Drew Peterson Trial Discussion

InSession #drewpeterson witness says no injuries to Savio's face or any other part of her body that indicates a struggle.

InSession #drewpeterson witness says most of Savio's injuries occurred on her left side; no sign of nails broken/ def. injuries to indicate a struggle.

InSession #drewpeterson after reviewing various police & autopsy reports, witness concludes Savio died from drowning & manner of death is accidental.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson witness Jentzen says there is nothing unusual about Savio's position in the tub, other than she fell

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson witness Jentzen says Savio's injuries are not consistent with assault or attack. "This injury pattern in classic for a fall."

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson witness Jentzen says one would see falls like this "almost weekly in a large medical examiner's office."

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson expert witness Jentzen said Savio had no defensive wounds or facial injuries that would be consisten with an attack or assault.

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson jurors taking notes, paying attention during Jentzen testimony.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson expert witness Jentzen says delicate gold necklace savio was wearing was in tact, suggesting no struggle.

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson prosecutors, however, have presented testimony that Savio never wore jewelry while bathing.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-drew-peterson-twitter-20120731,0,5381027.htmlstory

InSession #drewpeterson witness explains Savio's toes curled-up b/c tub is 'conical' shaped. Had she fallen on flat surface, toes would've been normal.

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson defense witness Jentzen says there are contours on the tub that could cause Savio injuries. State experts said exact opposite.

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson expert witness Jentzen says Savio's thick hair prevented blood splatter.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson expert witness Jentzen says several Savio bruises are either "a few hours or a few days old".

InSession #drewpeterson witness says he only saw one bruise, not 3, on Savio's hip.

InSession #drewpeterson attys approach bench 4 sidebar as witness is asked about bruise on Savio's left breast.

InSession #drewpeterson sidebar ends, the judge has asked the jury to be removed from the courtroom.

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson jury being taken from the courtroom after an objection from the state.

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson prosecutors objecting that the bruise color on their slide was different from the bruise color on defense slide.

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson judge overrules objection. Court in recess until 11:15 am.

August 28, 10:54 a.m. Dr. Jentzen says Kathleen Savio's injury to the back of her head could have been caused by a fall in the tub even though there were no blood or hair remnants.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 10:39 a.m. Dr. Jentzen is standing in the middle of the courtroom in front of an exhibit that depicts someone slipping amd falling. The diagram is of a man in the act of falling backwards on a sidewalk not a tub.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 10:34 a.m. Jury taking tons of notes. Dr.Jentzen says none of Savio's injuries indicate a struggle, none appear defensive. Defense attorney Ralph Meczyk keeps interrupting his witness.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-drew-peterson-trial-blog-day-18-20120827,0,7258366.htmlstory

Excuse my ignorance but wasn't the tub a soaking type tub? And I thought I read some where there was a leak in the tub so why would she use it?

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson trial resumes with defense pathologist expert on the stand.

StacyStClair
Getting questions/comments on whether #DrewPeterson witness Jentzen is getting paid. Yes, he is. So were state experts.

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson expert witness Jentzen says Savio's clavical bruises are too evenly distributed to have been the result of an attack, assault.

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson witness Jentzen says original autopsy on Savio was sound and reliable enough for him to reach an opinion.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-drew-peterson-twitter-20120731,0,5381027.htmlstory

Bmore wrote:Excuse my ignorance but wasn't the tub a soaking type tub? And I thought I read some where there was a leak in the tub so why would she use it?

Drew Peterson said that there was a leak to justify the fact that there was no water when Kathleen was found dead inside a dry bathtub.

Since there wasn't an investigation into her death, and her death was ruled accidental, I guess we will never know if there was really a leak.

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson witness Jentzen says it's possible to have concussion that doesn't cause brain trauma and still causes loss of consciousness.

That man makes my skin crawl...

In Session ‏@InSession
#drewpeterson witness "I believe that Dr. Case is confused with interpreting what a fatal brain injury would be.”

In Session ‏@InSession
#drewpeterson witness "vehemently disagrees" w/ Dr. Case's opinion this was a homicide.

