Crime Library: Criminal Minds and Methods

Drew Peterson: Wife Killer?

Justice for Kathleen

Dr. Larry Blum performed a new autopsy on the exhumed body of Kathleen Savio on November 13, 2007. His results stood in stark contrast to those of the first autopsy, done three years earlier.

Although the full autopsy report is evidence and has not been made public, Dr. Blum said in a statement: "Compelling evidence exists to support the conclusions that the cause of death ... was drowning and further, that the manner of death was homicide."

Three days later, nationally renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, acting on behalf of the Savio family without charging for his services, performed a third autopsy on Kathleen Savio. His conclusions reinforced those of Dr. Blum.

"I don't think there's any possibility this was an accident, and I don't think there's any indication this was suicide," Dr. Baden told Fox's Greta Van Susteren. "It's my opinion, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, that it's a homicide."

Drew Peterson
Drew Peterson
On May 7, 2009, a special Will County grand jury, which had spent 18 months investigating the cases of Kathleen Savio and Stacy Peterson, handed down an indictment charging Drew Peterson with the first-degree murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. The grand jury did not hand down an indictment in connection with Stacy Peterson's disappearance.

State troopers arrested Peterson that same day during a car stop a few blocks from his house. He was driving Stacy's Pontiac Grand Prix.

While headed to court the day after his arrest, Drew continued mugging for the cameras, as he has done almost since the day Stacy Peterson disappeared. While being led into court in a red prison jumpsuit and chains, Peterson joked about his attire with reporters.

"Look at this bling," he said, holding up his handcuffs. "Look at this nice, spiffy outfit. Three squares a day."

On May 18, 2009, Drew Peterson pleaded not guilty to murdering Kathleen Savio. He remains in jail with his bail set at $20 million.

Stacy Peterson remains missing.

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