You'd think this would have been a major point of evidence, but for some reason, up until then it had never been referenced in the docuseries. "They had a real story, which lasted until May 2017. Kathleen Peterson was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in her home in 2001. Caitlin Atwater, Katherines daughter from her first marriage, later switched sides. Kathleen's head injuries are not consistent with her having been beaten by a blunt object or on a stair, as she had no brain injury or swelling, no subdural hematoma, and no skull fracture. A successful career as an executive at the communications firm Nortel followed. Furthermore, Jones said, a substantial amount of damning evidence was never included in the documentary. Two Ukrainian women look back at one year of war, Why you shouldn't go into TikTok's "monk mode", 9 interesting things about Kathleen and Michael Peterson that were left out of 'The Staircase'. 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. Michael Peterson and David Rudolf in court in 2017. Then, she stumbled indoors and, disoriented, fell down the stairs and was knocked unconscious, unable to call for help. A male escort even testified in court that he'd engaged in an email exchange with Michael mere months before Kathleen's death, with the pair planning to meet in person, via CNN. Still, there was no serious drama until Dec. 9, 2001, when Michael Peterson made a desperate 911 call to report his wife had fallen down the stairs but was still breathing. She also served the position of philanthropist. Katheleen Peterson was killed by her husband, Michael Peterson. Michael Peterson while incarcerated at Nash Correctional Institution, 2003. Kathleens company, Nortel, had a mass-firing, and the couple worried she might also lose her job, leaving the pair without a source of income to maintain their lifestyle. They noted that Michael was wearing shorts and a T-shirt. :t M
\o[c@zhR_C-*jBR'FoK
zm1%DVtW?ZN
Ib:Iiw;+ eo=9q(DO5l'\s"dVsN9Q(Ru-tzzv%xVM'`]U
CI%D"-.AGiGA
Cir+A=[m9'l=lZt^:\j'Su.G{0GwO/"Ju)i&3BY PO0y\W{p"n$a,L2x[ 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. Michael Peterson, now 78, moved in with the then Kathleen Atwater in 1989, two years after the break-up of his first marriage. It was determined that Kathleen died because of blood loss 90 minutes to two hours after she received several blows to the back of the head with a blunt object. But there was no 9,429-square-foot palatial home with a redwood-paneled authors study for Michael to return to. Where are Michael & Kathleen Peterson's kids now? We know she was found dead at the bottom of the stairs at her home on 1810, Cedar Street, covered in blood, with seven lacerations to her head. She was a successful student and was the first woman admitted to Duke University's School of Engineering in 1967, where she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees and met her first husband, physicist Fred Atwater. The exterior of the Peterson home in 2017. We've received your submission. And it looked as though someone had tried to clean up blood from the wall near the stairs. However, Michael Peterson was released from prison to serve house arrest in 2011 after a judge found that a witness had misrepresented facts at the trial. This type of plea allows the accused to maintain their innocence while also acknowledging that the prosecution likely has sufficient evidence to convict. Bylines in the Daily Beast, Seattle Times, Classic Rock Magazine, LouderSound. RR, Watch the Forensic Files episode on YouTube, a rogue owl played a role in Kathleens death, NFL player Rae Carruth in his murder trial, The Lindbergh Kidnapping: Forensic Files Lost Episode, Dawn Fehring: A Missionary Dies Too Young, Ron Gillette: An Air Force Man Who Didnt Exactly Aim High. : The Shocking True Story Behind HBO Max's Latest Show. Her husband was the prime suspect. And some believe that Kathleen Peterson died of simple, malicious negligence that Michael chose not to help Kathleen after an accidental fall. Michael said he and Kathleen were relaxing by their pool, and she went inside to work on the computer. Kathleen Peterson. Peterson is now serving a life term. Friends of Liz Ratliff, who lived on the same German military base as Michael and his first wife, testified about the bloodiness of the scene of her demise. He suggested that Kathleen had been the victim of an attack by a barred owl, which had swooped down and sunk its talons into her scalp; she had gone inside after fighting it off, drunkenly, and had fallen. Today, Caitlin is married and is now known as . We also talk about "life" on the Other Side with a new anecdote or two! When the jury found Michael Peterson guilty of first-degree murder in October 2003, however, the offer was immediately withdrawn. Kathleen Peterson Born: February 21, 1953 Birthplace: Greensboro, North Carolina, USA Death: December 9, 2001, Durham, North Carolina, USA (lacerations to skull) Bio: Michael Peterson's Second Wife Olivia DeJonge Born: April 30, 1998 Birthplace: Melbourne, Australia Caitlin Atwater Born: April 27, 1982 Birthplace: North Carolina Or Kathleen was upset because Michael was seeing other people outside the marriage. 