Drew Peterson Murder Trial: Jurors begin deliberations
(CBS/AP) JOLIET, Ill. - Jurors began deliberating Wednesday in the case of the former Illinois police sergeant accused of murdering his third wife in 2004.
Drew Peterson, 58, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Kathleen Savio. Savio's death was initially considered an accident, but police took a second look at the case after Peterson's fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, disappeared in 2007.
The jurors withdrew to a jury room Wednesday morning after Judge Edward Burmila read them instructions on how to assess five weeks of testimony and circumstantial evidence.
The judge told them they should go in with the presumption that Peterson is innocent, and convict him only if they find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
"The defendant is not required to prove his innocence," Burmila said.
Peterson is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in Savio's death. If convicted, he faces a maximum 60-year prison sentence.