Former Cop Admits Mistakes in Savio Death Investigation

The lead investigator in the death of Drew Peterson's third wife testifies at hearsay hearing

The lead investigator in the death of Drew Peterson's third wife says he never considered it was anything but an accident.

"You can second-guess anything," said Retired Illinois State Police Sgt. Patrick Collins. "Looking back now, everything could have been important. But at that particular moment, I was looking for things that were more obvious."

Collins' remarks came in a hearing meant to determine what, if any, "hearsay" evidence prosecutors can use during Peterson's murder trial.  Friday was the third day Judge Stephen White heard testimony.

Peterson, a former Bolingbrook police officer, has pleaded not guilty in Kathleen Savio's death.

Her body was found in her home bathtub in 2004. Her death was ruled a homicide only after Peterson's fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, disappeared in 2007.

Collins says he didn't even collect evidence from Savio's home. He stopped short of admitting he was wrong to believe her death was accidental. But he concedes his investigation could have been more thorough.

The hearing has so far included testimony from co-workers of Savio's who described her fears that Peterson might harm her.

On Thursday, Peterson's stepbrother took the stand and said he helped Peterson remove his fourth wife's body from the couple's Bolingbrook home.

Peterson hasn't been charged in the 2007 disappearance of Stacy, but authorities say he is the only suspect.  He continues to be held in the Will County Adult Detention Facility in Joliet.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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