JOLIET, Ill. (AP) - A Will County judge says he'll order a divorce attorney to testify about conversations he had with Drew Peterson's ex-wife before her 2004 death.
Judge Edward Burmila's ruling Thursday comes after attorney Harry Smith testified at previous hearings that Kathleen Savio told him she feared Peterson would kill her.
Attorneys for the former Bolingbrook police sergeant argued that allowing Smith to testify at trial would be a violation of attorney-client privilege. But they now say they're pleased because the judge is allowing statements they believe raise questions about Savio's credibility and may even prove she lied under oath.
Peterson is charged with first-degree murder in Savio's drowning death. Police say he's a suspect but hasn't been charged in the disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson. He denies any wrongdoing.
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Associated Press