Episode 199

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Published on:

12th Aug 2025

The Avery Trial: Episode 15 - They Didn't Check the VIN?

In this episode, we hear from two of the very first officers on the scene after Teresa Halbach’s RAV4 was discovered on the Avery property: Deputy Peter O’Connor and Sergeant Jason Orth, both from the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department.

O’Connor testifies that he arrived quickly—but didn’t verify the VIN. Orth spoke to Pam Sturm after her “search”—but he didn’t check the VIN either. Both officers kept their distance, claimed to avoid touching the vehicle, and deferred entirely to Pam’s call to dispatch.

Meanwhile, Pam Sturm had testified she walked right up to the RAV4, read most of the 17-digit VIN through the windshield, and reported it. So... why didn’t trained law enforcement confirm it? Why were they so hands-off when the most crucial evidence had just been found?

👀 Watch https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCJ3mSH5sYXsw6fiiDWTDAL0bYtfSwvKz

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00:00 Introduction / Recap of Episode 14

02:48 Prosecution Questions O'Connor

10:46 Defense Questions O'Connor

25:01 Redirect of O'Connor

25:20 Exhibit 127

27:33 Re-Cross of O'Connor

28:03 Questioning Begins for Sergeant Orth

30:05 Exhibit 86

42:11 Cross Examination of Orth

55:56 Redirect of Orth

57:40 Wrap Up



Source: Foulplay.site

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Kristine W

Lover of true crime, scary stories, horror films, and ghost hunting. Kristine is a down-to-earth, opinionated, smart-mouthed Gen X'er who enjoys sharing these stories with you.