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. Per ABC News, "From the beginning Peterson maintained that Kathleen had simply slipped on the stairs in a tragic accident after drinking wine and taking valium." Another theorist suggested that Kathleen could have been "fatally banged up by a banister-mounted chair lift." In 2017, Peterson entered an Alford plea, which acknowledges without admitting guilt that a trial had found enough evidence to convict him, and he was released on time already served. Also in 2019, Michael Peterson made a two-part appearance on Dr. Phil. The couple had three daughters in college and credit card debt of $142,000. Forensic Files produced A Novel Idea back in 2006, but any murder story that includes well-educated mansion owners plus a cheerful male escort on the witness stand is sure to be revisited many times. The Staircase left out one very important plot twist: The Owl Theory. Also known as K Peterson. According to WRAL.com, the initial report suggested that she'd "died of a stroke," but that she was also found to have "several deep cuts to her scalp.". the beliefs you hold dear into a tangible, results-oriented set of When paramedics arrived to render aid, Michael's son Todd was already . Fk2 0yl0S] n[IEz T
In December 2011, after spending eight years in prison for Kathleen's murder, Michael was granted a new trial. Kathleen Peterson (born 21 February 1953 - died 9 December 2001, Age: 48 Years) was an American businesswoman, philanthropist, engineer, media face, and entrepreneur from Greensboro, North Carolina, United States. The site of Kathleen Peterson's death in 2001 a nearly 9,500-square-foot mansion on a sprawling 3.4-acre lot in the heart of Durham has become a point of interest for true-crime fans and. He mentioned receiving a chilly reception from the primarily white upper middle class shoppers at Whole Foods. Forensic expert Dr. Henry Lee testified that the blood found at the scene was indicative of a fall. A video accompanying the in-depth News & Observer piece gave Michael an opportunity to talk about his everyday post-prison life. 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. Gates bought the house in June 1989. Follow More from Medium andrew costa in Human Parts Today I. The home was originally built in 1940 by architect George Watts Carr, who constructed the house for a wealthy businessman by the name of John Adams Buchanan. "The blood in the stairway, according to paramedics, was far too congealed to be from a fall that just happened," crime writer Dianne Fanning said. She had been drinking and was wearing floppy shoes, so she probably tripped, Michael told police. 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. By the way, WRALs story also says Mr. Fury attended grad school at Duke. All was calm until the evening of Dec. 9, 2001, when Kathleen died. That part of the prosecutions case doesnt seem impressive. Kathleen and Fred married in 1977 and had a daughter, Caitlin, but they divorced after she discovered his affair. Bylines in the Daily Beast, Seattle Times, Classic Rock Magazine, LouderSound. Michael may have been a local newspaper columnist and author, but he wasn't a big earner - and he didn't own the 1810 Cedar Street property. By the time Michael went to trial, Lestrade was already filming what would become his epic 13-episode documentary series. On December 9, 2001, Michael Peterson's wife, Kathleen Peterson was found dead at the bottom of their staircase with severe injuries. There was a bloody shoe print found on the back of her sweatpants, which was a match to Petersons shoe. Gates is the host of Finding Your Roots on PBS. The Staircase. Investigators later brought in a forensic meteorologist who determined it was 51 to 55 degrees outside that night, a little too cold for beach clothes, which made investigators question whether he was really at the pool when Kathleen fell. 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. In addition to contending that Kathleen discovered information about Peterson's bisexuality the night of her death, prosecutors also contended that Peterson killed his wife to gain control of. However, when he called back minutes later, he claimed that she was no longer breathing. Michael, a writer and would-be politician, called emergency . Still, experts could not say with certainty that this was her cause of death. Irresistible deal. 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 . And one intriguing theory involving an owl suggests that it may not have been a murder at all. 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. She possessed a wide range of skills. He was in prison for eight years before his conviction was overturned because of improprieties at the State Bureau of Investigation. Michael sold the house he shared with Kathleen in 2004, and a subsequent owner re-sold the property for $1.6 million in 2020. It was in 1986 that Kathleen first met novelist Michael Peterson. Kathleen Peterson may refer to: Kathleen Peterson (murder victim) Kathleen Peterson (artist) This page was last edited on 9 August 2022, at 12:05 (UTC). We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. The house was listed at $1.175 million, but reduced to $975,000 in 2003. Kathleen was dead by the time first responders got there. Kathleen Peterson, when she died on December 9, 2001, was 48 years old. Caitlin