Drew Peterson enters prison for murder sentence

In this May 8, 2009 file photo, former Bolingbrook, Ill., police sergeant Drew Peterson arrives at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet, Ill., for his arraignment on charges of first-degree murder in the 2004 death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, who was found in an empty bathtub at home. / AP Photo/M. Spencer Green

CHICAGO Less than 24 hours after screaming out his innocence in court, Drew Peterson was transferred to an Illinois prison to begin serving his 38-year sentence for the murder of his third wife.

The former suburban Chicago police officer, whose case attracted widespread media attention and inspired a TV movie, entered the maximum-security Stateville prison outside Joliet early Friday. Prison officials said he was later transferred to another prison.

A judge sentenced him Thursday for the 2004 drowning death of his fourth wife, Kathleen Savio. He's also a suspect in the disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson. Savio's death was originally ruled an accident, but it was re-examined after Stacey Peterson vanished in 2007 and eventually ruled a homicide.

• Drew Peterson Sentenced: Ex-Illinois cop gets 38 years in prison for third wife's murder

Peterson, 59, had faced up to 60 years in prison. He will get four years' credit for time he already served in jail.

"I had prepared him for 60," one of his attorneys, Joe Lopez, said Friday. "He felt good ... He thought he might get more."

Peterson will likely remain at a maximum-security facility because he was convicted of first-degree murder, but his fame and status as a former police officer, which could make him a target of fellow inmates, may factor into a decision about where he is housed, Department of Corrections spokeswoman Stacey Solano said Friday.

She later confirmed that after arriving at Stateville, which is also a processing center for new inmates, Peterson was taken about 60 miles southwest to the prison in Pontiac. No details were provided.

Appearing calm as he sat to address the judge at Thursday's sentencing, the usually calm Peterson suddenly exploded. Looking at Savio's family, he leaned into a microphone and shouted, "I did not kill Kathleen!" He then made a 30-minute statement, during which he cried, shook uncontrollably and stopped several times to regain his composure.

At one point, he challenged the lead prosecutor, Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow, to look him in the eyes. Glasgow laid down his pen, folded his arms and looked straight back at Peterson.

"Never forget what you've done here," Peterson, his eye narrowing, told him. Glasgow later told reporters that Peterson's scream gave everyone in court a glimpse at the "psychopath" who killed Savio.

On Friday, Lopez said his client still believed he had been railroaded by Will County prosecutors.

"He is looking forward to getting out of Will County," Lopez said.

[datguy555]

Being from Bolingbrook I can tell you that Drew peterson was worse that anyone he has ever locked up! I feel that they gave him a break when they only gave him 38 years! Yes I understand that at his age more than likely he will die in prison. But on the other hand there is a slight chance that he will live long enough to walk out of prison one day. He is so lucky that they sent him to Pontiac where they are locked down all day.

[petesis]

He thought he could get away with it... and thought he should have which is why he is so angry. He is guilty as sin. Which doesn't factor into his sociopathic rationale

[Louis_Chez]

He may very well be guilty, but the prosecution failed miserably to prove his guilt.

They did convince a jury however. Not a single piece of damning evidence was presented and hearsay was allowed without there being any chance for the defense to cross examine and shoot it down.

This man was wrongly convicted and it has nothing to do with guilt or innocence!

[falcaocerezo]

Why do white men commit so many "cunning" crimes? Perhaps, psychos like Peterson think they are so smart they can get away with anything. Prison is too easy. He should be hung, drawn, and quartered like they used to do in England.

[Louis_Chez]

Really?

Based on what? Hearsay evidence?

You would hang someone based on hearsay? No solid proof necessary?

What the hell country do you live in?

[typingfast1]

He'll have a lot of time to think about all the things he has done and what put him where he belongs, behind bars. A tough fall for someone who was suppose to protect and to serve. He thought he was above the law, now only to find himself where he put a few law breakers while he was a cop. If you can't do the time, don't do the crime. So all those years of putting people in jail, he thought he knew how to kill and get away with it. May your years in jail be long and hard. You truly deserve it.

[SadieMae68]

I guess the prosecution's popularity contest worked on you, huh?

[andthetruthis]

If Peterson was any good,he would tell where he buried Stacy Ann,so her family could give her a proper burial.But,this cocky,arrogant,snake has some grin on his face that's say...'they will never find her'.

[SadieMae68]

He may very well win on appeal. They didn't prove him guilty. Yes, they convinced a jury, but without the hearsay evidence, there is no way they would have ever secured a conviction.

The hearsay evidence is in question!

[maz_beachbum]

I am sure he will meet "Bubba" in a few days. He will never have to worry about being hungry or running out of smokes.

[enough-already]

To me, this guy and his trial(s) clearly illustrate how utterly laughable our legal system has become. It's not about justice and retribution,it's more about Nielsen ratings and career advancement for the attorneys involved. Consider all of the high profile trials over the last couple of decades, and then consider how many books have been written by the attorneys and how many movies have been made about the crimes. It's just sickening.

[Jonseen]

That's your opinion. I think this is a huge relief, considering how he made a mockery of the law and legal system until now. He used it to his advantage. But no more. I'm surprised anybody defends him.

He's been legally and lawfully convicted of first degree murder: Drew Peterson is officially a murderer and a wife killer. Sounds like a small measure of justice to me, considering the enormity of what he's done. The woman that he destroyed; there's no way to make amends to HER. But the courts did what they could, and it's a relief to know he's behind bars for (most likely) the rest of his life.

[SadieMae68]

Jonseen

Maybe you can tell us which piece of evidence nailed it for you.

Solid evidence, that is. Not some second hand hearsay that could easily have been made up.

[sepa2]

is he going to freely mix with his fellow mates?

[odin0]

Very expressive picture, nice shot, credit goes to the cameraman/woman.

[Montana5]

Heard KY Jelly was put on sale in the prison store. Judgment day is coming, Drew. Keep a tight hold on the soap, brother!

[caligirlabc]

Montana5 - Not so fast. Even prisoners have standards. They won't want to do "that" to him, but they will want to kill him.
I say, have at it!