But at Target, a less affluent, more diverse crowd welcomes him because they know firsthand how unfair the law can be, he said. Michael, a writer and would-be politician, called emergency . 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. 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. In the last two episodes of The Staircase, filmed in 2016 as Michael Peterson's legal case finally drew to a close, you might have noticed the lawyers mentioning "strangulation" injuries discovered in Kathleen Peterson's autopsy. Just after 2:30 a.m. on December 9, 2001, Michael Peterson called 911 to report that he'd found his wife unconscious at the bottom of the stairs in their home, according to The News & Observer. 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. As well as being awarded her mother's life insurance payout, Atwater won a $25 million wrongful death suit against Michael Peterson. The defendant had hired criminal defense attorney David Rudolf two days prior, following extensive searches and seizures taking place at his home. Life Coach, Psychic, Relationships, Tarot Kathleen Peterson. Who is Constance Marten, the runaway aristocrat? 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. And thats exactly what Larry Pollard, a friend and neighbor of the now-free but convicted felon Michael Peterson, says he believes happened to Kathleen Peterson on the night a jury was led to believe her husband, Michael, killed her. 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 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. Kathleen Hunt grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was so bright that she took advanced Latin classes at a nearby college while still in McCaskey High School, according to the Lancaster New Era newspaper. The Staircase. This article was originally published on June 8, 2018, Heres What Happened To Riley In 'The Last Of Us' Video Game, Twitter Is Losing It Over Succession Ending With Season 4, Everything To Know About 'And Just Like That' Season 2, This 'The Last Of Us' Filming Error Reminds Fans Of 'Game Of Thrones' Mistakes, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. Kathleen Hunt was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, on February 21, 1953. During his initial 911 call, Michael said that Kathleen was still breathing, per official court documents. Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. 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. 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. But first, heres a recap of A Novel Idea along with extra information drawn from internet research: Full house. 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. So what about the owl? Per Lawrence Journal-World, the Petersons had accrued "credit card debt of $143,000" at the time of Kathleen's death. (The infamous blow poke was mysteriously found in the Peterson's garage during the trial, without any evidence of blood on it). If its not clear, play it that its not clear, Firth said. Peterson was arrested May 7th, 2009, in connection with the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. Lestrade's access to Michael Peterson means the HBO Max adaptation has a wealth of source material to draw upon. Forensic expert Dr. Henry Lee testified that the blood found at the scene was indicative of a fall. Regardless of the truth, the similarities between Kathleen and Ratliff's deaths didn't help Michael's case. Son uncooperative. "It is simply not possible for me to discuss this with Kathleen.". Nonetheless, in the end, there was just too much evidence against Michael Peterson. "She's a survivor and in no trouble, but the stress is monumental there.". Michael claimed that Kathleen had been suffering from blackouts due to stress. Related To Carol Peterson, Lisa Peterson. Her husband was the prime suspect. At least one person was swayed by the physical evidence: Kathleens daughter Caitlin, who had initially supported Petersons claims of innocence, along with his children. Lawyer Larry Pollard, who wasnt on the case but was a neighbor of Petersons, brought up this idea. Author, freelance writer and self-employed recruiter. She was an executive at Nortel, mother to Caitlyn, step-mother to Clayton and Todd (Mike's kids from a previous marriage . Kathleen worried that she would lose her own $145,000-a-year job amid the downsizing, the AP reported. Kathleen Peterson's autopsy showed. 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. Sociological errands. At the time of Peterson making the 911 call, he had claimed that Kathleen was "still breathing" however, when the authorities arrived, Kathleen had passed away from her injuries. Best Match Powered by Whitepages Premium AGE 70s Kathleen K Peterson Nappanee, IN Aliases Peterson Kathleen View Full Report Addresses 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. What has yet to be determined was exactly how Kathleen met her demise. Theres no question that [Peterson] did it, she said. For this week, I looked into whats happened to Michael Peterson since the Netflix series ended in 2018 and whether a theory that a rogue owl played a role in Kathleens death ever got any traction. The property was used as the Commanders home and was featured prominently. Missing murder weapon. It does resist clarity. 