Cop's Home Searched For Missing Wife

**jcapeverde** · 11-07-2007, 08:54 AM

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/02/officers.wife.ap/index.html

BOLINGBROOK, Illinois (AP) -- State police searched the home of a police sergeant from a Chicago suburb whose wife disappeared last month and whose former wife was found dead in her bathtub three years ago.

The warrant was executed Thursday at the home of Drew Peterson, whose wife, Stacy, was reported missing Sunday.

Investigators also searched a pond near the home with the help of a police dive team and cadaver dogs, Illinois State Police said.

Will County state's attorney's office spokesman Charles Pelkie declined to say what, if anything, investigators found.

"No criminal charges have been filed and no one has been taken into custody," Pelkie said Thursday.

Peterson, 53, a sergeant in the Bolingbrook Police Department, has said his 23-year-old wife called him Sunday night and told him she was leaving. He said she has suffered from "mood issues" since a sister died last year and he believes she left him for another man.

Family members said Stacy Peterson failed to show up Sunday to help a relative paint a house. They said she was unhappy and asked for a divorce but would not have left her husband without taking her children, ages 2 and 4.

"I know damn well she wouldn't go without them kids," said her uncle, Gary Cales, 68, of Hemet, California.

The disappearance triggered renewed interest in the 2004 death of Drew Peterson's ex-wife Kathleen Savio, 40. She had obtained an order of protection in 2002, alleging a pattern of physical abuse and threats, according to court records. The coroner said she drowned in her tub and a coroner's jury ruled the death an accident.

Drew Peterson denied having anything to do with his ex-wife's death.

Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow has started reading through old files from the case "in light of recent developments," Pelkie has said. Glasgow, who wasn't in office when Savio died, said earlier this week that "there are some unusual circumstances in the 2004 case."

There was no water in the bathtub when Savio was found, but the coroner did find she had drowned. Investigators theorized that the water must have drained out of the tub. Bolingbrook is about 20 miles west of Chicago.

They know doggone well that cop did it. He shouldn't even be on the force after all these allegations from his 3rd wife's death. Why is it so hard to get an obviously dangerous and unstable individual off the force?

**TAD** · 11-07-2007, 09:33 AM

Becoming an Officer

Some experts say that people become police officers and firefighters because they seek the power and status of the job. Others say that recruits join because they have a desire to help people, but over time they become cynical and corrupted. Both the police and firefighting cultures instill a sense of entitlement to power and authority over the rest of society.

Police training especially is designed to strip the individual's previous identity and "make" a police officer. The police uniform, badge, and gun are universal symbols of power and authority. When the individual puts on the uniform, he assumes the authority that goes with it. He commands and expects obedience and respect from the public.

Donning the uniform and wielding the power of the job contribute to what is known as the "police personality." Some officers leave the police personality on the job, while others carry it everywhere, all the time.
Good versus bad guys

The police personality serves to insulate officers from the rest of society. It fosters an "us versus them" mentality. The cops are the good guys and everyone else is a potential bad guy. There is a constant power struggle between the good and bad guys. Police believe that societal order depends on the good guys winning - at any cost.

When anyone challenges the police, the police defend their right to enforce control and authority. Officers must trust each other to provide assistance and back-up in their struggle to maintain control. They develop strong bonds of loyalty that ensure they will be there for each other. The Brotherhood must be reliable in life and death situations. Cops - and firefighters - stick together.

Code of Silence

When an officer is in trouble on the job or in trouble with his wife or girlfriend at home, he counts on his buddies to cover for him. He gives them a story that explains why he "had to do" whatever he did. They repeat his version of the story and they stick to that version. They put themselves on the line with their fellow officer. That's what the brotherhood is all about.
Simple rules

Whether testifying in court or smoothing things out at home, the rules are simple:

1. Say as little as possible.
2. Answer only the question asked.
3. Don't give details.
4. Deny all accusations.
5. Say "I don't remember", "I didn't see that", or "I don't know."

Police Discretion

When a cop stops someone for a traffic violation or responds to a call about a disturbance, and that person flashes a police or firefighter ID, things usually relax. Responding officers and traffic cops have a great deal of leeway in choosing what laws to enforce, with whom to enforce them, and the manner in which they uphold the law. The symbol of the brotherhood entitles the offender to "professional courtesy." The responding officers usually apologize for the intrusion and any inconvenience, and it's understood that "nothing happened here."
Male Institution

Law enforcement and firefighting have always been male dominated professions. Women were first hired as non-sworn officers in the late 1800's as social workers to deal with problems concerning women and children. They had no police powers and could not wear the police uniform. Only a small percentage of women in either profession have risen to command level.
Discrimination

It is no secret that police departments have problems with racism, homophobia and sexism. While departments seek new recruits from the general population, official rosters rarely reflect the community's demographics. Police and fire departments are mostly white male institutions. Minorities and women still fight for admission into the club, few are at command level, and most report sexual harassment and discrimination.

http://www.abuseofpower.info/Brotherhood.htm

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Chiefs Set Standards

Police and fire chiefs have ultimate authority and responsibility for the conduct of their officers. The chief determines the values and standards of behavior in the department. If you decide to go to the department and report your abuse, your safety greatly depends on the chief's attitude.
He said, she said

Many chiefs and supervisors refuse to admit that officer-involved domestic violence ever happens. When a victim or a victim's advocate informs the chief of a case involving one of his officers, he dismisses it as a "he said, she said". He points out that there is no proof, only the victim's allegations.

