DURHAM, N.C. — As the Mike Peterson trial approaches, more national media outlets are making their way to Durham.
As TV crews roll out cables and set up microphones, it is clear the Mike Peterson case is becoming a major production. This week, Court TV is gearing up for its gavel-to-gavel coverage of the trial.
Peterson, a novelist and formal mayoral candidate is accused of killing his wife, Kathleen. In December 2001, she was found dead at the bottom of the stairs inside the couple's mansion.
The story has intrigued a host of national media, including the CBS Early Show. Correspondent Tracy Smith says the Peterson case has it all -- a wealthy, socially prominant couple, a high-powered, flamboyant defense attorney and plenty of mystery.
"Here's a seemingly ideal couple in a very tragic situation. I think curiosity is peaked not only here in Durham, but across the country," Smith said. "You know, people watch Law and Order, they watch CSI. They're fascinated by these sorts of cases."
In the last six months, a French documentary film crew has also focused on the case. Maha Films is taking a close look at the American judicial system.
"Either this man is guilty and what he has committed is a horrendous crime or he's not guilty and what's happening to him is terrible," said Denis Poncet of Maha Films.
The Peterson story could air on the CBS Early Show sometime next week. As for the documentary, it may be six months to a year after the trial ends before it airs. The crew will not say where on television the documentary will be shown, but it is reportedly for HBO.
More Media Outlets Head To Durham For Mike Peterson Trial
- Reporter: Julia Lewis
- Photographer: Don Ingle
- Web Editor: Kamal Wallace
Copyright 2007 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News Alerts to your Email & Cell Phone0 Comments
-
- Wake school board cuts budget, moves funds
Updated Dec. 2 11:03 p.m. |
- Wake budget cuts to reach 10% next year
Updated Dec. 2 7:38 p.m. | - Central Regional may lose federal billing privilege this month
Updated Dec. 2 7:39 p.m. | - 'Operation Hello Neighbor' aims to prevent theft
Updated Dec. 2 11:20 p.m. | - Nonprofits have little regulation in N.C.
Updated Dec. 2 7:40 p.m. |
- Wake school board cuts budget, moves funds
- Most Viewed Slideshows
- Halifax County dog-fighting suspects
Posted Dec. 2 6:47 p.m. - Howliday Photo Gallery
Jan 8, 2008 - Pet Photos | December 1 - December 7, 2008
Updated Dec. 2 4:33 p.m.
- Halifax County dog-fighting suspects
STORIES
VIDEOS
SLIDESHOWS
IMAGES
BLOG POSTSAsk Anything
-
10 questions with Nicholas SparksAuthor Nicholas Sparks answers your questions about battling writer's block and writing romantic story lines.
-
10 questions with John Paul Womble - The Alliance of AIDS ServicesJohn Paul Womble answers your questions about contracting AIDS and myths surrounding the disease.
-
10 questions with Hurricanes' Goalie Cam WardCam Ward answers your questions about winning the Stanley Cup, superstitions on game days and smack talk on the ice.
top-voted stories
Multimedia
-
49th Annual WRAL-TV Tower LightingWRAL-TV's tower has been changed into a 300-foot Christmas tree, with 2,805 colored lights and three stars on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008.
-
The week in photosA look at the top news, politics and sports stories of the week through the lenses of Associated Press photographers.
-
Gallery: Black Friday shoppingA look at shoppers across the country on Black Friday.
-
The week in entertainmentA look at the top entertainment stories this week through the lenses of Associated Press photographers.
-
Apex vs. Wake Forest-Rolesville (November 28, 2008)Wake Forest-Rolesville beat Apex 35-7 in the third round of the NCHSAA 4-AA playoffs.
Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.
You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.