Drew Peterson's lawyers ask judge for acquittal in murder trial
(CBS/AP) JOLIET, Ill. - Drew Peterson's lawyers have asked a judge at his murder trial to acquit the former suburban Chicago police officer.
The motion for a directed verdict came after prosecutors rested Monday. Such motions ask the judge himself to render a not guilty verdict before jurors even deliberate.
Peterson has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the 2004 death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. He was only charged after his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, disappeared in 2007.
To grant a directed verdict, the judge must conclude the state fell far short of proving their case. Judges rarely grant such motion but the uniqueness of this case left some wondering it's possible in this case.
Prosecutors presented no physical evidence linking Peterson to Savio's death and relied on normally barred hearsay.