to be a murderer," Kay Giordana, the victim's aunt, said in addressing the court prior to sentencing. "He knew Steven Avery's plan to murder Teresa and he did nothing to prevent it. He is a coward and a disgrace."

Teresa Halbach

Before handing down sentencing, Judge Fox called Teresa a "blameless victim," and described her rape and murder as "brutal."

"While Avery was the primary motivating force, nothing prevented this defendant from saying no," Judge Fox said in addressing the courtroom. "He knows and he knew the difference between right and wrong, good and evil. It was his choice and he chose evil."

Judge Jerome Fox

Judge Fox sentenced Dassey to life in prison, with the possibility of parole in 41 years. Fox said his decision was based in part on Dassey's age and lack of past criminal history.

Following the hearing, Brendan's father, Peter Dassey, told WBAY.com that he thought the sentence was too harsh.

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Steven Avery, Junk Yard Owner, Killed Teresa Halbach

Contact David Lohr  at           crimewriter74@adelphia.net

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