Drew Peterson: The Cop Whose Third Wife Drowned During Divorce and Fourth Wife Vanished
A police sergeant's third wife died during their divorce — his fourth wife disappeared after telling friends she feared she was next
Key Facts
What Happened
Drew Peterson was a police sergeant in Bolingbrook, Illinois, who married four times. His third wife, Kathleen Savio, filed for divorce in 2002 after discovering Drew was having an affair with a 17-year-old girl named Stacy Cales — who would become his fourth wife. During the contentious divorce proceedings, Kathleen told family, friends, and her attorney that she feared Drew would kill her. In a letter to the state's attorney, she wrote: 'He wants me dead, and if he has to, he will burn the house down just to乃 shut me up.'
On March 1, 2004, Kathleen Savio was found dead in her dry, clean bathtub with a gash on the back of her head. Despite the suspicious circumstances — she was in the middle of a divorce and had repeatedly reported threats — the death was initially ruled an accidental drowning. Drew, a 30-year police veteran, collected on her $1 million life insurance policy. He married Stacy Cales (now Stacy Peterson) just weeks later. Stacy was 19 years old; Drew was 49.
On October 28, 2007, Stacy Peterson, then 23, disappeared. Drew claimed she had run off with another man. But Stacy had told friends, family, and her pastor that she knew Drew had killed Kathleen and feared she would be next. Her disappearance triggered a reinvestigation of Kathleen's death. Kathleen's body was exhumed, and a second autopsy ruled her death a homicide. Stacy's body has never been found.
In 2012, Drew Peterson was convicted of the first-degree murder of Kathleen Savio and sentenced to 38 years in prison. The conviction was made possible by 'Drew's Law' — a 2008 Illinois statute that allows hearsay statements from unavailable witnesses when prosecutors can show the witness was killed to prevent their testimony. In 2016, Peterson received an additional 40 years after being convicted of solicitation of murder for hire — he had attempted to have the prosecutor assassinated from prison. He is currently serving his sentence and will not be eligible for release.
Legal Breakdown: Safety Planning
When Your Abuser Is a Police Officer
Drew Peterson used his position as a police sergeant to intimidate witnesses, influence investigations, and evade accountability for years. Kathleen Savio's death was initially ruled accidental despite overwhelming red flags — in part because investigators were reluctant to aggressively pursue a fellow officer. If your abuser is in law enforcement, report to an outside agency (state police, FBI, or a DV organization) rather than local police. The National DV Hotline can help you develop a safety plan specific to law enforcement abusers.
Divorce Proceedings as a Danger Zone
Kathleen Savio was killed during active divorce proceedings. Research consistently shows that the most dangerous time for a DV victim is when they are leaving or have recently left the relationship. Filing for divorce, moving out, or obtaining a restraining order can trigger lethal violence. Safety planning before, during, and after divorce is not optional — it is potentially life-saving.
Tell Someone: The Statements That Convicted Him
Drew Peterson was ultimately convicted because Kathleen and Stacy both told multiple people — friends, family, clergy, attorneys — that they feared Drew would kill them. These hearsay statements, admitted under Drew's Law, became the foundation of the prosecution's case. If you fear for your safety during divorce, tell as many trusted people as possible. Write it down. Send emails. Leave voicemails. These records can speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →If you fear your spouse during divorce proceedings, tell multiple trusted people — friends, family, clergy, your attorney. Document your fears in writing (emails, letters, voicemails).
- →The most dangerous time in an abusive relationship is when you are leaving. Create a detailed safety plan before filing for divorce or moving out.
- →If your abuser is in law enforcement, contact outside agencies for help: state police, FBI, or the National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233). Local police may not be able to help objectively.
- →If a death during divorce is ruled 'accidental' but feels suspicious, families have the right to request independent investigations and second autopsies.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.