Once hailed as a decorated Illinois police sergeant, Drew Peterson now lives in obscurity and disgrace. Convicted of murder and tied to a haunting disappearance, Peterson’s story has gone from suburban officer to infamous inmate. But where is Drew Peterson now, and what is life like for the man once trusted to uphold the law?
His fate—twisted, secretive, and disturbing—continues to captivate true crime followers nationwide.
A Tale of Two Wives: From Hero to Killer
Drew Peterson became a national sensation in 2007 after his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, vanished without a trace. The 23-year-old mother’s disappearance raised suspicions, especially when media attention led investigators to re-examine the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, found in a dry bathtub in 2004.
Originally ruled an accident, Savio’s death was later confirmed to be a staged murder. In 2009, Peterson was arrested, and by 2012, he was convicted of her murder and sentenced to 38 years in prison.
Though he remains the prime suspect in Stacy’s disappearance, Peterson has never been charged in connection with her presumed death.
Crime Continues in Prison: A Murder-for-Hire Plot
Drew Peterson’s criminal career didn’t end with incarceration. In 2015, while locked away at Menard Correctional Center, he was caught plotting to kill the very prosecutor who helped convict him—Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow.
Unbeknownst to Peterson, the inmate he recruited was an informant. Their recorded conversations became the basis of a new trial. In 2016, Peterson was convicted of solicitation of murder-for-hire and handed an additional 40-year sentence, essentially ensuring he would die behind bars.
From Hell to Daycare: Comparing Prisons
Following his murder-for-hire conviction, Peterson was moved from Menard—a notorious maximum-security prison—to Terre Haute Federal Correctional Institution in Indiana.
Peterson reportedly welcomed the transfer, telling sources that federal prison was like a “daycare center” compared to the “living hell” of Menard. His high-profile status had made him a target among inmates, prompting security concerns and the relocation.
Even in Terre Haute, however, Peterson’s notoriety followed him. He was reportedly attacked by another inmate shortly after his arrival.
What Life in Prison Looks Like for Drew Peterson Now
At Terre Haute, Peterson worked in the prison laundry, making around $20 per month. He passed time watching sitcoms and keeping up with national politics.
But his safety remained a top concern. In 2019, he was transferred again—this time to an undisclosed facility. The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) refuses to confirm his whereabouts, citing ongoing security risks.
However, in 2021, a letter surfaced from Peterson postmarked from Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. Even so, authorities did not officially verify his location.
Inside Indiana State Prison: Conditions and Controversies
If Peterson is still housed at Indiana State Prison, he may not have escaped hardship entirely. The facility is infamous for poor living conditions, including:
- Insect infestations
- Inadequate medical care
- A violent 2021 attack that killed a corrections officer
While prison officials dispute these allegations, advocates continue to call for transparency. Given his notoriety, Peterson likely remains in protective custody and under constant surveillance.
Still Pleading Innocence: A Final Legal Gambit
Despite two convictions, Drew Peterson maintains his innocence. In 2021, he filed a handwritten motion seeking to overturn his murder conviction. He cited:
- Ineffective legal counsel
- Prosecutorial misconduct
- Unfair media influence, including the Lifetime movie Drew Peterson: Untouchable
A judge ruled the petition worthy of further examination, granting him a hearing in 2022. Still, legal experts doubt anything will change his outcome.
Even if Peterson’s murder conviction were overturned, his 40-year sentence for murder-for-hire would keep him imprisoned until well into his 90s.
The Fall of a Cop Turned Killer
Today, Drew Peterson is 68 years old, stripped of his badge and drowning in legal consequences. His once-commanding presence as a suburban police sergeant has dissolved into that of a man haunted by his past, shrouded in secrecy, and caged by his own decisions.
The disappearance of Stacy Peterson remains unresolved. Her family still searches for justice, holding vigils and demanding answers nearly two decades later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Drew Peterson now?
His exact location is undisclosed by the Illinois Department of Corrections, but a 2021 letter suggests he may be held at Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.
Why was Drew Peterson convicted?
He was convicted in 2012 for the 2004 murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, and in 2016 for a murder-for-hire plot against the prosecutor in that case.
Is Drew Peterson still a suspect in Stacy Peterson’s disappearance?
Yes. He remains the prime suspect, though no charges have ever been filed.
What is life like for Peterson in prison?
He’s reportedly lived in multiple facilities, worked laundry jobs, and spent time watching TV, though he also faced attacks and high-security restrictions.
Did Drew Peterson file for an appeal?
Yes. In 2021, he submitted a motion claiming misconduct and ineffective counsel. The court granted a hearing, though it’s unlikely to result in freedom.
How long will Peterson remain in prison?
With a combined sentence of 78 years, he is unlikely to ever be released.