Drew Peterson is a former Bolingbrook, Illinois policeman who was arrested on May 7, 2009 and charged with the 2004 murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. Savio was found drowned in her bathtub. Peterson is also a suspect in the disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, who was declared a missing person in October 2007.UPI: Drew Peterson and his Many Wives May 8, 2009)
On May 27, 2009, Peterson called in live from jail to the Mancow & Cassidy show on WLS radio in Chicago. In the call, Peterson made a series of controversial and self-effacing remarks, including a suggestion for a "Win a Conjugal Visit with Drew" contest.FOX News: Drew Peterson Calls Radio Show From Jail, Suggests 'Win a Conjugal Visit With Drew' Contest (May 27, 2009)
Not Guilty Plea
On May 18, 2009, Peterson pleaded not guilty to the murder of Savio. Peterson remained in jail on a $20 million bond.CNN: Drew Peterson pleads not guilty to 3rd wife's murder (May 18, 2009)
Fifth Marriage
In December 2008, it was announced that 54-year-old Peterson was engaged to 23-year-old Christina Raines.ChicagoTribune.com: Drew Peterson Engaged:... (December 17, 2008) Peterson appeared on Nightline in January 2009, describing his past four marriages and saying that he would marry Raines. The next day, Raines moved out of Peterson's house and claimed the engagement was a publicity stunt.Chicago Tribune: Peterson girlfriend packs up, walks outm(January 31, 2009) On February 11, 2009, it was reported that Raines moved back into Peterson's home.Chicago Tribune: Drew Peterson and his Alleged Fiance Living Together... (February 11, 2009)
Gun Charges
On May 21, 2008, an arrest warrant was issued for Peterson by authorities in Will County, Illinois. The weapons-related charges against Peterson stem from a rifle recovered during a November 1, 2007 search of his home.
Prosecutors said the barrel of the rifle, a Colt model Sporter Lightweight, 223 Remington, was found to be shorter than the law allows. Peterson carried the weapon as a member of the Bolingbrook SWAT team.
Friends are Wired
On July 23, 2008, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that two of Peterson's close friends cooperated with State Police and both wore wires, recording their conversations with Peterson for seven months. Len Wawczak and his wife, Paula Stark, knew Drew Peterson for 16 years, but became suspicious about their missing friend Stacy Peterson. According to the recordings, Wawczak said that Peterson "wasn't worried about them finding Stacy's remains down the road because he figured by that time he would have been tried and acquitted." In the recordings, Peterson allegedly mocked investigators, calling them "idiots," and calling his third wife "a bitch."Chicago Sun-Times: Drew's Pals Wore Wire (July 24, 2008)
Assisted Disposal
In March 2009, Peterson's step-brother Thomas Morphey told police investigators that he fears he may have helped Peterson dispose of his wife Stacy's body. Morphey said that during a 2007 conversation Peterson expressed his anger at having discovered his wife was seeing another man. The next day Peterson enlisted Morphey's help moving a blue barrel that Morphey now believes contained the body of Stacy Peterson. Morphey was granted immunity and is cooperating with police.Fox News: Stepbrother Says He Thinks... (March 10, 2009)
Moonlite BunnyRanch
In May 2009, Peterson was rumored to be offered a role as an employee of the Reno-area brothel Moonlite BunnyRanch on the HBO adult series, Cathouse. Peterson's publicist claimed that the ex-cop was considering taking the role.Fox12Idaho.com: Suspect ex-cop offered gig on 'Cathouse' TV show (May 6, 2009)
Cathouse
After word about his arrest surfaced, HBO denied they ever wanted Peterson to appear on their brothel show and claimed the rumor was started by Peterson's publicist.Reality TV World: Drew Peterson Not Welcome on Cathouse (May 7, 2009)
Murder Contract?
On May 22, 2009, prosecutors announced that Drew Peterson had offered someone $25,000 to kill his third wife, Kathleen Savio, in 2003. Peterson is currently charged with the suspicious drowning death of Savio and is a suspect in the disappearance of his fourth wife Stacy Peterson.USA Today: Prosecutors: Peterson tried to put hit on 3rd wife (May 22, 2009)
