Retired judge testifies Peterson retrial hearing

Retired judge testifies Peterson retrial hearing

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) — A retired judge unconnected with Drew Peterson’s murder case has taken the stand as the former suburban police officer’s lawyers seek to persuade a judge that Peterson deserves a new trial.

Daniel Locallo spoke today on the second day of a hearing on the motion. It asks for a retrial on grounds the lead attorney at the initial trial, Joel Brodsky, offered Peterson substandard representation.

Locallo told the judge that Brodsky made a major mistake by calling one witness whose testimony badly backfired on the defense.

Judge Edward Burmila is expected to rule on the motion later Wednesday.

Sentencing could immediately follow a ruling. The 59-year-old Peterson faces a maximum 60-year prison term for Kathleen Savio’s death.

He’s also a suspect in his fourth wife Stacy Peterson’s disappearance.