Drew Peterson trial update murder trial day 17 week 5 recap

Joel Brodsky, attorney for Drew Peterson (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Drew Peterson trial update

The Drew Peterson trial now moves into week 5.

For the prior 4 weeks, the trial was running from Tuesday to Friday so that the judge on the case, Judge Burmilla could handle other court business on Monday’s.

That has now changed and effective today, the trial is running Monday through Friday.

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Drew Peterson trial update prosecution rests their case

Drew Peterson (photo: PR NewsChannel)

The prosecution had hinted that last Friday would be the last day of testimony with the defense presenting their side starting today and that is on target.

The prosecution will not call any witnesses today. Attorney’s on both sides are again arguing over stipulations and what information will be read to the jury and what paperwork they will be allowed to bring back with them during deliberations.

After this is resolved, the prosecution will rest its case

These arguments took up the better part of the morning.

Drew Peterson trial update jurors seeking attention with their attire

The majority of the jurors have taken to color coordinating their outfits leading many to speculate as to just what that means.  Are they partial to the defense? Or the Prosecution?

Today, they have taken it to a new level wearing shirts with logos of various Chicago sports teams.

Are they just seeking attention and notoriety?

One of Drew Peterson’s Defense attorneys Joseph Lopez said he heard someone say,

“This is a murder trial not a fashion show”

He also said that his client is scared.

Drew Peterson trial update defense begins presenting their case

Stacy Peterson Memorial 7 (Photo credit: Michael Kappel)

After four weeks of the Drew Peterson trial that included lots of squabbling amongst both sides and numerous calls for a mistrial, it is now time for Drew Peterson’s defense team to present their defense and attempt to prove that their client Drew Peterson is innocent.

The prosecution has had their turn and called more than 30 witnesses in the attempt at proving via circumstantial evidence that Drew Peterson is a man who killed his third wife, Kathleen Savio, and staged the crime scene to look like an accident.

Her death was in fact initially ruled an accidental drowning, even though she was found in a bathtub that had no water, was wearing jewelery, had a gash on her head and had what was described as deep, almost to the bone, bruises.

After Drew Peterson’s fourth wife, Stacy Peterson disappeared, Kathleen Savio’s body was exhumed and the second autopsy determined that Kathleen Savio died as the result of a homicide.

There has been “evidence” that was not allowed to be presented to the jury as well as a number of major prosecutorial blunders throughout the trial however each motion for a mistrial with or without prejudice has been denied.

The judge has denied certain evidence noting that in the absence of any physical evidence linking Peterson to the crime scene, how could the prosecution prove what Peterson allegedly did at the crime scene that they can’t tie him to.

The defense team, of course, asked for an acquittal which was denied.  Judge Edward Burmilla denied the request from the defense for a directed verdict of not guilty earlier today.

The defense also said last week that they expected their case to presented very quickly – a few days at the most.

Drew Peterson trial update defense calls witnesses

After lunch Peterson’s defense team was ready to start calling their witnesses and recalled Mary Pontarelli, who was a neighbor and close friend of Kathleen Savio.

Pontarelli was present when Savio’s body was found dead in the bathtub because Drew Peterson had arranged for a locksmith to enter the home after allegedly not hearing from her.

She testified that Peterson was a “funny guy” and that her friend Kathleen Savio was a fighter and someone who would not let someone hit her without hitting back.

The judge denied a request by the defense to recall an insurance adjuster

The Chicago Tribune notes that Bryan Falat was recalled as well. Falat is with the Bolingbrook Police Department.  After the Judge pointed out that the defense was “opening the door” with the questions, the defense withdrew their questions.

With so few witnesses called today, will the defense be able to call all of their witnesses over the next week days and have closing arguments presented before the weeks end?

The Drew Peterson trial is expected to continue on Tuesday with more witnesses being called by Peterson’s defense team.

Visit again for more Drew Peterson trial updates.

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• Pathologist: Drew Peterson’s third wife was murdered

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