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North Carolina Convicted Murderer Mike Peterson Now Owes $35 Million for Wrongful Death of His Wife

Michael Peterson, the Durham North Carolina man convicted of the 2001 first-degree murder of his wife, Kathleen Peterson, agreed a year ago to settle the wrongful death lawsuit filed against him by Kathleen?s daughter, Caitlin Atwater. Atwater claims that Peterson maliciously assaulted Kathleen.

The judgment, for over $35 million, was only approved on January 31 by Judge Orlando Hudson in Durham County Court. The initial settlement agreement of $25 million has now grown because of interest.

It is not likely, however, that Atwater will ever see any money from the settlement because Peterson says he has no money. He filed for bankruptcy from prison, where he is serving a life sentence for his wife?s murder.

In December 2001, Kathleen Peterson, 48, was found dead at the bottom of the staircase of their home. Peterson continues to maintain his innocence, claiming that she died from an accidental fall.

In 2003, a jury convicted him of first-degree murder following a two-month trial. Peterson has been unsuccessful in getting the courts to reverse the decision. North Carolina?s Supreme Court upheld the trial court?s decision.

As part of the terms of the wrongful death agreement, Atwater said she would stay the case until all of Peterson?s criminal appeals were exhausted. She can reinstate the lawsuit if he is exonerated. Even though Peterson has declared bankruptcy, Atwater wanted to make sure that Peterson would never profit from telling the story of her mother?s murder.

Mike Peterson is a writer and a novelist. He is the author of the books The Immortal Dragon, A Bitter Peace, and A Time of War.

If someone you love died as the victim of a crime, there is a possibility that the person responsible for your loved one?s death can be held liable in a criminal court and by a civil court. You may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the person responsible for your loved one?s death and receive some recovery for your pain, suffering, and associated losses.

One of our North Carolina or South Carolina wrongful death attorneys would be happy to help you determine whether you have grounds for a wrongful death case.

Peterson agrees to settle lawsuit, NewsObserver.com, February 1, 2008

Judge Awards $35M in Peterson Wrongful Death Suit, WRAL.com, January 31, 2008

Related Web Resource:

Wrongful Death Overview, Justia

Full post as published by North Carolina Injury Lawyer Blog on February 11, 2008 (boomark / email).