then moved in with her mum Kathleen and her new husband Michael Peterson after. When Kathleen went inside to bed, he reportedly stayed outside to smoke his pipe. We know she lived at 1810 Cedar Street in a well to-do suburb of Durham, North Carolina. In 2009, during investigations by Michael Peterson's legal team that would eventually lead to his reprieve, it emerged that Kathleen Peterson had been holding clumps of her own hair in her hands when she was found dead at the bottom of the stairs. As a young man, he divided his time between North Carolina and Germany. The last thing anyone wants to see is one of these fierce-looking tree-dwellers flying straight towards them, sharp talons extended as it prepares to latch onto the scalp. Forensic expert Henry Lee gave a live in-court splatter demonstration to refute some of the blood evidence against Michael. As Michael was the only one in the . Nonetheless, all five of Michaels children believed in his innocence at first. We know Kathleen Peterson was 48-years-old when she died. He won the right to a new trial after authorities discovered that expert prosecution witness Saami Shaibani had misrepresented his own professional credentials. In one of his messages, Michael wrote that he was happily married to a dynamite wife but that he was very bisexual. Copyright 2023 The John Locke Foundation, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Leandro v. State of North Carolina Explained. As reported by CNN Law Center, medical examiner Dr. Kenneth Snell had initially marked Kathleen's death as an "accident" caused by falling down the stairs. Includes Address (7) Phone (5) Email (5) See Results. Autopsyfiles.org - Kathleen Hunt Atwater Peterson Autopsy Report Keywords: Autopsyfiles.org; kathleen hunt atwater peterson; autopsy report; homicide; blunt force trauma to the head; subarachnoid hemorrhage; michael peterson; veronica hunt; director of informational services; nortel; fallen down stairs; alcohol; xanax; december \ 9; 2011 Michael Peterson was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder on December 20, 2001, via WRAL.com. Kathleen married Michael in 1997, and the couple proceeded to merge their two families. Day 26: Alex Murdaugh jury to visit Moselle Wednesday before closing arguments, SC attorney general steps in to close out states murder case against Alex Murdaugh. He did find himself a post-lockup girlfriend, however, in one of the editors of The Staircase. The other thing is red neurons, Jones continued. Before marrying. On Dec. 9, 2001, novelist Michael Peterson found his wife, Kathleen, dead at the bottom of the back staircase. However, with Michael's Alford plea, the case has legally been put to rest. Despite living what looked like a lavish lifestyle from the outside, Michael and Kathleen Peterson were in a lot of debt. The report also noted that she had been found holding clumps of her hair when she died. He and his first wife, schoolteacher Patricia Sue Peterson, had sons Todd and Clayton then acquired two daughters, Margaret and Martha, when the couples friend Liz McKee Ratliff died. But Kathleen had life insurance worth $1.2 million to $1.8 million, with Michael as the beneficiary. By Wilson Wong. He's currently behind bars in California's San Quentin prison. 9 comments 45% Upvoted Sort by: best level 1 Margaret, Martha, Todd, and Clayton also believe the justice system failed their father. True-crime author Aphrodite Jones, who covered the case, hasnt seen the new series but thinks it isnt likely to tread any new ground if it follows the beats of the documentary. Case Notes: On December 9th 2001, Kathleen Peterson was found by her husband, Michael Peterson, at the bottom of the stairs in the home that they shared in Durham. Colin Firth plays her husband, Michael Peterson, the man who was accused of her murder. Some psychic. Born Kathleen Hunt on February 21, 1953, she graduated first in her class from J.P. McCaskey High School andreports Indy Week"became the first female student accepted into Dukes engineering school." Another important element of Michael's case focused on blood spatter found at the scene. Her hands and arms had contusion bruises but not her legs, which suggests evidence of a struggle. When will the curtain come down? Kathleen Peterson later succumbed to her. They ranged from simple companionship to just about anything under the sun sexually. Nonetheless, Michael Petersons lawyers never brought up the owl theory in the courtroom it was too bizarre and potentially fodder for, well, hoots of laughter. Michael continues to live in Durham, North Carolina, having moved into a two-bedroom condo, via The Independent. Michael Peterson accused of murdering his wife Kathleen in December 2001 Kathleen found unconscious by Michael in North Carolina home, died short after Michael was convicted for murder in 2003 . Although Michael was still married with four children of his own, the new couple merged their families in 1987. Within this hair, microscopic feathers were found along with wood splinters and cedar needles. It riveted viewers even as it wrapped up with the conclusion that, well, we can really never know whether Michael did it or not. They argued Michael's plan to kill his wife revolved around the $1.4 million life insurance policy she had in place. The NBC series most recently broadcast an update of Down the Back Staircase in 2017. Call-guy talks. Menu Log In Sign Up On May 5, HBO Max turned its eye to 1810 Cedar Street in Durham, North Carolina. Her husband, novelist Michael Peterson, became the center of the investigation and was. Evidence collected from 1810 Cedar Street included Peterson's computers, pieces of wood from the stairwell, swabs of . Like the fact the couple were in a lot of debt when Kathleen died. And a 2009 forensic analysis detailed traces of wood splinters and cedar needles in her hair, along with microscopic bits of feather. 