Watch CBS News

Drew Peterson Case: Attorney Joel Brodsky Wants Lower Bond

(AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

The former police sergeant who went on a high-profile media blitz after his fourth wife's disappearance is expected in court today to face murder charges in the death of his third wife.

Drew Peterson is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon on charges of first-degree murder in the 2004 death of Kathleen Savio. He's being held on $20 million bond.

Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow says prosecutors are very confident in their case.

But defense attorney Joel Brodsky questions whether Savio's death was really a homicide and says Peterson's $20 million bail is unreasonable.

Brodsky said he will file a motion to request a "more reasonable" bail of an estimated $500,000 before Peterson's next court appearance on May 18. If it is reduced, Brodsky said Peterson, 55, could post the necessary bail to be released.

Savio's body was found in her home with her hair soaked in blood from a head wound, just before the couple's divorce settlement was finalized. Her death originally was ruled an accident.

Peterson's latest wife, Stacy Peterson, disappeared in 2007.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.