The Mysterious Death of Kathleen Peterson (Part 2)

About this episode

By the time Michael Peterson went to trial, the case had attracted national attention, particularly after details about his personal life came to light, particularly his numerous affairs with men. The case gained even more attention when it was learned that, in 1985, Michael Peterson’s friend Elizabeth Ratliff died under very similar circumstances to those of his wife. With significant evidence against him and no compelling argument for his innocence, Michael Peterson was found guilty of his wife’s murder in 2003. But, as it turned out, that was hardly the end of the story. ReferencesAssociated Press. 2002. "Durham novelist insists wife's death caused by fall on stairs, not beating." Winston-Salem Journal, February 20: 6. Cain, Brooke. 2022. A ‘Staircase’ timeline from Kathleen Peterson’s death to her husband’s trial and plea. May 10. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article260637047.html. Curliss, J. Andrew, and Vicki Cheng. 2001. "Death of former candidate's wife under scrutiny." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 11: B1. Dalesio, Emery P. 2003. "Prosecution: Death was no accident." Charlotte Observer, October 4: 26. Griffin, Anna.