Although testing would later confirm that Kathleen had some alcohol in her system, it was nowhere near the stagger and face-plant level. This week Sandy and I tackle a cold case from 2007 of Missing Mom Stacy Peterson who went missing from the home she shared with her abusive husband, former police officer Drew Peterson, who was later convicted of murdering his third wife, Kathleen. In Michael Peterson's murder trial, the prosecution's case focussed on money - or the couple's lack of it - as a motive. Author, freelance writer and self-employed recruiter. Follow More from Medium andrew costa in Human Parts Today I. Kathleen was always an accomplished student, engineer, volunteer and leader. Time for a tome. I provide empathic and compassionate care in a safe space for individuals to explore . A Forensic Files Murder That Went on a Binge(A Novel Idea, Forensic Files), Note: You can listen to this post as a podcast. August 8, 2008 What? Inside Kathleen Petersons Mysterious Death And The True Story Behind The Staircase. At 2:30am, Michael Peterson called 911. I walked away with less of an opinion of what happened than when I went into it, Sophie Turner, who plays Ratliffs daughter Margaret, told ABC, with Firth echoing her sentiment. Ever since Kathleen Peterson was found at the bottom of a staircase in 2001, her mysterious death has been the subject of much media attention. He developed a relationship with Sophie Brunet, the editor of the documentary filming his case. Upon seizing Michael's computer, investigators found as many as 2000 images of naked men, along with email exchanges between Michael and a male escort, via NBC News. Other online correspondence allegedly proved he was trying to hook up with men on the side, including a chipper prostitute called Brad. He told the operator she was still breathing. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. A novelist couldnt have written Petersons story any better, full of outrageous twists as it is. She graduated first in her class. Michael's sons, Clayton and Todd Peterson, were also in severe debt. One thing that absolutely wasn't mentioned in The Staircase is that Michael Peterson didn't remain single for all the years following his wife Kathleen's death. Early on in The Staircase, a 13-part docu-series originally produced in 2004 in France that both confuses, confuddles, frustrates and leaves us longing for more, we learn that Kathleens apparent tumble down a flight of stairs looked a lot more like a murder then a fall. In the first 911 call, Michael Peterson frantically tells the operator that Kathleen is "still breathing" and urges them to hurry. Totally compatible with one another.". Call-guy talks. But the autopsy also revealed she sustained several lacerations on her head as a result of beating and died from blood loss hours after she fell. The house was listed at $1.175 million, but reduced to $975,000 in 2003. As one of their friends told CBS News in 2003, "They had all the appearances and trappings of happiness. The documentary director told Metro that he began filming Peterson in February 2002 and didn't wrap until 2018. Where is Morgan from the Murdaugh Murders now? Peterson, then 58, was a successful writer; Kathleen, then 48, a telecommunications executive. You can read more in depth information about the owl theory here. According to the BBC's Beyond Reasonable Doubt podcast, which also investigates the crime, Kathleen was a big earner making a six-figure salary. Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. The couple renovated and resold the house to a New York psychic medium by the name of Biond Fury for $1.3 million in 2008. If Michael received any money for the literary effort, it would have to go toward a $25 million award Caitlin Atwater won against him, he said. Toxicology showed a blood alcohol content of 0.07 percent, just under the legal limit, and blood concentration of Valium consistent with a therapeutic dose. Nonetheless, in the end, there was just too much evidence against Michael Peterson. Kathleen and Fred married in 1977 and had a daughter, Caitlin, but they divorced after she discovered his affair. Michael Peterson echoed these fears in an email to a family friend six days before Kathleen's death. But what's the real story behind The Staircase? Kathleen Peterson. his wifes accidental fall down the stairs, used for the construction of the original. The thing about The Staircase is that, although it centres around the death of Kathleen Peterson, there's actually very little focus on Kathleen herself throughout the 13-part Netflix documentary. The couple lived together for a time after his release, he said. But public interest in the case didnt really explode until the following year, when Netflix expanded and updated a documentary by French director Jean-Xavier de Lestrade to create a 13-part bingefest called The Staircase. In November 2004, Scott was convicted of the first-degree murder of Laci Peterson and second-degree murder of their unborn baby Connor Peterson. Meanwhile, Michael has two sonsTodd and Clayton Petersonfrom his first marriage. And as if the trial needed more sordidness, Brad the hooker was called to the stand, where he congenially answered the prosecutors questions about his services. And as CNN reported, Kathleen apparently had a $1.8 million life insurance policy, and prosecutors argued that Michael might have killed his wife for financial gain. Within this hair, microscopic feathers were found along with wood splinters and cedar needles. Sociological errands. Michael also adopted Margaret and Martha Ratliff, the daughters of his late friend, Elizabeth Ratliff, whose death would later come to play a part in his trial. Not inebriated. Then, yet another bombshell came up. According to Bustle, Peterson's son Clayton now lives in Maryland with his two children. When Kathleen went inside to bed, he reportedly stayed outside to smoke his pipe. However, Michael Peterson himself didnt return home after his release. However, as Snell told jurors, "the seven wounds he observed while watching