A judge temporarily halted proceedings at Drew Peterson's murder trial after a juror recognized a witness who had just taken the stand.
The juror indicated later Wednesday afternoon that he recognized the 22-year-old witness who lived next door to Peterson's slain third wife for several years before she died.
Nick Pontarelli had been on the stand for just a few minutes when the judge told the court the juror had recognized Pontarelli. The judge and the prosecutors withdrew to his chambers to discuss the issue.
When they returned, the judge said the issue had been resolved and the juror would remain on the jury.
Pontarelli had said earlier that Kathleen Savio was like a mother to him and talked about how she feared Drew Peterson.
- Day 1: Peterson Trial Begins with Different Explanations of Savio's Death
- Day 2: Judge Could Declare Mistrial in Peterson Case
- Day 3: Judge Denies Motion for Mistrial in Peterson Case
- Day 4: Savio's Sister Testifies
- Day 5: Colleague: Drew Peterson Said Life Would be Better if Savio Were Dead
- Day 6: Savio Slept With Knife Under the Bed
- Day 7: Drew Peterson Gets Brief Visit from Son, Now 18
- Day 7: Friend: Ex-Wife Said Peterson Grabbed Her by Neck
- Day 8: Key Witness Concedes Movie Deal
- Day 9: Judge Mulls Mistrial Motion in Peterson Case
- Day 9: Peterson Judge Allows Cop to Testify on Savio Report
- Day 10: Defense Drops Motion for Mistrial
- Day 10: Judge Again Scolds Prosecutors
- Day 11: Pathologist: Peterson's Third Wife Was Murdered
- Day 12: Judge: Savio Friend "Facially Unreliable"
- Day 13: Head Trauma Expert Details Savio's Injuries
- Day 14: Peterson Juror Recognizes Witness
- Day 14: Jurors Hear Hit Man Testimony
NBC Chicago has reporters in the Will County Courthouse for the trial. During proceedings, follow along with our Drew Peterson Trial Live Blog or follow @bjlutz on Twitter.