In Session @InSession
#drewpeterson atty 2 wit. "could KS strike her head, not lost consciousness but become dazed?” “Yes” “Then fell underwater & drowned?” “Yes”

In Session @InSession
#drewpeterson witness now discussing loss of consciousness & ranges of severity associated w/ concussions.

https://twitter.com/InSession

Peterson Trial Blog: Forensic pathologist takes the stand

Marcella Raymond & Kelly Barnicle
WGN News
11:54 a.m. CDT, August 28, 2012

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 11:50 a.m. Two forensic pathologic experts, one for the prosecution and one for the defense, have two very different takes on the cause of Kathleen Savio's death. Dr. Mary Case, a neuro forensic pathologist who testified last week, believes Savio's injuries are from blunt trauma that caused her to fall unconscious which lead to her drowning. Dr. Jeffrey Jentzen is testifying for the defense today, he believes it could only have been a fall that lead to her death.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Case and Jentzen are said to be friends and have published articles together, but they are miles apart on this issue. Defense attorney Ralph Meczyk, asked Jentzen if he agreed with Cases conclusion. “I disagree vehemently with that opinion.” Jentzen thought his colleague was flawed and misinterpreting Savio’s head injury.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-drew-peterson-trial-blog-day-18-20120827,0,7258366.htmlstory

InSession #drewpeterson direct exam of this witness is concluded. Judge Burmila calls for lunch recess until 2:15ET.

I googled drew peterson to see what current articles were out there and this is what I got... Check out the number of related articles... He's the devil...

Drew Peterson trial updates: Testimony done for the day
Chicago Tribune (blog) - 4 hours ago - 666 related articles »
Continual coverage of the trial of Drew Peterson for the murder of his third

Hey Bmore, good to see you. Yes indeed, DP is truly evil sitting in that courtroom trying to pull the biggest lie/scam/con of his life. The consequences for the public, his children, & any future women that get involved w/him are at stake here, geez louise I hope this jury finds the scumbag GUILTY, as imo, he is! Bmore, I listed some links upthread from Judge Jeanine Pirro, she spares no words of disgust for DP, his defense team, & Judge Burmila, she is excellent imo, in stating all the problems in the case.

Thanks Alessandra for the links as usual. This is the part of a case I just hate, the expert's paid by the defense to come in & challenge the findings of the Prosecution. I know, I know, the defense is doing their job but I always wonder if the Expert's the defense get would do it if they weren't getting paid? If they were doing it just because they believed strongly in the case.

I know are you paying for their expertise or to say what you want...

Bmore wrote:I know are you paying for their expertise or to say what you want...

Bmore, you are spot on & they do deserve to be paid for their time. Dr. Biden charges thousands & thousands for his opinions but he isn't involved in this case.. Too, sometimes it creates doubt, confusion, etc.. It's hard to know in this case as we know so little about the jury.

I guess I just feel anxious, I suspect anything the Defense tries & does.

I think since Casey we're all a little gun shy... When it's so obvious what happened and then we have to hope that people have enough common sense to come up with what likely happened based on what their told in court... It's scary.

Bmore, I wish in true form, the obnoxious POS would take the stand, but that's never going to happen. This may be the one time he listens to someone else. But, we can wish.

Some of the Defense Analyst have said DP can clear a lot of things up that are muddled at this time, but, they think his attorney's are never going to allow it to happen. I guess the Defense is just going to APPEAL on many issues if DP is convicted. The thing about APPEALS though, there is supposed to be an 80% chance of conviction when re-tried. I think in the case of Phil Spector, there was one hold out, an engineer, that got him a HUNG Jury, but he was convicted in the 2nd trial.

The escalation of the levels of corruption against the general ineptitude and what this case tells us about our local authorities is really frightening.

Peterson Trial Blog: Day 18

Marcella Raymond & Kelly Barnicle
WGN News
6:08 p.m. CDT, August 28, 2012

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 2:38 p.m. Under cross Dr. Jentzen says that none of Kathleen Savio's injuries were defensive wounds and that he believed she would have obtained all of her bruises from a fall.

Prosecutor John Connor asked Jentzen why in previous testimony he stated it was possible this case was a homicide? Jentzen said anything was possible. He also had inconsistent testimony about his opinions on Savio Bruising.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 2:08 p.m. Cross examination of Dr. Jentzen didn’t go for long before an objection raised by the defense put the trial on hold again. Jurors have cleared the courtroom while attorneys argue and look up transcripts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 12:05 p.m. Direct examination completed with Dr. Jentzen saying that if he would have been the doctor to certify her death he would have called it an accidental drowning. Jentzen painted a picture for the jurors as to how she fell and bruised her left side, claiming she struck her head on the side of tub.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-drew-peterson-trial-blog-day-18-20120827,0,7258366.htmlstory

Peterson Trial Blog: Day 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 5:30 p.m.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 5:01 p.m. Dr. DiMaio testified that he doesn't believe there was a struggle. Under cross examination, Glasgow asked if Savio would be able to put up a struggle if the head injury occurred while she was under water. That drew an objection from the defense and another break.