other forensic pathologists perform the autopsy were a major reason he changed his initial finding of 'accident' to homicide from a beating.". View Kathleen Peterson results including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. In April 2019, an extensive News & Observer story by Andrew Carter reported that Michael had written an e-book titled Behind the Staircase to exonerate himself, with any profits going toward charity. We find doubt uncomfortable., Jones isnt satisfied with that. Self-professed psychic Irene Lalagos testified Thursday that Stacy Peterson feared her police sergeant husband would carry out a murderous threat if she ended their . Not one.. Her life insurance would have ensured Peterson would be able to maintain his public persona. The Cedar Street colonial was purchased by a local couple, one of whom was Jason Balius, a former co-owner of the Mad Hatter Bakeshop in Durham, for $640,000 in 2004, per WRAL News. Michael Peterson and David Rudolf in court in 2017. But Kathleen had life insurance worth $1.2 million to $1.8 million, with Michael as the beneficiary. Colin Firth plays her husband, Michael Peterson, the man who was accused of her murder. So, what do fans of The Staircase have to say about all of this? Also known as Cathleen Peterson, Cathy Peterson, Kathy M Peterson. Before Michael met Kathleen in 1986, he was living in Germany with his first wife, Patricia Sue, and their two sons. Kathleen Peterson had been drinking some, and her flimsy sandals were nearby - the scene looked to be the outcome of a tragic accident. Here's what you need to know about Kathleen Peterson's death, Michael Peterson's trial, and what's happened in the two decades since the case first hit the news. "It would be a huge relief off my [shoulders] because I am worried sick about them," Michael's email read. NetflixKathleen Peterson and Michael Peterson in an undated photograph. At the time of her death, she was a vice president at Nortel Networks at the companys Research Triangle Park offices. Now her grave is a destination. Kathleen might have fallen down the stairs while struggling to extricate herself from the bird of preys talons, they opined. Currently, Redfin estimates the home is worth just north of $2.3 million, whereas Zillow assesses the home at $3.3 million. By Wilson Wong. Michael Peterson was a writer, and many said he has the kind of ego which craves the spotlight. Michael hadnt generated any income in two years, and Kathleen was the mainstay. Whats more, the raptors are known to dive-bomb humans when they feel threatened, almost always targeting the head.. Michael Ivor Peterson graduated from Duke University, where he was editor of the school newspaper, then joined the Marines and earned silver and bronze stars for service in Vietnam. Although Michael Peterson reported Kathleen's death as an accident to the 911 dispatcher, when paramedics and police officers arrived at the Petersons' home, they were . "This is one of the incredible things that happened during those 15 years. Also in 2019, Michael Peterson made a two-part appearance on Dr. Phil. But there was no 9,429-square-foot palatial home with a redwood-paneled authors study for Michael to return to. The fact that people even want to believe that is maddening. Whats more, she said, the feathers on Kathleen were likely from a pillow. Kathleen Peterson and her then husband Fred Atwater, a physicist, welcomed Caitlin on April 27 1982. It was her initiation as Healer and Guide into the Lineage of King Salomon that amplified Kathleen's natural ability to flow this Light and love energy. She also served the position of philanthropist. It had cobwebs on it but no blood, which appeared to snuff out the prosecutions theory that the implement acted as the murder weapon. And the long, narrow marks found on her scalp appeared to be consistent with those of an owls talons. She was lying in a dried pool of her own blood. She was a successful student and was the first woman admitted to Duke Universitys School of Engineering in 1967, where she earned her bachelors and masters degrees and met her first husband, physicist Fred Atwater. In 2018, Fury launched a GoFundMe campaign to help him pay for his own repairs, only to later list the home at a price of $1.9 million in 2020. 82 0 obj
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Balius paid $640,000 for the house in 2004 and did renovations before placing it back on the market in 2007. It was in 1986 that Kathleen first met novelist Michael Peterson. He lost the election. CNN reported that Young testified during the trial, revealing the Petersons had been spending $100,000 a year more than they made for three years before Kathleen Peterson's death. Shortly afterwards, Peterson, then still Kathleen Atwater, moved to Durham, North Carolina, and met Michael Peterson, a local novelist and occasional columnist for The Durham Herald-Sun who had served in Vietnam with the Marines. That description would fit with writer Aphrodite Jones' revelation in her book on the case, A Perfect Husband, that Michael Peterson had a book deal ready and raring to go after the trial - if he was found not guilty. The man who claims he's a psychic and goes by the name Biond Fury has reportedly purchased the Durham home that sadly served as the murder site for Nortel executive Kathleen Peterson. The defendant had hired criminal defense attorney David Rudolf two days prior, following extensive searches and seizures taking place at his home. She was the first woman accepted into Duke Universitys school of engineering. You can see the back of the property from the Kent Street side, which has barbed wire above the gate and No Trespassing signs. Although I tend to agree with the prosecution that Michael Peterson is responsible for Kathleen Petersons and Liz Ratliffs deaths, its still sweet to see the loyalty of his children and their willingness to accept him as he is. Despite the fact Michael was the one to call 911 the night Kathleen allegedly fell down the stairs, Michael soon . Located in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Durham, the house boasts a patio with an outdoor fireplace, a library, a game room, five bedrooms, and five-and-a-half bathrooms, not to mention the pool where Michael claimed to be during what he alleged was his wifes accidental fall down the stairs. The front of the house at 1810 Cedar St. is visible from the street, but the entire 3.4-acre property is gated. 