Quiet on Peterson’s street for the meantime...
Posted: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:22 PM
By NBC News' Alison Kartevold
BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – As Drew Peterson took his case to the court of public opinion on the Today Show on Wednesday, he maintained his innocence, but was ready to convict the media for what he sees as excessive attention to the case.
Police are re-examining the suspicious death of Peterson’s third wife, Kathleen Savio, whose body was exhumed Tuesday, and questions have been raised about the mysterious disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy, but he denied involvement in either case.
The Illinois police sergeant told host Matt Lauer that he is not concerned about the police investigation into both cases, but is angry that the media is camped out in front of his house and has all but convicted him.
"I can look you right in the eye and tell you I had nothing to do with either of those instances," he said, adding, "I’m not afraid of law enforcement. I’m afraid of the media."
When Lauer asked Peterson why he agreed to appear on the show when he is the subject of an investigation, he said he did so in an effort to "get the media off my back."
Peterson said he was, "here today, in attempt to basically let them see my face, here I am. Please get away from my house and leave my family alone."
However the scene in Peterson’s neighborhood on Wednesday was relatively quiet, but relative being the key word.
Quiet along Pheasant Chase Lane
On Wednesday morning, there were only two microwave trucks and our small Suburban-sized satellite truck parked along the cul-de-sac street in front of the Peterson home.
The only other thing visibly out of place in this otherwise picturesque Chicago suburb were the "Keep Out" and "No Trespassing" signs posted every six feet around a neighbor's yard in an effort to keep the media invasion off his grass.
I have been here for more than a week now and sympathize with the neighbors along Pheasant Chase Lane. This is the quietest this street has been since Stacy Peterson's disappearance made national headlines.
On a street where two cars parked side by side can cause a traffic jam, you can imagine how besieged residences feel when large dual-wheeled trucks with giant dishes set up shop at the end of their driveway and crank up generators that drone on endlessly.
There is no getting around it, this much media attention is invasive, but Peterson didn't help himself or his neighbors out with his actions. His evasive behavior, especially early on in the investigation, only made things worse.
And in all truthfulness, as large and imposing as drew Peterson thinks the media's presence has been outside his house the last two weeks, it's been nothing compared to what it could be.
I've covered many stories where there have been far more camera's crews and trucks present. However, this is my job, not my neighborhood. So I guess perception is all relative…
