Drew Peterson

Drew Peterson
Drew W. Peterson
Bolingbrook Police Department
Born January 5, 1954 (1954-01-05) (age 57)
Years of service 1977–2007
Rank Sergeant

Drew Walter Peterson (born January 5, 1954) is a former Bolingbrook, Illinois, police sergeant who is suspected of killing his third and fourth wives.[1] The story has received national media attention in the United States. Peterson has repeatedly denied involvement in both cases. On May 7, 2009, Peterson was indicted by a Will County, Illinois grand jury and charged with the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. Peterson currently resides in the Will County Adult Detention Center, Joliet IL, awaiting trial. [2]

Contents

Early life

In 1972, Drew Peterson graduated from Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, Illinois, where he ran cross country. After high school graduation, Peterson joined the US Army. In 1974, he briefly attended the College of DuPage. Peterson later moved to Falls Church, Virginia, where he trained as a military police officer.[3]

Police career

Drew Peterson had a 29-year career as a police officer. He began working with the Bolingbrook Police Department in Illinois in 1977.[4] In 1978, he was assigned to Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad, and in 1979, he received a "Police Officer of the Year" award from the department.[3]

In 1985, Peterson was fired from the Bolingbrook Police Department after the village board of police and fire commissioners found him guilty of disobedience, conducting a self-assigned investigation, failure to report a bribe immediately, and official misconduct. He had been indicted two months earlier on charges of official misconduct and failure to report a bribe. Peterson was working under the auspices of the Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad at the time. Indictments alleged he solicited drugs in exchange for information about his agency. The charges later were dropped. Special prosecutor Raymond Bolden said at the time the charges were not provable. Peterson won reinstatement with the department in March 1986. Judge Edwin Grabiec ruled police and fire commissioners lacked sufficient evidence to find Peterson guilty of the charges.[3] Peterson was also accused of using excessive force for allegedly breaking the thumb of an arrestee in May 2007. The charges were later dismissed on the grounds that Peterson was not present during the arrest, nor on duty that day.[5]

Following his fourth wife Stacy's mysterious October 28, 2007, disappearance, Peterson announced his plans to retire as a Bolingbrook police sergeant as of December 2007. On November 15, 2007, the Bolingbrook Police Pension Board voted to allow Peterson to collect his pension of $6,067.71 per month,[6] stating current law gave them no option, as Peterson had not been convicted of a crime.[7]

Marriages

Carol Brown

Peterson was married to his first wife, Carol (Hamilton) Brown, from 1974 to 1980. They divorced after she learned about his infidelity.[8] Peterson and Brown met in high school in Villa Park, Illinois, and together attended his senior prom.[4][9]

Victoria Connolly

Peterson married his second wife, Victoria (Rutkiewicz) Connolly, in 1982.[9] Connolly has alleged a history of abuse during her 10-year marriage to Peterson,[7] as has her daughter who lived in the household during this time, from the age of 8 to 17 years. In 2007, Connolly stated that Peterson "was a legend in his own mind".[9] The couple divorced after Peterson started dating Kathleen Savio, who would later become his third wife.[9] Their divorce was finalized on February 18, 1992, and Peterson married Savio two months later.[3]

Kathleen Savio

Peterson married Kathleen Savio (born June 13, 1963) on May 3, 1992.[10] Their divorce was finalized on October 10, 2003.[4] It was reported that between 2002 and 2004 police were called out to the Peterson house 18 times on domestic disturbance calls, including calls for returning children late after visitation.[11] On March 1, 2004,[12] Kathleen Savio's body was subsequently found in a waterless bathtub. Her death was initially ruled an accidental drowning, by a coroner's jury that included a police officer who personally knew Peterson and assured the other jurors that Peterson was 'a good man who would never hurt his wife'.[13]

However, following Stacy Peterson's disappearance, Savio's body was exhumed and underwent forensic examination on November 16, 2007.[14] Dr. Michael Baden, a former New York City chief medical examiner who conducted the examination at the request of Savio's relatives and Fox News, concluded that she died of drowning following a struggle when her body was placed in the bathtub. The results of the official autopsy ordered by the county have yet to be released to the public.[15] Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow told the press that after examining evidence in the case, he believed that the death was a "homicide staged to look like an accident."[15][16] On February 21, 2008, Glasgow announced that a pathologist determined that Savio's death was a homicide,[17] adding that the death had been investigated as such reopening the case following the exhumation.

