Judge names special prosecutor in 'Making a Murderer' appeal

MADISON — A judge has appointed a special prosecutor to represent the state of Wisconsin in a request for extensive testing in the case of a man featured in the Netflix series "Making a Murderer."

Court documents show a judge appointed former Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Norman Gahn to replace Manitowoc County District Attorney Jaclyn LaBre in Steven Avery's homicide case on Sept. 1 after LaBre cited a conflict of interest.

Avery contends Manitowoc County officials framed him for Teresa Halbach's 2005 death.

His attorney filed a motion in August requesting extensive forensic testing on evidence.

Gahn pioneered DNA use in criminal cases in the 1980s. He garnered attention in the '90s when he filed charges against DNA profiles. He helped prosecute Avery in Halbach's death.