Peterson Estate Sale Draws Shoppers, Curiosity Seekers

DURHAM, N.C. — The sale of items at the home of convicted murderer Mike Peterson wrapped up on Monday. The four-day sale attracted shoppers and curiosity seekers.

The Peterson estate sale kicked off Friday, with more than 1,000 people making their way through the Cedar Street mansion. Sale organizers said most of the 3,000 items available for sale -- including books, furnuture and art work -- went home with new owners.

Organizers said they were not surprised by the curiosity either.

"We've sold about 95 percent," sale organizer Pat Thomas said. "I personally thought we'd have a lot of people coming to see the house and grounds and that sort of thing."

Peterson was convicted in October for the death of his wife, Kathleen at the home. In the minds of shoppers, the highly publicized history of the home is what made the possessions inside more valuable.

"I have a book here from California. It looks like they may have gone on vacation. There's a receipt in here from 1996, so it might be something to have," shopper Christa Bixey said.

Proceeds from the sale will go to his children and Peterson's stepdaughter, Caitlin Atwater.