Drew Peterson Jury Selection Begins, Finally Goes on Trial for the Death of his Third Wife Kathleen Savio

Finally, will there be Justice for Kathleen …

It has been three years in the making, but finally the delays are over and the jury selection begins today for the Drew Peterson murder trial in the death of his third wife Kathleen Savio.  Drew Peterson, the former Bolingbrook police officer, was arrested in 2009 and charged with the murder of his third wife  Kathleen Savio after it was initially ruled that she died from an accidental drowning in the bath tub in 2004.

However, it was later changed to a homicide by drowning.  During this trial, jurors will hear testimony from statements from the grave of both Peterson’s third wife, Kathleen Savio, and his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson. Such hearsay is usually barred. However, an appellate court ruled jurors can hear them. Although still missing, Drew Peterson is a suspect in the disappearance of Stacy Peterson.

Jury selection is to begin Monday in Drew Peterson’s long-delayed murder trial, where prosecutors want the former suburban Chicago police officer’s wives — one he’s charged with slaying and another who has disappeared — to effectively testify from their graves through friends and relatives about his threatening to kill them.

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Judge Edward Burmilla Deals Blow to Drew Peterson … Rules that Pastor, Kathleen Savio Divorce Lawyer Can Testify

Murder trial of Drew Peterson’s third wife, Kathleen Savio.

Former Bolingbrook police sergeant Drew Peterson and his defense attorney  Joel Brodsky were just delt a severe blow by trial judge Edward Burmilla and a victory for the prosecution. The judge ruled that Kathleen Savio’s divorce attorney and the pastor of Peterson’s fourth wife, the missing Stacy Peterson, can be called at the trial by prosecutors.

We are very pleased with the judge’s ruling today with regards to the application of the husband-wife privilege. He ruled that not all actions are communicative, and the ones that are not meant to be communication can be admissible in a trial,” said Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow.

If allowed, Schori is expected to tell a jury that Drew Peterson’s fourth and missing wife, Stacy, told him that she saw the former Bolingbrook cop return home the night his third wife Kathleen Savio was found dead dressed in black and carrying a bag of women’s clothing.

A judge will allow prosecutors to call key witnesses to testify in the Drew Peterson case. The former Bolingbrook police sergeant is preparing to stand trial for the murder of his third wife Kathleen Savio.

Defense attorneys argued the testimony should not be allowed.

The judge says Kathleen Savio’s divorce attorney and the pastor of Peterson’s fourth wife, the missing Stacy Peterson, can be called at the trial.

The judge is allowing the testimony of both key witnesses; however, not without some requirements from prosecutors and more questioning from the judge to the divorce attorney during the trial.

Judge Edward Burmilla ruled on three defense motions Thursday. One is considered a clear victory for prosecutors: Stacy’s Peterson’s pastor will be allowed to testify as long as the state can prove Rev. Neil Schori’s testimony is relevant. Peterson’s attorneys were hoping to get Schori’s statements thrown out based on marital privilege.

Hopefully the family can finally get “Justice for Kathleen Savio”

Drew Peterson is charged with the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. Savio’s body was exhumed and cause of death was listed as homicide. Savio was found dead in her bathtub in 2004. Her death was initially ruled an accidental drowning in the bath tub.   Jury selection is scheduled to begin July 23, 2012 and opening statements will be the following week.