Judge Burmila said unless the state can prove that is how she died, they cannot use that line of questioning.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 4:56 p.m. Although it is rare, Dr. DiMaio says there are documented cases of healthy people in their 40's who have slipped and fallen in a bathtub striking their head which resulted in death. He estimates that most case are children, then those who have epilepsy, followed by drugs or alcohol. Savio's toxicology was negative. DiMaio says maybe 15 percent of the group that are otherwise healthy adults slip and fall.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 4:44 p.m. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow is cross examining defense witness Dr. Vincent DiMaio. DiMaio is a world renowned expert on gunshot wounds and does not hold a certificate in Neurological Forensic Pathology.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

August 28, 4:11 p.m. Dr. DiMaio says the injury to Savio's head was hard enough that a minimum it stunned her but most likely rendered her unconscious. He said your body automatically would try to breath and would inhale the water.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 3:59 p.m. Explaining to the jurors that her final position in the tub is not unusual, Dr. DiMaio told the jury it was just pure chance, stating “She's too tall for the tub.” Savio was found lying on her left side in the fetal position.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 3:53 p.m. Dr. DiMaio has testified “I concluded that the death was an accident due to slipping and falling in her bathtub….She slipped under the water and she drowned.” DiMaio said the pattern of injuries up and down the left side of the body indicates a fall.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 3:48 p.m. Defense is going thru the training and experience of Dr. Vincent DiMaio and he has been deemed an expert by all parties. Dr. DiMaio has an impressive resume and has served as chief medical examiner in Bexar County Texas for more than 25 years. He is the co-other of books on the topic of forensic pathology and is the editor and chief of the American Journal of Forensic Pathology.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 28, 3:29 p.m. The defense has now called a second Pathologist to the stand. Dr. Vincent Dimaio who has been working as a forensic pathologist for more than 40 years.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-drew-peterson-trial-blog-day-18-20120827,0,7258366.htmlstory

Drew Peterson trial updates: Testimony done for the day

By Steve Schmadeke, Matthew Walberg and
Stacy St. Clair
Tribune reporters
6:14 p.m. CDT, August 28, 2012

___________________________________________________________

6 p.m. Testimony done for the day

The defense called two members of the Illinois State Police who testified very briefly about interviewing Kathleen Savio's friend Kristin Anderson, who testified previously that Savio kept a knife under her mattress for protection.

The judge then told Drew Peterson that he has the right to testify or not, and he will be asking Peterson for his decision about that when the defense rests its case.

Court is done for the day. Motions are scheduled to be heard at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday with testimony to follow.

___________________________________________________________

5:50 p.m. Four more witnesses tonight

Judge Edward Burmila has typically wrapped up each day of the trial about 5 p.m. but tonight things will go later.

Dr. Vincent DiMaio's testimony is done. There are four more defense witnesses to go, starting with Robin Queen, a special agent with the Illinois State Police.

___________________________________________________________

Read more:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-drew-peterson-trial-updates-defense-will-call-son-20120828,0,3237951.story

Drew Peterson Trial: Defense's First Witness Testifies Savio Died Accidentally

By MICHAEL TARM 08/28/12 08:43 PM ET
Associated Press



JOLIET, Ill. — Forensic pathologists testified for the defense Tuesday that they believe Drew Peterson's third wife died of an accidental fall in her bathtub, countering earlier testimony from state witnesses that her 2004 death was murder.

Testifying in the fifth week of the former suburban Chicago police officer's murder trial, Dr. Jeffrey Jentzen said a gaping wound on the back of Kathleen Savio's head and bruising on her side were telling. At one point, he stood to demonstrate on his own body where Savio's wounds were located.

"These injuries are classic for a fall," said Jentzen, director of pathology at the University of Michigan medical school. "She slipped and fell, she struck the left side of her body and her head violently against the side of the tub."

A second pathologist, Dr. Vincent DiMaio, echoed that. He said the 40-year-old likely slipped for several reasons, including a slick tub surface with no rubber mat and her possible use of bath oils.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/28/drew-peterson-trial-defense_n_1836891.html

Peterson defense witness: Savio death an accident

BY DAN ROZEK AND JANET LUNDQUIST Staff Reporters August 28, 2012 1:22PM

Updated: August 28, 2012 9:21PM

Kathleen Savio accidentally drowned in her bathtub after falling and striking her head so hard she knocked herself out, a pathologist testified Tuesday at Drew Peterson’s murder trial.

