35 Facts About Drew Peterson

Source: Usatoday.com

Who is Drew Peterson? Drew Peterson, a former police sergeant from Illinois, gained notoriety due to his involvement in several high-profile criminal cases. Why is he infamous? Peterson's name hit headlines primarily because of the mysterious disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Ann Cales, in 2007. What happened next? This incident led authorities to re-examine the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, which was initially ruled an accidental drowning. What was the outcome? Peterson was eventually convicted of Savio's murder in 2012 and later faced additional charges for attempting to hire a hitman to kill the prosecutor in his case. Why should you care? His story is a chilling reminder of how complex and dark human nature can be, even among those sworn to protect and serve.

Key Takeaways:

Drew Peterson, a former police officer, was involved in high-profile criminal cases, leading to media coverage and legal battles. His actions continue to impact his family, the victims' families, and the community.
Despite his criminal activities, Drew Peterson had a personal life that included family, hobbies, and a career in law enforcement. His case has sparked debates about domestic violence and the criminal justice system.

Table of Contents

Who is Drew Peterson?

Drew Peterson is a former police sergeant from Bolingbrook, Illinois, who became infamous due to his involvement in several high-profile criminal cases. His life has been a subject of intense media scrutiny, leading to numerous documentaries, books, and even a TV movie. Here are some intriguing facts about Drew Peterson.

Drew Peterson was born on January 5, 1954, in Villa Park, Illinois.
He served as a police officer for over 30 years, primarily in Bolingbrook, Illinois.
Peterson was married four times, with his first marriage ending in divorce in 1980.
His second wife, Victoria Connolly, also divorced him, citing abusive behavior.
Kathleen Savio, his third wife, was found dead in a dry bathtub in 2004. Her death was initially ruled an accidental drowning.
Stacy Ann Cales, his fourth wife, disappeared in 2007. She was 23 years old at the time.

The Investigation and Legal Battles

Drew Peterson's life took a dramatic turn when his third and fourth wives became the center of criminal investigations. These events led to a series of legal battles that captivated the nation.

After Stacy's disappearance, authorities reopened the investigation into Kathleen Savio's death.
In 2008, Kathleen Savio's body was exhumed for a second autopsy, which concluded her death was a homicide.
Peterson was arrested in May 2009 and charged with the murder of Kathleen Savio.
He was convicted of first-degree murder in September 2012 and sentenced to 38 years in prison.
In 2015, Peterson was charged with attempting to hire a hitman to kill James Glasgow, the prosecutor who convicted him.
He received an additional 40-year sentence for the murder-for-hire plot in 2016.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

The media played a significant role in shaping public perception of Drew Peterson. His case was widely covered, making him a household name.

Peterson's case was the subject of a Lifetime TV movie titled "Drew Peterson: Untouchable," starring Rob Lowe.
He has been featured in numerous true crime documentaries and TV shows, including "Dateline NBC" and "48 Hours."
Peterson's behavior during media interviews, often perceived as arrogant and unremorseful, further fueled public outrage.
His case has been discussed in several true crime books, adding to the public's fascination.
The media dubbed him "The Bluebeard of Bolingbrook," referencing the infamous French murderer who killed multiple wives.

Personal Life and Background

Despite his criminal activities, Drew Peterson had a personal life that included family, hobbies, and a career in law enforcement.

Peterson has six children from his four marriages.
He was known for his love of motorcycles and often participated in motorcycle rallies.
Before becoming a police officer, Peterson served in the U.S. Army.
He was a member of the Bolingbrook Police Department's SWAT team.
Peterson received several commendations during his police career, including awards for bravery.

The Aftermath and Continuing Impact

Drew Peterson's actions have had a lasting impact on his family, the victims' families, and the community. His case continues to be a topic of discussion and analysis.

