The story of Steven Avery is one that has gripped the nation, not only due to the crimes he was accused of but also because of the impact his life has had on his family, especially his children. It's a tale filled with twists, legal battles, and the haunting question of what happens to the people left behind when a parent is embroiled in controversy. The Netflix documentary, Making a Murderer, shone a light on Avery's life, captivating audiences and raising awareness about the complexities of the justice system.
As Avery's children grew up, they navigated the fallout of their father's notorious reputation, often feeling the weight of his actions on their shoulders. With their father serving time in prison for murder, the siblings have had to forge their own identities while dealing with the stigma associated with being an Avery. In this article, we will explore the current lives of Steven Avery's children and how they have been affected by their father's tumultuous journey.
Join us as we delve into the experiences of Avery's kids, hearing their stories and understanding the profound effects of their father's choices on their lives. What does it mean to grow up with a parent who is both a convicted felon and a figure of public fascination? Let's uncover the truth behind the headlines and discover where Steven Avery's children are now.
Table of Contents
- They Rarely Visit Him in Prison
- Bill Thought He Was 'A Pretty Good Guy'
- The Twins Cut Ties When Prison Visits Turn Violent
- Living with the Avery Name
- They Struggle to Get Work
- What Do They Think of Making a Murderer?
- Do They Think He's Guilty?
- Avery Allegedly Flew Into 'Full Rage Mode' at Times
- They Want Corrupt Officials to Face Jail Time
- Will They Ever Let Avery Back into Their Lives?
They Rarely Visit Him in Prison
Despite the ties of blood, Steven Avery's children seldom visit him in prison. Avery met his wife, Lori Mathiesen, when he was just 19. Their family grew quickly, welcoming four children: Rachel, Jennifer, and twin boys, Steven Jr. and Bill. However, due to his long incarceration, Avery has missed out on their upbringing.
For 18 years, he was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, and when he was finally released, he faced new charges for murder. As Sandra Greenman, a former fiancée, noted, the kids have grown distant. "They don't know him," she shared, highlighting the emotional toll of their father's absence during formative years.
Bill Thought He Was 'A Pretty Good Guy'
Bill and Steven Jr. were just babies when their father was first incarcerated. While both have tried to make sense of their father's actions, Bill has fond memories of him. "He was a pretty good guy," he reflected, recalling the limited time they had together during visits. However, the reality of being an Avery has cast a long shadow over these memories.
Now in their 20s, the twins grapple with the complexities of their father's legacy. Bill articulated it well when he said, "You can't miss something you never had," showing both resilience and acceptance of the situation they've been dealt.
The Twins Cut Ties When Prison Visits Turned Violent
As children, Bill and Steven Jr. had a few memorable prison visits with their father, which were often overshadowed by strict regulations and emotional strain. Over time, their relationship with Avery became strained, especially after an incident where he spanked them during a visit, which they both resented.
In a revealing interview, Steven Jr. mentioned how their visits lacked the intimacy needed to foster a strong bond. "You can't really build much of a bond on a three-hour visitation once a month," he said, highlighting the challenges of connecting with a father they barely knew. Ultimately, a threatening letter from Avery to their mother marked the end of their prison visits, as the twins decided to cut ties.
Living with the Avery Name
The Avery name carries a heavy burden in Wisconsin. After the release of Making a Murderer, Steven Jr. and Bill have faced scrutiny and prejudice. Bill shared how, when they went to buy cigarettes, people would immediately associate them with their father's notorious past. "It happens quite often, actually," he stated, showcasing the daily challenges they face.
Even during their father's brief exoneration, the stigma didn’t vanish. Many continued to view them as troublemakers, which made it difficult to navigate social situations. "The sins of the father fall on the son," Steven Jr. lamented, emphasizing the unfairness of their circumstances.
They Struggle to Get Work
Both Bill and Steven Jr. have felt the repercussions of their father's actions in the job market. Despite having served in the military, they have found it challenging to secure stable employment. "It's extremely hard now to get a job without being ridiculed," Bill explained, revealing the prejudice they encounter due to their father's legacy.
Steven Jr. echoed this sentiment, stating that some companies have outright blacklisted them. "One of the main guys that works there was like, 'It'll be a cold day in hell before they ever get hired,'" he recalled, illustrating the systemic barriers they face.
What Do They Think of Making a Murderer?
The documentary has brought both attention and anxiety to the Avery family. Steven Jr. remarked, "It sucks having everything out in the open like that," yet acknowledged that it has allowed people to see a broader picture of their situation. The twins had mixed feelings watching the series for the first time, particularly regarding their father's behavior towards their mother.
Bill noted that while he understands his father's love, it often manifested in troubling ways. Ultimately, they felt the series presented Avery in a sympathetic light, leaving them to reconcile their conflicting feelings about his actions.
Do They Think He's Guilty?
When asked about their father's guilt in the murder of Teresa Halbach, the twins' responses have been complex. Bill expressed, "He could have did it, but I don't think he did," highlighting their struggle to believe in their father's innocence while acknowledging the possibility of guilt.
Steven Jr. has also come to terms with the uncertainty surrounding the case, stating, "Only one person can answer that, and that would be Teresa." Their perspectives reflect a deep internal conflict between loyalty to their father and the harsh realities of the accusations against him.
Avery Allegedly Flew Into 'Full Rage Mode' at Times
Bill has been candid about his father's anger issues, noting that Avery could "blow up and go into full rage mode." This acknowledgment raises questions about the potential for such behavior to have influenced his actions leading to Halbach's death. Yet, Bill remains firm in his belief that Avery was wrongfully imprisoned for raping Penny Beerntsen.
Despite the complexities of their relationship, Bill empathizes with the struggles his father faced during his wrongful conviction. He expressed, "I actually feel bad for him," showcasing the empathy that still exists despite their fractured connection.
They Want Corrupt Officials to Face Jail Time
Steven Jr. and Bill have voiced their anger towards those they believe contributed to their father's wrongful convictions. "They wasted 18 years of a man’s life for no reason," Steven Jr. said, urging accountability from the officials involved in their father’s case. Their frustration is compounded by the fact that Avery's life was irreversibly altered due to others' failures.
They feel that the justice system has not adequately addressed the mistakes made, leaving them with a sense of injustice. Their fight is not just for their father but for the recognition that what happened was wrong and should not be repeated.
Will They Ever Let Avery Back into Their Lives?
As adults, the twins grapple with the question of whether to reconnect with their father. Steven Jr. has expressed a willingness to explore a relationship, saying, "He deserves to get to know me." However, the road to reconciliation is fraught with uncertainty, as he acknowledges that building a bond takes time.
Bill, on the other hand, sees his father as a stranger, reflecting on the emotional distance that has formed over the years. Despite the complexities of their relationship, the possibility of reconnection remains open, especially if Avery's conviction is overturned in the future.
