In 2007, the mysterious disappearance of Stacy Ann Cales Peterson from Bolingbrook, Illinois, sparked widespread concern and suspicion, primarily focusing on her husband, Drew Peterson. As the investigation unfolded, it was impossible not to draw attention to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Drew’s third wife, Kathleen Savio, whose passing in 2004 was initially deemed an accident but later classified as a homicide. A Hulu documentary titled “Drew Peterson: An American Murder Mystery” delves into the complexities of this case, presenting the evidence that ultimately connected Drew to Kathleen’s murder and scrutinizing his troubling history.
Drew Peterson, born on January 5, 1954, served a lengthy career in law enforcement with the Bolingbrook Police Department, having joined in 1977. Peterson’s tumultuous personal life included three marriages marked by allegations of infidelity and abuse. His second marriage to Victoria “Vicki” Connolly witnessed significant conflict, leading to their divorce in 1992 after her discovery of his affair with Kathleen Savio. After marrying Kathleen in 1992 and becoming involved in numerous domestic incidents, their relationship ended in a messy divorce finalized just days before he wed the much younger Stacy on October 18, 2003.
Stacy disappeared on October 28, 2007, with Drew claiming she left him for another man. However, her family’s skepticism about his claims only heightened suspicion. As leads dwindled in Stacy’s case, investigators reopened the inquiry into Kathleen Savio’s death, leading to a second autopsy that revealed the death was indeed a homicide staged to resemble an accident. Drew Peterson’s trial for Kathleen Savio’s murder concluded in 2012, resulting in a conviction based on circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies. He was sentenced to 38 years in prison.
Drew Peterson’s legal troubles did not end with his murder conviction. He’s faced multiple issues during his imprisonment, including an assault by a fellow inmate and new charges in 2015 related to a murder-for-hire plot against Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow, resulting in an additional 40 years added to his sentence. Currently, at the age of 71, he is serving his sentences at an undisclosed location for security reasons.
This increasingly complex case continues to draw public interest as new developments arise, and the recent media coverage, including the documentary, showcases the tragic narratives of both women whose lives were irreversibly altered by their association with Drew Peterson. With the ongoing legal battles and appeals, the story remains a focal point for discussions around domestic violence, the welfare of the victims, and the legal system.