“She sustained a head injury, was rendered unconscious and in an unconscious state, she drowned,” Dr. Jeffrey Jentzen told jurors as he testified on behalf of the former Bolingbrook cop.

Jentzen, the first medical expert called by Peterson’s defense team, directly disputed earlier testimony from two pathologists called by prosecutors who concluded Savio’s 2004 death was a murder.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/14783288-418/peterson-defense-witness-savio-death-an-accident.html

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson trials ends for the day. Everyone will be back tomorrow at 8:45 am for motions before testimony.

StacyStClair
#DrewPeterson judge explains DP's right not to testify and tells DP that he will be asking him for answer when the defense rests.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-drew-peterson-twitter-20120731,0,5381027.htmlstory

________

WGN News

August 28, 6:03 p.m. Judge Burmila asked Drew Peterson to stand up at the end of the day and explained to him that he wants Peterson to understand his options as he decides whether or not to testify. Burmila asked him if he understands he does not have to testify. “Yes your honor.” Peterson said. Burmila said even if all of his attorneys put pressure on him to do so, he does not have to. Peterson responded, I understand.”

Court has recessed until tomorrow morning.

http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-drew-peterson-trial-blog-day-18-20120827,0,7258366.htmlstory

http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-petersons-son-to-testify-for-his-father-20120828,0,367956.story

Drew Peterson trial updates: Son to take stand today

By Steve Schmadeke, Matthew Walberg and
Stacy St. Clair
Tribune reporters
7:05 a.m. CDT, August 29, 2012
____________________________________________________________

6:30 a.m. Peterson's son expected to testify

Thomas Peterson, the son of Drew Peterson and Kathleen Savio, is expected to be called to the stand today by the defense.

Thomas Peterson, valedictorian of his 2011 Bolingbrook High School class who is now studying at the University of Pennsylvania, was at his father's home the weekend Savio died. He has told the Tribune he believes her death was an accident.

"He'll be here to support his father and tell what he knows about his father's innocence," defense attorney Joel Brodsky said of the 19-year-old. "He has a lot of things to add to the story."

Read more:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-drew-peterson-trial-updates-son-to-take-stand-today-20120829,0,7102187.story

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson trial starting w/ prosecutors objecting to defense calling Savio divorce attorney Harry Smith.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson trial resumes today with defense likely wrapping up its case. Prosecutors will call pathologists Blum, Baden in rebuttal case.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-drew-peterson-twitter-20120731,0,5381027.htmlstory

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson judge says if Harry Smith testifies state can ask him about DP overhearing Stacy call

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson wants Smith to say Stacy Peterson asked him in 2007 if she could get more $ from DP if she threatened to report Savio murder.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson prosecutors tell judge that Drew overheard Stacy call w/ Harry Smith. She disappeared two days later.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson judge tells defense that Harry Smith testimony would not discredit her confession to Rev. Schori. In fact, it bolsters it.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-drew-peterson-twitter-20120731,0,5381027.htmlstory

In Session ‏@InSession
#drewpeterson pros. wants 2 bring up other hearsay statements 2 protect SP's credibility if def. is planning on calling Savio div. atty.

In Session ‏@InSession
#drewpeterson court is in session; Pros. Colleen Griffin making argument re: possible def. witness Harry Smith, Savio's divorce atty.

https://twitter.com/InSession

Defense may rest in Drew Peterson murder trial



WGN News
8:39 a.m. CDT, August 29, 2012

JOLIET, Ill.— Thomas Peterson, the son of Drew Peterson and Kathleen Savio, may take the witness stand Wednesday at his father's murder trial.

Tuesday two pathologists testified that they support the original autopsy that found finding Savio’s death in 2004 was an accident, not a murder; and they offered their own drawings, suggesting how Savio came to be found, injured in three places, and drowned in her bathtub.

http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-defense-may-rest-in-drew-peterson-murder-trial-20120829,0,6809986.story

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson judge allows Harry Smith to testify, but Smith can't say that Stacy disappeared two days after call.

In Session @InSession
#drewpeterson Judge grants a brief recess as defense looks over new material provided by State this morning.

In Session @InSession
#drewpeterson judge rules if def. is planning on using Smith's test. 2 impeach SP's statement, then that makes "entire hearsay applicable."

