45 Facts About Drew Peterson

Early Life and Background

Drew Peterson's life has been a subject of intense scrutiny. Let's explore some lesser-known facts about his early years and background.

1. Drew Walter Peterson was born on January 5, 1954, in Bolingbrook, Illinois.
2. He graduated from Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, Illinois, in 1972.
3. Peterson joined the U.S. Army after high school, serving for a brief period.
4. He later attended the College of DuPage, where he studied criminal justice.
5. Peterson joined the Bolingbrook Police Department in 1977, marking the start of his law enforcement career.

Marriages and Family Life

Peterson's personal life has been tumultuous, with multiple marriages and controversies. Here are some key facts about his family life.

6. Peterson married his high school sweetheart, Carol Brown, in 1974. They divorced in 1980.
7. His second marriage was to Victoria Connolly in 1982. They divorced in 1992.
8. Peterson's third wife, Kathleen Savio, married him in 1992. She was found dead in 2004.
9. He married his fourth wife, Stacy Ann Cales, in 2003. She disappeared in 2007.
10. Peterson has six children from his four marriages.

Career in Law Enforcement

Peterson's career as a police officer has been both notable and controversial. Here are some facts about his time in law enforcement.

11. Peterson served as a police officer in Bolingbrook, Illinois, for over 30 years.
12. He was promoted to sergeant in 1985.
13. Peterson received several commendations during his career, including for bravery.
14. He was involved in a high-speed chase that resulted in the capture of a suspect in 1987.
15. Peterson was fired from the police force in 2007 following the disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy.

Legal Troubles and Trials

Peterson's legal issues have been widely publicized. Here are some significant facts about his legal battles.

16. Kathleen Savio's death was initially ruled an accidental drowning.
17. After Stacy Peterson's disappearance, Savio's body was exhumed and re-examined.
18. In 2009, Peterson was arrested and charged with the murder of Kathleen Savio.
19. He was convicted of Savio's murder in 2012.
20. Peterson was sentenced to 38 years in prison for Savio's murder.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

Peterson's story has captured the public's attention through extensive media coverage. Here are some facts about how he has been portrayed.

21. The case has been featured on numerous true crime TV shows, including "Dateline NBC" and "48 Hours."
22. A Lifetime movie titled "Drew Peterson: Untouchable" aired in 2012, starring Rob Lowe as Peterson.
23. Peterson has been the subject of several books, including "Fatal Vows: The Tragic Wives of Sergeant Drew Peterson."
24. His case has sparked widespread public interest and debate about domestic violence and police misconduct.
25. Peterson has consistently maintained his innocence regarding Stacy Peterson's disappearance.

Life in Prison

Peterson's life behind bars has also been eventful. Here are some facts about his time in prison.

26. Peterson is currently incarcerated at the Menard Correctional Center in Illinois.
27. In 2016, he was convicted of attempting to hire a hitman to kill the prosecutor who put him behind bars.
28. This conviction added an additional 40 years to his sentence.
29. Peterson has been involved in several altercations with other inmates.
30. He has filed multiple appeals, all of which have been denied.

Impact on Law Enforcement and Legal Reforms

Peterson's case has had a significant impact on law enforcement practices and legal reforms. Here are some key facts.

31. The case led to changes in how police handle missing persons cases, particularly involving spouses.
32. Illinois passed a law allowing hearsay evidence in cases where the defendant may have killed the witness, known as "Drew's Law."
33. The case highlighted the need for better oversight of police officers' personal conduct.
34. It also brought attention to the issue of domestic violence within law enforcement families.
35. Peterson's case has been used in training programs for law enforcement officers to improve investigative techniques.

Public Reactions and Cultural Impact

The public's reaction to Peterson's case has been intense and varied. Here are some facts about its cultural impact.

36. The case has inspired numerous podcasts and documentaries.
37. Public interest in true crime stories surged following the media coverage of Peterson's case.
38. Peterson's case has been discussed in academic circles as a study in criminal justice and media influence.
39. The case has been referenced in popular culture, including TV shows and movies.
40. Public opinion remains divided, with some believing in Peterson's guilt and others questioning the evidence.

Ongoing Developments

Peterson's story continues to evolve, with ongoing developments and new information emerging. Here are some recent facts.

41. In 2021, Peterson's son, Stephen, spoke out publicly, maintaining his father's innocence.
42. New evidence and witness testimonies continue to surface, keeping the case in the public eye.
43. Peterson's legal team continues to seek new trials and appeals.
44. The case remains a topic of discussion in true crime communities and forums.
45. Peterson's story serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of the criminal justice system and the impact of media coverage.

Final Glimpse at Drew Peterson

Drew Peterson's life is a tangled web of intrigue, mystery, and controversy. From his early days as a police officer to his infamous trials, his story has captivated many. His marriages, the mysterious disappearances of his wives, and his eventual conviction paint a picture of a man whose life took dark turns. While some see him as a cold-blooded criminal, others view him as a complex figure caught in a whirlwind of unfortunate events. Regardless of where you stand, there's no denying that Drew Peterson's tale is one for the books. It's a stark reminder of how truth can sometimes be stranger than fiction. As we close this chapter, remember that every story has multiple sides, and the quest for truth is never straightforward. Stay curious, keep questioning, and always seek the facts.