Judge: Mike Peterson Appeal Must Be Settled Before Civil Lawsuit

A federal bankruptcy judge has ordered civil proceedings against novelist Mike Peterson to wait until his criminal appeal is settled.

Peterson was sentenced to life in prison more than two years ago in the slaying of his wife, Kathleen.

Peterson is appealing his conviction and wants a new trial.

Caitlin Atwater, Mike Peterson's stepdaughter, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. According to Atwater's attorney, Peterson filed bankruptcy to avoid a civil trial.