Bolingbrook Revisits Cold Case of Stacy Peterson
Nearly two decades after Stacy Peterson disappeared in 2007, her case remains a focal point in Bolingbrook.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Stacy Peterson disappeared from her Bolingbrook home in 2007, a mystery that continues to haunt the community nearly 20 years later. Her disappearance is linked to the investigation of Drew Peterson, who is currently serving a 78-year prison sentence for the murder of his previous wife, Kathleen Savio.
Why it matters
The case gained national attention after revelations that Drew Peterson allegedly pressured Stacy to provide a false alibi regarding the death of Kathleen Savio. Her disappearance triggered the reexamination of Savio's 2004 death, which was eventually reclassified from an accident to a homicide.
Drew Peterson is serving a 78-year sentence for the first-degree murder of Kathleen Savio. While he remains the prime suspect in Stacy Peterson's 2007 disappearance, no charges have been filed regarding that specific incident.
The players
Drew Peterson
He is a former police officer who was convicted of first-degree murder and is currently serving a 78-year prison sentence.
Stacy Peterson
She was the wife of Drew Peterson who vanished from her home in 2007 and remains missing.
Kathleen Savio
She was the former wife of Drew Peterson whose death in 2004 was initially ruled an accident before being reclassified as a homicide.
Pastor Neil Schori
He provided key testimony during the trial of Drew Peterson regarding disclosures made to him about the death of Kathleen Savio.
Cassandra Cales
She is a family member who has publicly addressed the actions and conduct of Drew Peterson.
The details
Stacy Peterson reportedly told Pastor Neil Schori that Drew Peterson killed Kathleen Savio and staged the bathroom scene to look like an accident. Evidence highlighted the controlling nature of the relationship, including an age difference of 30 years and reports that Drew made 40 to 50 calls to Stacy daily.
Timeline
March 2004: Kathleen Savio was found dead in a bathtub.
2007: Stacy Peterson disappeared from her home in Bolingbrook.
2011: Cassandra Cales addressed Drew Peterson regarding his behavior and jealousy.
Legal Context
The disappearance of Stacy Peterson follows the precedent set by the re-opening and successful prosecution of the Kathleen Savio case. This shift in how the 2004 death was handled fundamentally changed the legal strategy regarding Drew Peterson.
The case has long served as a reminder for residents to monitor changes in local public safety protocols and criminal investigations. It underscores the importance of transparency in historical death reviews within the city.
The takeaway
This case highlights how persistence in legal investigations can lead to justice for past crimes even after initial rulings prove incorrect. Readers should understand the importance of reporting concerns to authorities when they possess information regarding potential criminal conduct.
Further reading
For more information on the legal proceedings and investigative history in the area, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
