Local News

Judge: Mike Peterson Appeal Must Be Settled Before Civil Lawsuit

Posted Updated
Mike Peterson
DURHAM, N.C. — 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.

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.