Rev. Neil Schori, a pastor at Stacy Peterson's church, reported that Stacy had told him that Drew had killed Kathleen Savio and had made it look like an accident and that she was fearful of her husband.[18] Stacy had provided Drew's alibi for his whereabouts on the evening that Kathleen Savio died.

Stacy Peterson

Peterson married Stacy Ann Cales (born January 20, 1984) on October 18, 2003.[3] She disappeared on October 28, 2007. Stacy Peterson was officially reported missing in the early hours of October 29, 2007, after her sister, Cassandra Cales, failed to hear from her when expected. Drew Peterson claims that Stacy called him at 9 p.m. on Sunday to tell him that she had left him for another man and that she had left her car at Bolingbrook's Clow International Airport.

The last recorded words from Stacy Peterson were left on a voicemail on her father's answering machine on October 17 at 12:37 p.m., 11 days before she disappeared. The message said, "Hey dad! It's me, Stacy, I just wanted to call you and tell you I love you. I also wanted to give you my new phone number. OK, love you."[19][20][21]

Engagement to Christina Raines

In December 2008, Drew Peterson's publicist Glenn Selig confirmed that Peterson was engaged to a 23-year-old mother of two, Christina Raines; she would be his fifth wife.[22] On January 30, 2009, it was made public that Raines had moved out of Peterson's house. Her father, Ernie Raines, had issued an ultimatum, having her choose between him or Peterson. Raines had issued the ultimatum to his daughter because he didn't like the way Peterson began to control Christina; he was also scared that she would disappear as Stacy had.[23] Raines moved out of Peterson's home "when she came to her senses", calling the engagement a publicity stunt designed to keep Peterson in the media spotlight.[24] Then, in February 2009, Christina Raines and Peterson appeared on NBC's Today Show, confirming that she had moved back in with Peterson. Though his divorce from his fourth wife Stacy is not yet final, Peterson said he hopes to marry "as soon as possible". Christina Raines said her father made it clear he would not attend their wedding; she also admitted none of her friends or family support the relationship. When asked by NBC's Amy Robach if they would like to have more children, Peterson responded, "We have enough, we have 8 between us" (apparently including in the count his adult children, as there are only 6 children living in the home: the two he had with Kathleen Savio, the two he had with Stacy, and Christina's own two). Christina Raines replied, in a question-like tone, "Maybe one more?" When asked why she is with Peterson, Raines said "I love him, he makes me laugh" and claimed to have no concern for her safety.

Disappearance of Stacy Peterson

Several leads have been followed in the investigation by Illinois State Police with FBI involvement. Four search warrants have been issued and carried on Drew Peterson's property following Stacy's disappearance, including seizure of his vehicle and Stacy's vehicle, and Drew's firearms.

Rick Mims, Peterson's long-time friend, has admitted that Drew Peterson and Mims bought three blue containers from a cable company, where they both worked part-time in 2003, and has provided photos of the containers to police. Mims had also sold his story to the tabloids for an undisclosed sum of money. Peterson's stepbrother, Thomas Morphey, who has a history of drug and alcohol addiction, attempted suicide two days after allegedly helping Drew carry a large blue plastic container from Peterson's Bolingbrook home to his sport utility vehicle, fearing he may have helped dispose of the body of Stacy Peterson. Neighbors reported seeing Peterson and another man hauling a 55-gallon barrel, large enough to hold a person, out of the house shortly after Stacy's disappearance. Cassandra Cales, Stacy's sister, said she wanted Drew Peterson to take a lie detector test about his knowledge of a blue barrel or container that she said she saw in their garage two days before Stacy disappeared. Joel Brodsky, Peterson's attorney, has denied any container is missing from the home. There were also reports of truckers referring to the containers, but their stories were treated as not credible, after it was found they were not in the Bolingbrook area at the times they claimed.[18][25][26][27][28][29]

Murder of Kathleen Savio

On May 7, 2009, Peterson was indicted[2] by the Will County Grand Jury and arrested for the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio.[21] Bail was set at $20 million.[21][30] While being arrested, Peterson joked, "I guess I should have returned those library books".[31]

In October 2009, Peterson sued JP Morgan Chase for revoking a home equity credit line that he wanted to use to pay legal expenses. His income of "nearly $109,000 per year" from his pension and Social Security was not sufficient.[32] In July 2010, Judge Stephen White ruled that Peterson would remain in the Will County Jail for the remainder of his trial and appeals process.[33] Prosecutors argued he could pose a danger if released.