Instead of listening to the victim's story, the chief offers his analysis of the situation, which generally goes something like this:
As for the abuser:

"Cops come from the general population. We are only human and make mistakes like everyone else. Everyone has marital spats and family problems. Sometimes the situation just gets out of hand. Cops have a right to a private life. If it doesn't interfere with how he does his job, it's nobody's business. And besides, give the poor guy a break. He's a good cop and he could lose his job over this thing. It's just not fair to him."

And as for the victim:

"From what I know, she's no angel. She needs to behave herself. She won't leave him alone. She won't get off his case. There are two sides to every story, and he may be the real victim here. They're in the middle of a messy divorce and she's holding the job over him. The guy's career is at stake because she's vindictive and wants him fired."

http://www.abuseofpower.info/Standards.htm

**Edith A. Giles** · 05-08-2009, 02:51 PM

It was ONLY a matter of time before this fool would FINALLY get caught!!!!!!!

And don't worry, this links on ME

!!

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1...050809.article

Drew Peterson arrested on murder charges
'I SHOULD HAVE RETURNED THOSE LIBRARY BOOKS...' | Family, neighbors celebrate Peterson's arrest, he tells a joke
Comments

May 7, 2009
BY JOE HOSEY AND DAN ROZEK Staff Reporters

Drew Peterson poked his head out of his second-floor window and barked at reporters Thursday morning: "I promise you, nothing is going to happen today."

But six hours later, as he said goodbye to his 16-year-old son and pulled away from his Bolingbrook home in his missing fourth wife's car, State Police took him down.
Illinois State police Lt. Carl Anderson (left) and another investigator escort Drew Peterson into District 5 State Police headquarters Thursday. Peterson was arrested in the 2004 murder of his third wife Kathleen Savio

Drew Peterson's booking mug after he was arrested Thursday on an indictment charging him with the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, who found dead in an empty bathtub in 2004.

Peterson arrest thrills Kathleen Savio's family HBO: Drew Peterson not welcome on cable show

At the busy intersection of Weber and Lilly Cache roads, he was taken out of the car, put in handcuffs and led to the back of a red police SUV.

Minutes later, as he was marched into the State Police's District 5 headquarters in Lockport, he remained the brash jokester.

"I should have returned those library books -- son of a bitch," Peterson said, shaking his head. He later smirked for his mug shot.

But police and prosecutors were in a solemn mood Thursday night when they announced the 55-year-old former Bolingbrook police sergeant had been indicted by a Will County grand jury in the 2004 bathtub death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio.

The grand jury handed up indictments for two counts of first-degree murder almost 18 months after it began reviewing evidence in the case. Judge Daniel J. Rozak set Peterson's bond at $20million. He'll need to post $2 million in cash to get out.

"This is an extremely grave and serious matter, which I think is reflected in the bond," State's Attorney James Glasgow said.

Glasgow said he plans to prosecute Peterson using statements Savio made about being threatened by Peterson. Glasgow spearheaded a recent change in state law that allows such hearsay evidence.

Savio's relatives, who have long suspected Peterson, were relieved. "I'm feeling so many different emotions," Melissa Doman, Savio's niece, said. "I'm happy. I'm sad. I'm just overjoyed for my aunt."

There were no charges filed, however, in the October 2007 disappearance of Peterson's fourth wife, Stacy Peterson -- the case that triggered the investigation into Savio's death.

"Eventually, I'm sure there will be charges for Stacy," said Stacy's sister Cassandra Cales.

Glasgow insisted the probe into Stacy's disappearance continues.

Ernie Raines, whose daughter Chrissy had an on-again, off-again relationship with Peterson in recent months, said she called her father in tears Thursday because she thinks Peterson in innocent.

Ernie Raines feels differently.

"I'm dancing with joy," he said. "They got him. And my daughter is out of there, and she ain't going back this time."

Four of Peterson's six children still lived with him. Police called one of Peterson's adult children -- Stephen Peterson, an Oak Brook cop -- to take temporary custody of the minor kids.

Savio, the mother of Thomas Peterson, 16, and Kristopher Peterson, 14, was found dead in a dry bathtub in March 2004. The 40-year-old woman's death was initially ruled accidental, but the case was reopened after Stacy disappeared. Savio's remains were exhumed from a Hillside cemetery in November 2007, and a second autopsy concluded she had been murdered.

Police consider Stacy, who was 23 when she vanished, to be the victim of a "potential homicide" and have named Drew Peterson their sole suspect in the case.

