Jury deliberates for second day in Peterson trial

A Will County jury is deliberating for a second day in the Drew Peterson murder trial.

The jury reconvened Thursday after failing to reach a verdict during more than eight hours of deliberations Wednesday.

Peterson has pleaded not guilty to murdering his third wife, Kathleen Savio, in 2004. The former Illinois police officer was charged after his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, disappeared in 2007.

Jurors on Wednesday asked to review evidence including transcripts of hearsay testimony given by witnesses. That could mean they’re grappling with statements the two wives allegedly made to others implicating Peterson.

Hearsay is often barred at trials. But Illinois adopted legislation allowing it in these circumstances, and legal observers are watching how it plays out at Peterson’s trial.