Decision made on evidence offered in Peterson case

A judge has ruled on what evidence will be admissible at Drew Peterson’s murder trial.

In a hearing days before jury selection begins, Will County Judge Edward Burmila on Wednesday ruled prosecutors could display a three-dimensional model of the alleged murder victim, Kathleen Savio.

But he denied a prosecutors’ motion to enter evidence Peterson wiretapped Savio’s house. A prosecutor had described the planting of a recording device as proof of Peterson’s plan to eventually kill his third wife.

Higher courts have ruled Burmila can consider admitting hearsay evidence at a trial where there will be little to no physical evidence.

But Burmila refused the prosecutors’ request he make clear immediately which of more than a dozen hearsay statements will be permitted.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday.