Drew Peterson is a former Illinois police sergeant whose career and personal life unraveled amid a series of high-profile deaths. His first two wives became central figures in a story that captivated national media and raised questions about accountability.
The circumstances surrounding the women linked to Drew Peterson shaped legal battles, public perception, and enduring controversy. Understanding what happened to them requires examining both the official narrative and lingering doubts.
| Name | Marriage Period | Outcome | Key Public Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheryl Kraft | 1982–1990 | Divorce | No criminal charges; settled privately |
| Victoria Hill | 2002–2003 | Death by apparent suicide | Controversy over circumstances and timing |
| Stacy Peterson | 2003–2007 | Disappeared, convicted homicide | Husband convicted of her murder in 2012 |
| Kathleen Savio | 1993–2002 | Death ruled accidental, later homicide | Overturned homicide conviction secured in 2012 |
Background of Drew Peterson’s Personal Life
Before his high-profile murder trials, Drew Peterson built a reputation as a decorated law enforcement officer. His marriages during this period drew less scrutiny initially, but they later became focal points in investigations.
Each relationship ended under difficult circumstances, and the progression from seemingly normal unions to tragic outcomes drew national attention. The pattern linking these women became a central issue in courtrooms.
Marriage and Death of Kathleen Savio
Investigation and Legal Reversal
Kathleen Savio was found dead in her bathtub in 2004, ruled an accident. Doubts persisted, and in 2012, a county judge overturned the ruling to homicide after reinvestigation.
Impact on Drew Peterson Case
The reclassification strengthened the prosecution’s argument that Peterson had a history of domestic violence, influencing jury perception in later trials.
Disappearance and Conviction for Stacy Peterson
Events Leading to Disappearance
Stacy Peterson vanished in 2007, shortly after threatening to reveal damaging information about her husband. Law enforcement treated her disappearance as a criminal case.
Trial and Verdict
Drew Peterson was convicted in 2012 for her murder, based on circumstantial evidence, witness testimony, and his behavior following her disappearance.
Victoria Hill Death and Sheryl Kraft Divorce
Victoria Hill’s Death
Hill, his second wife, died by apparent suicide in 2003. The incident occurred under stressful personal circumstances and added to suspicions about Peterson’s relationships.
Sheryl Kraft Divorce
His first marriage ended in divorce with no criminal charges. The transition was relatively quiet compared to later events involving other partners.
Key Takeaways and Patterns
- All of Drew Peterson’s marriages ended under public or legal scrutiny.
- Later relationships involved allegations and evidence of domestic violence.
- Three of the four women died or disappeared under controversial circumstances.
- Legal outcomes shifted significantly after reinvestigations and trials.
- The cases influenced homicide convictions and shaped the public image of Drew Peterson.
Lasting Impact on Public and Legal Understanding
The experiences of Drew Peterson’s wives and their outcomes reshaped discussions about domestic abuse, law enforcement accountability, and judicial reform.
These cases continue to inform how authorities review historical death and disappearance reports linked to high-profile suspects.
FAQ
Reader questions
What happened to Drew Peterson's first two wives legally?
Both divorced Peterson without criminal charges; no prosecutions resulted from their marital periods.
How did Drew Peterson's second wife die?
Victoria Hill died by apparent suicide in 2003, amid personal turmoil and ongoing scrutiny around Peterson.
What was the outcome for Drew Peterson's third wife, Kathleen Savio?
Savio died in 2004; her death was reclassified as a homicide in 2012, supporting evidence used against Peterson.
How did Drew Peterson's fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, disappear?
Stacy Peterson disappeared in 2007, and Peterson was later convicted of her murder based on strong circumstantial evidence.