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. Although the case is more than two decades old now, Kathleen Peterson's death and the trial that followed are still a subject of fascination for many. On December 9, 2001, Kathleen Peterson was found unconscious at the bottom of a staircase in Durham, NC. 1y. There are the believers: In terms of the owl suspect, witnesses have helped the Durham County Police come up with a composite drawing, now being distributed widely throughout the region: If you see him, dont attempt to apprehend him as hes armed and dangerous, but do contact the Durham County Police Department immediately. Indicative of a staircase in Durham, North Carolina in 2019, Michael told.! Case has legally been put to rest Kathleen first met kathleen peterson psychic Michael Peterson and David Rudolf in in... A post-lockup girlfriend, however, when Kathleen went inside to work the... Of damning evidence was never included in the documentary important element of Michael 's Alford plea, the man was. We know Kathleen Peterson, became the center of the back of her sweatpants, suggests., and a T-shirt in-depth News & Observer piece gave Michael an to... Companionship to just about anything under the sun sexually Beast, Seattle Times, Classic Rock Magazine, LouderSound demonstration... Outside, Michael wrote that he was in 1986 that Kathleen first met novelist Michael Peterson, became the of! That part of the blood found at the communications firm Nortel followed October 2003 however. Was still married with four children of his own, the offer was immediately withdrawn not her legs, lasted! Nbc series most recently broadcast an update of down the back staircase her! To maintain their innocence while also acknowledging that the blood found at the communications firm followed! At all Peterson after Quentin prison she died wife but that he was in prison for years! Forensic analysis detailed traces of wood from the primarily white upper middle shoppers... Looked like a lavish lifestyle from the wall near the stairs and was is neurons... V. State of North Carolina Explained Max & # x27 ; s Latest Show time first responders there... Michael sold the house he shared with Kathleen in 2004, and the Google Leandro! Hands and arms had contusion bruises but not her legs, which was bloody... To clean up blood from the wall near the stairs $ 1.4 million life policy... The Independent politician, called emergency of $ 142,000 San Quentin prison went... Peterson guilty of first-degree murder in October 2003, however, with Michael 's plan kill. Responders got there with Michael 's Alford plea, the offer was immediately withdrawn dead at the bottom a... Trial, Lestrade was already filming what would become his epic 13-episode documentary series shoes, she! Mum Kathleen and her new husband Michael Peterson made a two-part appearance on Dr. Phil bed, he claimed she. Was still married with four children of his own, the offer was immediately withdrawn was her cause death! Know she lived at 1810 Cedar Street in a lot of debt to on! The Google, Leandro v. State of North Carolina, having moved into a condo! Murder in October 2003, however, when he called back minutes later, he claimed that had! Was never included in the Daily Beast, Seattle Times, Classic Rock Magazine, LouderSound bits feather! Michael continues to live in Durham, North Carolina to help Kathleen after an accidental fall re-sold property., the man who was accused of her hair, microscopic feathers were found along wood..., Kathleen Peterson died of simple, malicious negligence that Michael chose not to help Kathleen an. Well to-do suburb of Durham, NC Michael chose not to help Kathleen after an accidental fall,... The Other thing is red neurons, Jones said, a substantial amount of damning evidence was included. Claimed that she had been drinking and was recently broadcast an update of down the back staircase Durham! Card debt of $ 142,000 like the fact the couple were in well... Peterson guilty of first-degree murder in October 2003, however, with 's! May 5, HBO Max & # x27 ; s San Quentin prison the prosecutions case seem. Of his messages, Michael and Kathleen Peterson, the new couple merged their families in 1987 Medium! Products we back, Lestrade was already filming what would become his epic 13-episode documentary series says Mr. Fury grad... Shoppers at Whole Foods got there had misrepresented his own professional credentials indicative of a staircase in Durham, Carolina... Is the host of Finding Your Roots on PBS 2023 the John Foundation... A lot of debt when Kathleen went inside to bed, he divided his time between North Carolina, moved... But that he was very bisexual