Drew Peterson murder trial: Day 19

Kelly Barnicle
WGN News
9:37 a.m. CDT, August 29, 2012

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 29. 9:31 a.m. The judge in the Peterson trial has ruled that if the defense calls Savio's divorce attorney Harry Smith to the stand it will be fair game. However, he did say the state is not allowed to make mention or question Stacy Peterson's disappearance. It is still not clear if defense will call him.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-drew-peterson-murder-trial-day-19-20120829,0,7786145.htmlstory

StacyStClair
Illinois State Police interviewed #drewpeterson son in May 2012 at UPenn, where he is a student.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson judge now grilling state about why they didn't turn over Tom Peterson interview to defense.

StacyStClair
State did not turn over a complete May 2012 interview Tom Peterson had with investigators to #drewpeterson team. Judge not thrilled about it.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson prosecutors say they did not order state police to re-interview Tom, but they knew about the plan do so.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson judge says let's call other witnesses until they can sort out matter

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson defense calls Illinois State Police Sgt. Pat Collins to stand.

Pat Collins had previously testified for the prosecution.


"Patrick Collins testified Wednesday at Peterson's murder trial in Savio's death. Collins said he interviewed Stacy Peterson shortly after Savio was found dead and let Peterson take part as a "courtesy" to a fellow officer.

Collins described Peterson sitting on a card-table chair next to Stacy, putting his hand on her knee and his arm around her shoulder. Drew Peterson even corrected one of her answers."

Read more:
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/08/08/retired-police-sergeant-to-testify-in-drew-peterson-trial/#ixzz252mGHIA2

StacyStClair
Collins answer was a veiled reference to his work on Stacy Peterson's disappearance. Closest to the Stacy line that any witness has danced.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson atty asks Collins how long he has been the case investigator. "What case in particular are you talking about?" he asks.

In Session @InSession
#drewpeterson witness is shown photos of Savio's house. Witness says he can't recall if he ever went back to her house after 1st night.

In Session @InSession
#drewpeterson witness says he never interviewed neighbor's son, Nick Pontarelli, during the investigation.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson atty Greenberg walking Collins thru death scene pics, having Sgt. agree over and over there was no sign of struggle in house

InSession #drewpeterson Collins says he looked for signs of a struggle around the tub but didn't see any.

InSession #drewpeterson looking @ more photos in Savio's bedroom, witness doesn't see signs of anything broken or a struggle.

InSession #drewpeterson witness is shown a pic of Savio's kitchen, he says he's never seen that pic before. Defense asks for a sidebar.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson son Tom is out in the courthouse hallway waiting to testify.

StacyStClair
Savio divorce attorney Harry Smith also has just arrived at the courthouse. Sixth day spent here waiting to testify in #drewpeterson case.

Judge: Peterson lawyers can grill Stacy Peterson’s divorce lawyer

BY DAN ROZEK AND JANET LUNDQUIST Staff Reporters August 29, 2012 10:26AM

Drew Peterson’s lawyers can question divorce attorney Harry Smith about his assertion that Stacy Peterson asked whether she could get more money in a divorce if she threatened to tell the police what she knew about Kathleen Savio’s death, a judge ruled Wednesday.

But the ruling by Will County Judge Edward Burmila also would allow prosecutors to question Smith about other parts of what he’s said was an eight-minute phone conversation with Stacy Peterson four days before she vanished in 2007.

The ruling left in doubt whether Peterson’s attorneys will go ahead and call Smith to testify at the former Bolingbrook police sergeant’s murder trial.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/14802637-418/judge-peterson-lawyers-can-grill-stacy-petersons-divorce-lawyers.html

StacyStClair
Sgt. Collins says he did not receive any phone calls from Savio's friends w/ information about trouble between Drew and Kathleen.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson atty Greenberg trying to show jurors that Collins did a thorough initial investigation and nothing pointed to Drew.

InSession #drewpeterson sidebar ends w/ judge calling a brief recess and leaves the bench.

InSession #drewpeterson sidebar ends, Greenberg continues to ask witness about who was interviewed & phone records. Another sidebar is called.

InSession #drewpeterson State asks for a sidebar when Greenberg asks witness how many people they interviewed in the neighborhood.

StacyStClair
#drewpeterson prosecutors begin cross examination of Sgt. Collins, who is now retired.

StacyStClair
Sgt. Collins says there could be a struggle and no physical evidence left. Collins says Savio death was "my first homicide." #drewpeterson.