9 comments 45% Upvoted Sort by: best level 1 He told police she may have fallen after mixing alcohol and Valium but was unsure because he was outside when she fell. Forensic expert Henry Lee gave a live in-court splatter demonstration to refute some of the blood evidence against Michael. The defense, led by David Rudolf the same lawyer who represented NFL player Rae Carruth in his murder trial had some impressive courtroom drama to offer, too. The Staircase. The man who claims hes a psychic and goes by the name Biond Fury has reportedly purchased the Durham home that sadly served as the murder site for Nortel executive Kathleen Peterson. Marked man. While Michael was a novelist and newspaper columnist of varying success, Kathleen was an executive at communications firm Nortel, earning around $150,000 per year, via NBC News. Red neurons were present in her brain when the autopsy was done. Others theorize that one of Michael Petersons sons may have killed her out of jealousy or that a tree branch may have been the actual murder weapon. A death in the home apparently isnt a buyer beware for everyone. In 1992, they bought a 14-room mansion on three acres in the Forest Hills neighborhood. Michael Peterson was so worried, in fact, he emailed his first wife Patty eleven days before Kathleen's death to ask her to take a $30,000 home equity loan to help their sons out because he was unable to do so. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. By all reports, Michael and Kathleen enjoyed a close, happy marriage and were sought-after guests on the local social scene. Homicide detectives were called to the Peterson residence. Peterson is now serving a life term. Here are some of the random interesting facts we know about the house at 1810 Cedar St.. The house is currently owned by clairvoyant and medium Biond Fury, who paid $1.3 million for it in 2008. Gates bought the house in June 1989. endstream
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The couple threw dinner parties for dozens of friends at their spread, which included a swimming pool with decorative fountains. Prosecutors would later contend that Kathleen stumbled upon the trove of photos and messages while using Michaels computer she had left her own machine at work that day. The prosecution put forth several possible motives for Kathleen's murder. The couple combined their families into one household in the 5-bedroom 5-bath abode in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Durham. And the happy hustler was off the table too the seizure of Petersons computer messages was ruled unlawful, so Brad couldnt testify again. So what were really looking at here is someone who allowed his wife to bleed out on the floor for hours before he called 911.. However, when he called back minutes later, he claimed that she was no longer breathing. Woman killed in double shooting on Durham highway, Chatham County housing authority director arrested, accused of $200,000+ in wire fraud, Alligator living at Walmart in NC stirs debate, as many demand it be allowed to stay. The authorities exhumed Liz Ratliffs body in 2003 and discovered multiple scalp lacerations, similar to those found on Kathleen Peterson. Margaret, Martha, Todd, and Clayton also believe the justice system failed their father. And they claim because a fountain was on in the pool that he [while sitting outside, as he claimed] wouldnt hear it? Menu Log In Sign Up The NBC series most recently broadcast an update of Down the Back Staircase in 2017. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. However, despite the houses dark history, it remains occupied. &"|)Y*>aB\#x@ }793K{&Doep GT@E! Photo of Kathleen and Caitlyn, from the Indyweek article linked below. Convicted murderer and former police officer Drew Peterson was sentenced to 38 years in prison back in 2012 in connection to the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. She enrolled in Franklin & Marshall College and began taking Latin classes after finishing her basic studies. Michael and Kathleen married in 1997. In 2003, Peterson was convicted of Kathleens murder and sentenced to life without parole. Fury is the second post-Peterson owner. The actors in the new Staircase seem content to accept the cases ambiguities. Per ABC News, Michael reported watching America's Sweethearts earlier that evening with his wife, then drinking some wine and sitting by the pool. The other theory about Kathleen Peterson's death, Harry and Meghan 'evicted' from Frogmore Cottage. The property was used as the Commanders home and was featured prominently. Then, learn about Susan Powell, who warned her family her death might not be an accident. Email trail. Over the years, there had been some tense moments over money and Michaels mayoral election bid, and the two frequently fought and made up. Though one of their sons was at the scene before police, and the tree branch would have been easy to dispose of and could explain the needles and feathers, many of these and other theories do not have enough evidence to hold up to scrutiny. All was calm until the evening of Dec. 9, 2001, when Kathleen died. On December 9, 2001, Michael Peterson found his wife, Kathleen Peterson, dead at the bottom of the back staircase in the 11,000-square-foot mansion that they shared with their children in Durham, North Carolina. Although skeptical, the TV psychologist gave Michael a chance to defend himself. Cosmopolitan, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network. But Michael hit a rough patch when he decided to run for mayor of Durham. According to Esquire, the couple moved in together three years later. 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