Court: Drew Peterson must stay in jail

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Supreme Court says Drew Peterson must stay in jail while the former police officer fights charges that he murdered his third wife.

Peterson has been jailed for more than two years. His trial has been on hold while prosecutors appeal a ruling that bars them from introducing statements allegedly made by his wife, Kathleen Savio.

Peterson says the long wait violates his right to a speedy trial, but the state Supreme Court rejected his petition Monday without explanation.

Peterson attorney Joel Brodsky says it’s very uncommon for someone to be held so long without a trial. He says he’s disappointed by the court’s decision.

The retired Bolingbrook police sergeant has also been named a suspect in his fourth wife’s disappearance but has not been charged.