Drew Defense Again Loses Bid for Acquittal

The judge presiding over the Drew Peterson murder trial on Friday denied the defense team's renewed motion for a directed verdict.

The former Bolingbrook police sergeant's attorneys argued prosecutors failed to mount a case in the nearly five weeks of testimony.

As he'd done last week, Judge Edward Burmila didn't buy it and again denied the motion.

His ruling Friday came after about four hours of debate between prosecutors and defense attorneys over jury instructions. Closing arguments in the case are expected to begin Tuesday.

"All in all we're satisfied with the jury instructions in this case and we'll be preparing all weekend," said Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow.

Defense attorney Joe Lopez said there's no question he and his colleagues have an uphill battle.

"I'm going to do the best I can. Chris Koch, he knows what he's doing, and Jim Glasgow, he ain't no idiot," said Lopez. "This case is far from being in the bag. We''re going to do the best we can, win or lose."

Peterson is accused of killing his third wife, Kathleen Savio. Her death was originally ruled an accident but the case was reopened following the disappearance of his fourth wife.

He's has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in Savio's death. If convicted, he faces a maximum prison sentence of 60 years.

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.

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