Drew Peterson Evidence In News As Expert Testifies Savio’s Wounds Are Inconsistent With Story

Evidence in the Drew Peterson case that was initially not allowed may now be admitted, the judge in the case has ruled, though a lawyer for Peterson is downplaying the weight of the information.

A pre-trial document submitted about the Drew Peterson evidence initially failed to mention information that the defendant had intended to hire a hit man before the deaths of one of his wives. An apparent oversight on the part of the prosecution, the defense argued that the mistake should stand and that the evidence against Drew Peterson should not be admissible.

Judge Edward Burmila originally agreed that the Drew Peterson evidence should not be admitted, but later relented, saying:

“The issue is not whether he wanted to hire a hit man… The issue is: Did the defendant intend to kill his wife? … This evidence goes to that matter.”

The Drew Peterson evidence pertains to the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio — who an expert testified had injuries inconsistent with her subsequent death.

Savio was found dead in a bathtub in the Peterson home, and pathology professor and state medical examiner Dr. Mary Case testified that the injury sustained by Savio to her head is not the type that would cause her to lose consciousness and drown, and that her injuries were more consistent with the type found in car accidents.

Prior to Savio’s death, the newly admissible Drew Peterson evidence indicates that in 2003, he sought a hitman through then friend Jeff Pachter, who says Peterson offered $25,000 for someone to “take care” of Savio. After her death, Pachter maintains, Peterson called off the favor he requested.

After Savio’s death, Peterson married fourth wife Stacy, who subsequently disappeared and is believed to be dead.