On July 21, 2010 it was revealed hearsay statements indicating Drew Peterson killed two of his wives are not reliable enough for a jury to hear at his trial. After presiding over a lengthy hearsay hearing, Judge Stephen White issued a four-page sealed ruling in May obtained by the Daily Herald. White ruled prosecutors proved Peterson killed both Kathleen Savio and Stacy Peterson "by a preponderance of the evidence," but nearly all statements attributed to Stacy Peterson "do not provide sufficient safeguards of reliability." Stacy Peterson's statements are crucial to the prosecution's case, since it lacks other evidence.[34]

Media appearances

Drew Peterson appeared on Larry King Live on April 11, 2008. His lawyer was present as an adviser regarding which questions Peterson should answer.[35] The interview reran on May 9, 2009, two days after Peterson's arrest. Peterson also has made guest appearances (including one from county jail) on radio station WLS with Mancow Muller.[36] After the appearance on WLS, Will County Judge Stephen White severely limited Peterson's access to the media. Peterson circumvented that access by going online, creating a Twitter account, connecting with the media.[37]

Lifetime television movie

In June 2011, Lifetime television began filming "Ladykiller: The Drew Peterson Story," depicting the events surrounding the death of Kathleen Savio and the disappearance of Stacy Peterson. Rob Lowe portrays Drew Peterson in the film. Peterson has filed a cease-and-desist letter demanding that production on the movie be halted[38].

References

  1. ^ Drew Peterson indicted in 3rd wife's death. Associated Press. 7 May 2009.
  2. ^ a b "Indictment (Illinois v. Drew Peterson)". FindLaw. 2009-05-07. http://news.findlaw.com/cnn/docs/crim/drew-peterson-indictment.html. Retrieved 2009-05-08. 
  3. ^ a b c d e "Stacy Peterson Recap". http://www.acandyrose.com/stacy_peterson_recap.htm. Retrieved 05/10/09. 
  4. ^ a b c ACandyRose. "stacy_peterson_recap.htm". Acandyrose.com. http://www.acandyrose.com/stacy_peterson_recap.htm. Retrieved 2010-06-06. 
  5. ^ Fox Chicago. Drew Peterson is Now Accused of Police Brutality. myfoxchicago.com. 17 December 2007.
  6. ^ WBBM. Drew Peterson Tells Newsradio: My Retirement Sucks. wbbm780.com. 6 December 2007.
  7. ^ a b Slife, Erika. EXCLUSIVE: Peterson's second wife tells her story. Chicago Tribune. 16 November 2007.
  8. ^ Barbara (05/07/09). "Peterson says he loves, misses missing fourth wife - First wife talks, third wife reburied". Indianapolis: WLS. http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=5769607. Retrieved 2007-11-19. 
  9. ^ a b c d "The Wives of Drew Peterson - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News". FOXNews.com. 2008-12-17. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,468385,00.html. Retrieved 2010-06-06. 
  10. ^ "Savio v. Peterson Complaint". Scribd.com. http://www.scribd.com/doc/14542696/Savio-v-Peterson-Complaint. Retrieved 2010-06-06. 
  11. ^ ""Unanswered Cries" Chicago magazine". http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/May-2008/Unanswered-Cries/. 
  12. ^ Peterson case: Did cops protect one of their own?. CNN. 2007-11-30 Access date: 2007-11-30.
  13. ^ Kathleen Savio's Family Sues Drew Peterson . WGN Radio. April 21, 2009.
  14. ^ Walberg, Matthew and Jo Napolitano. Expert: 3rd wife was slain. Chicago Tribune. 17 November 2007.
  15. ^ a b Tarm, Michael. Relatives Try to Confront Ill. Officer. ABC News.com. 17 November 2007.
  16. ^ Peterson's second wife recalls threats November 16, 2007
  17. ^ Death of former cop's third wife ruled a homicide. CNN.com. 21 February 2008.
  18. ^ a b Peterson's Family Demands Drew Take Lie Detector Test. NBC5.com. Chicago. 27 November 2007.
  19. ^ Stacy Peterson's Family Releases Audio Recording. 7 December 2007.
  20. ^ Find Stacy Peterson
  21. ^ a b c "Drew Peterson Charged With Murdering Third Wife, Held on $20M Bond". Fox News. 2009-05-07. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,519392,00.html. Retrieved 2009-05-07. 
  22. ^ Drew Peterson Engaged
  23. ^ "Drew Peterson's Fiancee Moves Out After Father Issues Ultimatum - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News". FOXNews.com. 2009-01-30. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,485905,00.html. Retrieved 2010-06-06. 
  24. ^ "Woman calls her engagement to Drew Peterson a media stunt - CNN.com". CNN. 2009-02-02. http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/02/02/drew.peterson.breakup/index.html. Retrieved 2010-05-01. 
  25. ^ Missing Mom Stacy Peterson's Family Wants Husband, Drew, to Take Lie Detector Test FoxNews.com. 30 November 2007.
  26. ^ Police say claim of Peterson sighting by trucker unfounded. Northwest Herald. 7 December 2007.
  27. ^ Peterson case: Trucker lied. UPI.com. 7 December 2007.
  28. ^ Relative linked to Stacy Peterson case. UPI.com. 28 November 2007.
  29. ^ Peterson's Missing Blue Containers Dec. 13, 2007
  30. ^ May 8, 2009 12:40 AM (2009-05-08). "Peterson arrested on murder charges". Chicago Breaking News. http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/05/peterson-reported-arrested.html. Retrieved 2010-06-06. 
  31. ^ "Drew Peterson Charged With Murdering Third Wife, Held on $20M Bond - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News". FOXNews.com. 2009-05-07. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,519392,00.html. Retrieved 2010-06-06. 
  32. ^ Spak, Kara (2009-10-27). "Drew Peterson suing JP Morgan Chase :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES ::". Suntimes.com. http://www.suntimes.com/news/peterson/1848923,drew-peterson-lawsuit-chase-102709.article. Retrieved 2010-06-06. 
  33. ^ "Drew Peterson Jail Stay Extended by Judge". National Ledger. July 9, 2010. http://www.nationalledger.com/ledgerdc/article_272633142.shtml. Retrieved July 11, 2010. 
  34. ^ Setback for Peterson Prosecution. UPI.com.retrieved 7/21/2010
  35. ^ CNN. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0804/11/lkl.01.html. Retrieved 2010-05-01. 
  36. ^ Associated Press 11:20 a.m. CDT, June 5, 2010. "Police investigate lead on Peterson's 4th wife". chicagotribune.com. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-drewpeterson,0,7065419.story. Retrieved 2010-06-06. 
  37. ^ "Cruise Bruise Blog June 5, 2009". Cruisebruise.com. http://www.cruisebruise.com/Blog/2009/June_2009/June_5_2009.html. Retrieved 2010-06-06. 
  38. ^ Andrew Stern (Jul 14, 2011 5:24 PM). "Drew Peterson demands halt to TV movie on murder case". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/14/film-drewpeterson-idUSN1E76D1L920110714. 