One of Peterson's attorneys, Andrew Abood, said: "Drew has steadfastly maintained his innocence regarding the rumor and innuendo that has circulated regarding the unfortunate death of Kathleen. Although he is disappointed with the decision of the state, he looks forward to the opportunity to once and for all prove his innocence in a court of law."

After Peterson's arrest, the cul-de-sac where he lived exploded into bedlam. Gawkers crammed the street, as did neighbors and his missing wife's friends and family.

Peterson's stepbrother, Thomas Morphey, who says he helped Peterson carry a barrel containing Stacy's body out of the house and into a waiting SUV, was also on the block. He said he was relieved by the arrest.

"Justice is finally served," Morphey said.
Contributing: AP

**Edith A. Giles** · 05-08-2009, 03:41 PM

Hopefully, we'll soon find out what REALLY happened to his 4th wife, Stacy.

**lvdphse** · 05-08-2009, 04:51 PM

[QUOTE=Edith A. Giles;1083839]It was ONLY a matter of time before this fool would FINALLY get caught!!!!!!!

Edith it actually looks like this killer (alleged snicker) was gonna skate. From what I understand they got his ass on a brand new law that basically says you can be charged on "hearsay".

They had enough convincing hearsay (isnt that an oxymoron?) from ex wifes sister and last wife confession to priest to get him.

I think dude is damn guilty but getting cats on hearsay opens a box of worms I dont think we want to go down.

Granted many a guilty have skated due to testimony not being admitted based on hearsay.
But the same has gone for wrongly accused.

Maybe some legal head can break down how this is a good thing but I cant see it. So is hearsay from a preacher more convincing than some average joe on the street? Bad precedent to me and Im sure this is just what his defense will be.

**Edith A. Giles** · 05-18-2009, 02:45 PM

Don't worry, this links on ME!!!!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090518/..._drew_peterson

Drew Peterson pleads not guilty to murdering wife

Mon May 18, 12:08 pm ET

CHICAGO – Former police officer Drew Peterson pleaded not guilty Monday to killing his third wife, whose death was reclassified as a homicide after the suburban officer's fourth wife disappeared.

Peterson, who has been jailed since May 7, was formally arraigned on first-degree murder charges in the 2004 slaying of Kathleen Savio.

A prosecution bid to change the judge in the proceeding stalled a defense plan to seek reduced bail for Peterson.

Peterson is accused of drowning Savio, who was found dead in a dry bathtub in 2004 with a gash on the back of her head. Her death was originally ruled an accident. But after Peterson's fourth wife, Stacy, disappeared in 2007, Savio's body was exhumed, and authorities reclassified her death as a homicide after an autopsy.

Peterson, 55, has denied any involvement in Savio's death or Stacy Peterson's disappearance.

After his plea, prosecutors asked that Judge Richard Schoenstedt be removed from Peterson's case, citing "grounds of prejudice against the state."

In November, Schoenstedt dismissed felony gun charges against Peterson after Will County prosecutors refused to give the defense communications between Illinois State Police and the state's attorney's office. Those documents had led to Peterson's arrest on the gun charges.

The defense challenged the motion, and a hearing on the issue was set for Thursday before another judge.

The prosecution move derailed defense attorney Joel Brodsky's plan to ask that bail be cut from $20 million to less than $500,000.

"Drew has proven he is not a flight risk or danger to the community. Bonds are not supposed to be punitive, but to ensure someone's presence in court," Brodsky said on NBC's "Today."

Outside court after the arraignment, Savio's family said they did not want Peterson released on reduced bail. Savio's father, Henry, said his one wish is "to have this done."

Savio family members said they think money, specifically Peterson's pension, was a motive in the killing.

Peterson's numerous media appearances, where he has gained a reputation for making smart-aleck remarks, could play a big role as prosecutors try to lock him up.

Peterson, of suburban Bolingbrook, has never shied from the media, seeming to relish the spotlight and often joking to reporters. As he was led to his first court appearance this month, he referred to his prison-issued jumpsuit as a "spiffy outfit."

And that, attorneys say, could be one of Peterson's biggest problems.

"If one wife goes missing and (another) wife is dead, those aren't usually the subject of jokes," said Roy Black, a defense attorney whose clients have included Rush Limbaugh and William Kennedy Smith. "People are going to think this is a very bizarre person, who's more likely to have committed murder than someone who is in mourning."

Brodsky has said that joking around is how Peterson deals with stress.

His personality is "unique, but he's honest," the lawyer said Monday.

"He doesn't try to act or change the way he is in order to come across and I think that that will resonate with the jury to show his honesty if, in fact, he does choose to testify," Brodsky said on ABC's "Good Morning America."

Peterson has said he wouldn't behave any other way.

"Would it be better if I hid my head down and tried to hide my face and hunched and had tears in my eyes?" he asked NBC's Matt Lauer during a telephone interview aired Friday on "Today." "I mean, no, that's just not me."