The Murder of Teresa Halbach

Judge Jerome Fox

On August 2, 2007, Brendan Dassey returned to Judge Fox's courtroom to face sentencing. As expected, Dassey received a life sentence. The judge ruled that Dassey would not be eligible for parole until he has served 41 years.

"He knows and he knew the difference between right and wrong, good and evil. It was his choice and he chose evil."

Teresa Halbach's aunt, Kay Giordana, was allowed to address the court before sentencing. "He could have been a national hero or a murderer," she said, referring to Dassey. "He decided to be a murderer. He knew Steven Avery's plan to murder Teresa and he did nothing to prevent it. He is a coward and a disgrace."

Brendan Dassey

Dassey was taken to the Dodge Correctional Institution for evaluation to determine where he will serve his sentence. His uncle, Steven Avery, is currently serving his life term at Wisconsin's super-max prison, Boscobel. Dassey told reporters that he's afraid of what will happen to him in prison and has been crying himself to sleep.