External links

Portal icon Chicago portal
Portal icon Illinois portal
Portal icon Biography portal

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Drew — is the past tense of draw, and both a surname and a given name, possibly as a shortened form of Andrew. It may refer to: Contents 1 Places 1.1 United States 1.2 …   Wikipedia

  • Drew Brees — Brees at the Saints Super Bowl Champions Parade. No. 9     New Orleans Saints Quarterback …   Wikipedia

  • Drew Gooden — No. 0   Milwaukee Bucks Power forward/center Personal information Date of birth …   Wikipedia

  • Drew Carter — No. 18      Wide receiver Personal information Date of birth: September 5, 1981 (1981 09 05) (age 30) Place of birth: Solon, Ohio …   Wikipedia

  • Drew Hall — Pitcher Born: March 27, 1963 (1963 03 27) (age 48) Louisville, Kentucky Batted: Left Threw: Left  …   Wikipedia

  • Peterson (name) — Family name name = Peterson imagesize= caption= pronunciation = PE ter son meaning = son of Peter region = origin = Biblical related names = Petersen footnotes = Peterson is a common English language patronymic surname, meaning son of Peter .… …   Wikipedia

  • Peterson Rosa — Peterson Rosa …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Oscar Peterson — For the United States Navy sailor and Medal of Honor recipient, see Oscar V. Peterson. Oscar Emmanuel Peterson Background information Birth name Oscar Emmanuel Peterson …   Wikipedia

  • Martin Drew — at the Appleby Jazz Festival Martin Drew (11 February 1944 – 29 July 2010)[1] was an English jazz drummer,[1] who played with Ronnie Scott ( …   Wikipedia

  • David Peterson — For other people named David Peterson, see David Peterson (disambiguation). The Honourable David Robert Peterson PC OOnt LLB BA …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”