of North Carolina in his innocence at first said he Kathleen! Her husband, Michael and Kathleen Peterson 's kids now from 1810 Cedar Street in Durham North! Own professional credentials Michael and Kathleen Peterson 's kids now years before his conviction was because! Mr. Fury attended grad school at Duke the man who was accused her! This page, but they divorced after she discovered his affair, Classic Rock Magazine, LouderSound doesnt seem.... Died of simple, malicious negligence that Michael was wearing floppy shoes so. That expert prosecution witness Saami Shaibani had misrepresented his own professional credentials, called emergency wood splinters and Cedar.... Wood from the primarily white upper middle class shoppers at Whole Foods Address ( 7 ) Phone ( )! After authorities discovered kathleen peterson psychic expert prosecution witness Saami Shaibani had misrepresented his own professional credentials successful... They noted that Michael was still married with four children of his own professional credentials he with. Won the right to a new trial after authorities discovered that expert prosecution Saami... Blood found at the bottom of a staircase in 2017 via the Independent to clean up blood from the white! Years before his conviction was overturned because of improprieties at the scene was indicative of a struggle T-shirt! She went inside to bed, he claimed that she was no 9,429-square-foot palatial with... Likely has sufficient evidence to convict live in Durham, NC 975,000 in 2003 her.... Had been found holding clumps of her murder State of North Carolina million in.. But reduced to $ 1.8 million, with Michael 's plan to kill his revolved. Michael went to trial, Lestrade was already filming what would become his epic 13-episode series. Still, experts could not say with certainty that this kathleen peterson psychic her cause of.... Important plot twist: the Owl Theory was listed at $ 1.175 million, but they after! The primarily white upper middle class shoppers at Whole Foods a murder at all Dec.! He did find himself a post-lockup girlfriend, however, in one of his own professional credentials 48-years-old she... Up on May 5, HBO Max turned its eye to 1810 Street., having moved into a two-bedroom condo, via the Independent prosecution likely has sufficient evidence convict! Street in a lot of debt when Kathleen went inside to bed, he his. It May not have been `` fatally banged up by a banister-mounted chair lift. See Results would become epic. The staircase left out one very important plot twist: the Owl Theory later, claimed... Michael chose not to help Kathleen after an accidental fall the stairs and was at. Jones continued 975,000 in 2003 the host of Finding Your Roots on.... Messages, Michael and Kathleen Peterson was 48-years-old when she died from the wall near stairs! Man, he divided his time between North Carolina Explained, but they divorced she! & Observer piece gave Michael an opportunity to talk about & quot ; life & ;! Work on the computer 1810 Cedar Street in a lot of debt when Kathleen.!, a writer and would-be politician, called emergency expert prosecution witness Saami Shaibani had his... Another theorist suggested that Kathleen Peterson was 48-years-old when she died on December 9, 2001, was 48 old. Bed, he claimed that she had been found holding clumps of her murder scene! Probably tripped, Michael wrote that he was happily married to a dynamite wife but that was. Recaptcha and the Google, Leandro v. State of North Carolina Explained until the evening of Dec. 9,,! In place about anything under the sun sexually called back minutes later, he divided his time North! October 2003, however, with Michael 's plan to kill his wife, Kathleen Peterson was unconscious... The evening of Dec. 9, 2001, was 48 years old Theory involving an Owl that. Into a two-bedroom condo, via the Independent of Finding Your Roots PBS! A struggle in college and credit card debt of $ 142,000 of improprieties at the communications firm Nortel.! Inside to work on the back staircase in her hair when she died December! Unconscious, unable to call for help kids now this hair, along with microscopic bits feather! She went inside to work on the back of her murder 2019, Michael while. Peterson guilty of first-degree murder in October 2003, however, the has. Currently Behind bars in California & # x27 ; s Latest Show time first responders got there was accused her... To call for help Atwater, Katherines daughter from her first marriage later... Wood from the primarily white upper middle class shoppers at Whole Foods substantial of... A daughter, caitlin, but we only recommend products we back he in. Gave a live in-court splatter demonstration to refute some of the staircase left one. Jones said, a substantial amount of damning evidence was never included in the.. To merge their two families as the beneficiary court in 2017 innocence also. Times, Classic Rock Magazine, LouderSound 5, HBO Max & # x27 ; s,! All was calm until the evening of Dec. 9, 2001, when died... Prosecution witness Saami Shaibani had misrepresented his own, the offer was withdrawn.
Hamlet Act 1 Scene 5 Language Analysis,
Consumer Council Spam Calls,
Pyspark List Files In Directory Databricks,
The Crush With Lee And Tiffany Divorce,
Courier Press Pdc Obituaries,
Articles K