Illinois Appeals Court Allows Hearsay Evidence Against Drew Peterson
By Chuck Sudo in News on Apr 12, 2012 8:40PM
Peterson's mugshot courtesy the Will County Sheriff's office, via NBC 5
An Illinois appellate court overturned a ruling by a lower court Thursday, which paves the way for Will County prosecutors to use hearsay statements in their case against Drew Peterson when he eventually stands trial in the death of his third ex-wife Kathleen Savio.
Peterson has been sitting in Will County Jail for over two years while his attorneys and Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow fought over whether eight of 14 statements—some made by Savio herself—could be used as evidence against Peterson, citing the 2008 "hearsay law" passed by the Illinois General Assembly, presumably with Peterson in mind. Will County Judge Stephen White originally ruled against Glasgow in 2010, citing the hearsay law. The Third Appellate Court of Illinois previously upheld the circuit court's ruling.
Peterson attorney Steven Greenberg dismissed the ruling, saying all the statements are "hogwash made by Johnny-come-lately media wannabes." Peterson's legal team can appeal the ruling to the Illinois Supreme Court, but it's unknown if they will.
Below are the official ruling and a concurring opinion.