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. They noted that Michael was wearing shorts and a T-shirt. We know Kathleen Peterson was 48-years-old when she died. Michael Peterson is an author and a military veteran who served in the Vietnam War. The most recent Durham County tax appraisal is $1.9 million. That means a decreased flow of blood to the brain, and it takes hours for that to happen. It was in 1986 that Kathleen first met novelist Michael Peterson. 9 comments 45% Upvoted Sort by: best level 1 Mrs. Kathleen Hunt Atwater Peterson, was born February 21, 1953, in Greensboro, North Carolina, and died of a tragic accident in her beloved home in Durham, North Carolina, Sunday, December 9, 2001. Kathleen's autopsy later concluded that the manner of her death was homicide, due to "multiple blunt force impacts to [the] back of the head." You can see the back of the property from the Kent Street side, which has barbed wire above the gate and No Trespassing signs. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. However, despite the houses dark history, it remains occupied. But when paramedics arrived on the scene 10 minutes later, Kathleen was dead - and it appeared to them that she had been dead for far longer than just a few minutes. Investigators found out how Liz Ratliff, Margaret and Marthas mother, died. Kathleen Hunt Atwater Peterson was a Greensboro, NC, native who grew up in Lancaster, Pa., and graduated with bachelors and masters degrees in engineering from Duke University. She graduated first in her class. Kathleen is an engaging and dynamic teacher, who always takes the extra step . Pollard theorised that Kathleen could have been attacked outside by one of these owls, which would account for the seven unexplained lacerations to her head. Totally compatible with one another.". In the first 911 call, Michael Peterson frantically tells the operator that Kathleen is "still breathing" and urges them to hurry. Kathleen had also had a $1.4 million life insurance policy, which would be paid to Michael in the event of her death. Caitlin then moved in with her mum Kathleen and her new husband Michael Peterson after. After learning about the mysterious death of Kathleen Peterson, read the shocking story of Dalia Dippolito, whose murder-for-hire plot to kill her husband was caught on camera by police. fbZC\/>W2n[Fi RzN`s_`%KZ@VZ!>W/wkUCenGU8vTO[&()wn %~*J%O1U`Yow O0?v_.^{Le#}k2^-@0\Lk 'k0nBtn9]IV^KA='9os7" 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 . For instance, one theory suggested that the lacerations on the victim's head were caused by an owl, as "a microscopic feather was found in Kathleen Peterson's hand with some of her hair," via The News & Observer. The couple originally moved into the home in 1997, four years before the incident. Over the years, Dateline has continually covered the case of how writer Michael Peterson's wife, Kathleen, ended up dead at the base of a staircase in their 14-room house. Around 2:40 a.m. on December 9, 2001, Michael Peterson called 911 to report finding Kathleen at the bottom of the back staircase in their million-dollar mansion. The accident scene was a bloodbath inconsistent with a tumble down the stairs. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in October 2003. Michael also told the News & Observer that well-to-do friends from his and Kathleens napkin-ring and place-card days had deserted him. Colin Firth as Michael Peterson and Toni Collette as Kathleen Peterson in HBO Maxs. The couple threw dinner parties for dozens of friends at their spread, which included a swimming pool with decorative fountains. After a stir in the local community, a 2004 true crime documentary titled The. Michael moved into a two-bedroom condo, according to reporting from Cosmopolitan on June 11, 2018. 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. We also talk about "life" on the Other Side with a Nortel had forced her to lay off some well-liked employees, according to an AP account from May 22, 2002. Within six months of his wifes death, Michael Peterson had collected $347,000 from his late wife's assets to fund his legal defence. By the way, WRALs story also says Mr. Fury attended grad school at Duke. According to the BBC's Beyond Reasonable Doubt podcast, which also investigates the crime, Kathleen was a big earner making a six-figure salary. Where are Michael & Kathleen Peterson's kids now? NC climate expert weighs in. But what's the real story behind The Staircase? "It would be a huge relief off my [shoulders] because I am worried sick about them," Michael's email read. This type of plea allows the accused to maintain their innocence while also acknowledging that the prosecution likely has sufficient evidence to convict. 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. By all reports, Michael and Kathleen enjoyed a close, happy marriage and were sought-after guests on the local social scene. And as the Audubon Society pointed out, An owl strike can definitely cause blunt-force trauma. 'The Staircase' has put Kathleen Peterson in the spotlight. Kathleen was 48 at the time of her death. 