Hitman Theory Allowed In Peterson Trial

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) – A judge at Drew Peterson’s murder trial says prosecutors can introduce potentially powerful testimony that the former suburban Chicago police officer once took steps to hire a hit man to kill his third wife.

Judge Edward Burmila handed prosecutors the legal victory Tuesday as testimony entered its fourth week. Prosecutors contend Peterson asked a one-time co-worker to find someone to kill Kathleen Savio for $25,000. Prosecutors allege that Peterson killed Savio himself but want to show he plotted her murder for weeks.

Prosecutors didn’t list the hit-man allegation on the appropriate pre-trial documents, and defense attorneys say they shouldn’t be allowed to correct that mistake now.