Drew Peterson offers $25,000 reward in wife's disappearance
Bolingbrook man asks for information on his missing wife
Six months after his wife disappeared, Drew Peterson announced Wednesday that he is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the young Bolingbrook mother's safe return.
Stacy Peterson's family labeled it a publicity stunt, saying Drew Peterson is the only one with useful information about the day she disappeared.
State police have named Peterson, 54, a suspect in the Oct. 28 disappearance of Stacy, then 23, from their home.
Drew Peterson issued a news release through his publicist saying he hoped the reward would bring his wife home, but remained adamant that she left him for another man. He had expected Stacy to contact him or their children by now, but she hasn't, the release said.
"I don't know whom she left with or where they are," Peterson said, according to the statement. "Maybe the money will prompt someone to come forward with a lead. Her children miss her, and people believe I had something to do with her disappearance."
Peterson said his wife told him over the phone she was leaving. He hasn't helped with searches because he believes she's alive, he said.
Authorities also are investigating as a homicide the 2004 death of Peterson's third wife, Kathleen Savio, found dead in her bathtub just weeks before the couple's divorce settlement was to be finalized. Peterson has not been charged and denies wrongdoing.
Stacy Peterson's friends and family were frustrated by the reward, which they deem an empty gesture, saying Drew Peterson should have offered it months ago when they created a $25,000 reward. Drew Peterson could collect his reward if he would talk to authorities, said Pam Bosco, spokeswoman for Stacy's relatives.
"He should go before the grand jury, and this time not plead the 5th," she said. "No one has better answers about what happened to her. Stop expecting other people to tell us what happened—you were there."
Stacy's friend and neighbor Sharon Bychowski said the reward offer was another attempt by Peterson to improve his image.
"This is too little, too late, Drew," she said.
Peterson's news release asked that information about her disappearance be sent to
stacytips@yahoo.com. The e-mails will be read by investigators hired by Peterson, and legitimate leads will be forwarded to authorities, the statement said.
State police said tipsters could call 815-740-0678.
efitzsimmons@tribune.com
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...,3246182.story
Drew Peterson Can't Be Serious!
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