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.. They ranged from simple companionship to just about anything under the sun sexually. You can read more in depth information about the owl theory here. We find doubt uncomfortable., Jones isnt satisfied with that. make North Carolina more free. Hes a SHU-in. We know he stepped in her blood and stepped on her. His explanation to cops, that she had been drinking and had likely taken a sleeping pill and fallen, was deemed unconvincing; he was arrested for her murder shortly thereafter. Shortly after the tragedy, Peterson allowed French documentary filmmaker Jean-Xavier de Lestrade to conduct interviews with him, his kids, and his attorneys, most of which took place in the Peterson household. Her hands and arms had contusion bruises but not her legs, which suggests evidence of a struggle. The Petersons were close friends with Elizabeth Ratliff, who had two young daughters, Martha and Margaret. However, HBO Max's The Staircase gives viewers the opportunity to reexamine the circumstances surrounding Kathleen's death, while also delving into Michael's trial. The Staircase documentary is a vehicle for Michael Peterson, said Jones. A death in the home apparently isnt a buyer beware for everyone. He'd previously spent time behind bars for reportedly placing a bomb in a Duke University office, according . Its not what [de Lestrade] included, its what he did not include, Jones whose 2004 book A Perfect Husband profiles the case and became the basis for the 2007 Lifetime movie The Staircase Murders, starring Treat Williams told The Post. Currently, Redfin estimates the home is worth just north of $2.3 million, whereas Zillow assesses the home at $3.3 million. Three small feathers were found in the hair strands in Kathleens hand, and Pollard said the lacerations on her scalp were consistent with owl talons. Per ABC News, Michael reported watching America's Sweethearts earlier that evening with his wife, then drinking some wine and sitting by the pool. Over the years, multiple theories regarding the cause of Kathleen's death persisted. While the prosecution argued that Michael most likely murdered Kathleen with a fireplace blow poke that was deemed missing from their Durham home at the time of her death, Michael's defense attorney argued that Kathleen died from a fall down the stairs. The judge resentenced him to 86 months, and Michael Peterson was released with time served. 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. "This is one of the incredible things that happened during those 15 years. Over the years, there had been some tense moments over money and Michaels mayoral election bid, and the two frequently fought and made up. When he finally went indoors, "he said he found his wife, crumpled and bloody and barely breathing at the bottom of the stairs," per ABC News. Everyone knows at least one wacky guy who wears shorts in cold weather. Throughout the entire tragic ordeal, the Peterson home remained occupied. 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.". Now her grave is a destination. Lived In Santa Ana CA, Irvine CA, Corona CA. According to Power, Privilege, and Justice, which produced a 2004 episode about the case titled Murder He Wrote, Peterson went upstairs to work on the computer while police were still on the murder scene. Michael and Kathleen Peterson. In 2003, Peterson was convicted of Kathleens murder and sentenced to life without parole. endstream endobj 83 0 obj <>stream Although Michael was still married with four children of his own, the new couple merged their families in 1987. 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. By the time Michael and Kathleen became a couple, his two daughters and Kathleens daughter from her first marriage, Caitlin Atwater, were already good friends. By then, one of Michaels books, A Time for War, had made its way onto the New York Times bestseller list and generated enough cash to pay for the Colonial Revival-style house containing the now-famous staircase. Per the publication, some reports have suggested that Michael Peterson was the last person to see Elizabeth alive, but Michael's lawyer pointed out inconsistencies with this theory. 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. Evidence was found of Peterson soliciting male escorts and was paying for sex when Kathleen was murdered. Mr. Pollard, a long-time friend and neighbor of the Petersons, has suggested that microscopic owl feathers where found in Kathleen Petersons hand, mixed together with her own hair, during her autopsy, suggesting that she perhaps attempted to fight off an owl attack. Insurance jackpot. The interest on the twenty-something boys' loans were so high they had no money left to live on, and their father was concerned. 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. "Throughout the weeks and weeks of testimony, Michael Peterson had taken extensive notes on legal pads," Aphrodite wrote, explaining that this was likely because of the book deal he had with Harper Collins. Todd Peterson, 25, was at the house when the police came but refused to talk to them, according to Forensic Files. Toni Collette's emotional portrayal is bound to create even more interest in the real Kathleen Peterson. 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. Cassandra told Ron that for months and months, The Long Island Medium's people kept bothering her to . The ensuing case would become the subject of one of the defining true-crime documentaries in the genre: Jean-Xavier de Lestrades The Staircase. 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