The Mysterious Death of Kathleen Peterson (Part 1)

When Kathleen Peterson died in December 2001, it was assumed her death had been the result of an accidental fall down the stairs after combining alcohol and Valium. However, within a few weeks, suspicion fell on Kathleen’s husband, Michael, after the medical examiner concluded that Kathleen’s injuries were consistent with assault, not an accidental fall.

By the time Michael Peterson went to trial, the case had attracted national attention, particularly after details about his personal life came to light. The case gained even more attention when it was learned that, in 1985, Michael Peterson’s friend Elizabeth Ratliff died under very similar circumstances to those of his wife. 

References

Associated Press. 2002. "Durham novelist insists wife's death caused by fall on stairs, not beating." Winston-Salem Journal, February 20: 6.

Cain, Brooke. 2022. A ‘Staircase’ timeline from Kathleen Peterson’s death to her husband’s trial and plea. May 10. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article260637047.html.

Curliss, J. Andrew, and Vicki Cheng. 2001. "Death of former candidate's wife under scrutiny." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 11: B1.

Dalesio, Emery P. 2003. "Prosecution: Death was no accident." Charlotte Observer, October 4: 26.

Griffin, Anna. 2003. "Durham writer found guilty of killing wife." Charlotte Observer, October 11: 1.

—. 2001. "High-profiler gets unwanted attention." Charlotte Observer, December 16: 23.

—. 2003. "Peterson murder case goes to jury." Charlotte Observer, October 7: B1.

Jarvis, Craig. 2002. "Peterson case takes a turn." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), May 11: 1.

Jarvis, Craig, and John Sullivan. 2001. "Peterson seen as vibrant, devoted." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 23: 1.

Johns, Michael. 2002. "Peterson's motive?" The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), January 20: 28.

Jones, Aphrodite. 2013. A Perfect Husband. New York, NY: Pinnacle.

Kane, Dan. 1999. "Mayoral candidate's fake-wound disclosure splits backers." News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), September 23: 3B.

Lee, Demorris. 2003. "Agent's findings point to beating." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), August 15: 1.

—. 2002. "Durham DA seeks exhumation." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 19: 1.

—. 2003. "Sisters grant autopsy request." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), February 17: B1.

—. 2002. "Stepdaughter files suit against Peterson." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 30: B3.

Lee, Demorris, and Aisling Swift. 2001. "Peterson indicted in death." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 21: 1.

—. 2001. "Peterson to spend holiday in jail." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 22: B1.

Lee, Demorris, and Craig Jarvis. 2003. "Autopsy: Peterson friend slain." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), April 29: 1.

Modell, Josh. 2018. "The real killer in The Staircase might be -- an owl?" Vulture, June 14.

Murphy, Dennis. 2006. Death at the bottom of the stairs. November 25. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15894727.

Peterson, Michael. 2019. Behind the Staircase. Durham, NC: Independently published.

Press, Associated. 2001. "Special grand jury called in death of arts patron." Charlotte Observer, December 20: 23.

Rogers, Patrick, and Lori Rozsa. 2022. Revisit PEOPLE's 2002 Conversation with Michael Peterson, Whose Wife's Death Inspired HBO Max's 'The Staircase'. May 5. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://people.com/crime/people-magazine-2002-interview-with-michael-peterson-the-staircase/.

Saker, Anne. 2003. "Peterson Trial: Trial opens, rival lawyers offer weapon theory, accident scenario to jury." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), July 1: 1.

—. 2003. "Sexuality introduced into the trial." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), August 8: 1.

Sheehan, Ruth. 2002. "Is Peterson the wrong man, too?" The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), February 21: 15.

—. 2002. "Win-win tactic for DA." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 28: 15.

State of North Carolina v. Michael Iver Peterson. 2007. 547A06 (Supreme Court of North Carolina, November 9).

 

Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)

Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)

Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash Kelley

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