Stacy Peterson's disappearance remains unsolved, and she is presumed dead.
Peterson's children have had to cope with the stigma and trauma associated with their father's actions.
Kathleen Savio's family has been vocal about their quest for justice and closure.
The case led to changes in Illinois law, including the passage of "Drew's Law," which allows hearsay evidence in certain cases.
Peterson's notoriety has made him a subject of study in criminal psychology and law enforcement training.
He has been moved to various prisons for his safety due to his high-profile status.
Peterson's case has sparked debates about domestic violence and the criminal justice system.
His story has inspired fictional characters in TV shows and movies, reflecting his impact on popular culture.

Lesser-Known Facts

While many aspects of Drew Peterson's life are well-documented, some lesser-known facts add more depth to his story.

Peterson once ran a bar called "The Suds Pub" in Romeoville, Illinois.
He was known for his sense of humor, often making jokes even during serious situations.
Peterson had a brief stint as a private investigator after retiring from the police force.
He has maintained his innocence regarding Stacy Peterson's disappearance, despite overwhelming public opinion.
Peterson's case has led to increased awareness and advocacy for missing persons and domestic violence victims.

Final Thoughts on Drew Peterson

Drew Peterson's life is a mix of intrigue, controversy, and tragedy. His story has captivated many due to the mysterious disappearances of his wives and his eventual conviction. The facts surrounding his life paint a picture of a man whose actions have left a lasting impact on those around him. From his career as a police officer to his high-profile trials, Peterson's life serves as a stark reminder of how complex human behavior can be. Understanding these facts helps us grasp the gravity of his actions and the consequences that followed. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast or just curious, the details of Drew Peterson's life offer a compelling narrative that continues to spark interest and debate. Keep these facts in mind as you explore more about this enigmatic figure.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat led to Drew Peterson's fame and subsequent infamy?

Drew Peterson first caught public attention as a police sergeant in Bolingbrook, Illinois. His infamy skyrocketed following the mysterious disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Ann Cales, in 2007. This event, coupled with the later re-examination of the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, which was then ruled a homicide, turned the spotlight onto him, leading to intense media scrutiny and legal battles.

QHow did authorities finally arrest Drew Peterson?

Authorities arrested Peterson in 2009, primarily due to the untiring efforts of Stacy Ann Cales's family and the re-opening of Kathleen Savio's case. His arrest came after a new autopsy on Savio's body indicated her death was a homicide, not an accidental drowning as initially concluded. This evidence, combined with statements from friends, family, and wiretapped conversations, led to his eventual conviction.

QWhat charges was Drew Peterson convicted of?

He was convicted of the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, in 2012. Peterson's conviction was largely based on circumstantial evidence, including hearsay statements allowed under a law passed while investigating his case, famously dubbed "Drew's Law," which permits hearsay evidence in cases where the defendant is suspected of killing a witness to prevent their testimony.

QIs Drew Peterson still in prison?

Yes, as of my last update, Drew Peterson remains incarcerated. He was sentenced to 38 years in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Kathleen Savio. Later, he received an additional sentence after being convicted of attempting to hire a hitman to kill the prosecutor who put him behind bars.

QWere they ever able to find Stacy Ann Cales?

No, Stacy Ann Cales has never been found, and her disappearance remains an open case. Despite extensive searches and investigations, her whereabouts remain a mystery. Peterson has been a prime suspect in her disappearance but has not been charged in connection with it due to a lack of physical evidence.

QHow did Drew Peterson's trial impact legal proceedings in Illinois?

Peterson's trial had a significant impact on legal proceedings in Illinois, notably through the introduction of "Drew's Law." This legislation allows hearsay evidence under specific conditions, aiming to prevent defendants from benefiting from silencing witnesses. His case has sparked discussions on the balance between a defendant's rights and the pursuit of justice, especially in cases involving domestic violence and murder.

QHas Drew Peterson maintained his innocence?

Yes, throughout his trial and subsequent appeals, Drew Peterson has maintained his innocence regarding the murder of Kathleen Savio and the disappearance of Stacy Ann Cales. His defense argued that the hearsay evidence used to convict him was unreliable and that the investigation into Savio's death was flawed. Peterson's attempts at appealing his conviction have, however, been unsuccessful.

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