New judge in Peterson case a former Will County state's attorney

Drew Peterson appeared in a Will County courtroom today for the first time in nearly two years, and got a new judge assigned for his trial.

Dressed in a blue jail jumpsuit, Peterson joked with deputies guarding him and shook hands with his four attorneys before the hearing got underway.
When a bailiff announced to the media that no communication was allowed with anyone in custody, Peterson said, “That would be me,’’ and raised his hands in the air.
“That’s inappropriate,’’ the bailiff said.
During brief proceedings, the case was assigned to Will County Associate Judge Edward Burmila, who once served as Will County's chief prosecutor. Another hearing was scheduled for May 17.
Peterson’s attorney Joel Brodsky said after the hearing that he thinks the case could go to trial in three months. "Drew is very happy that he can see the light at the end of the tunnel."

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow said prosecutors were "ready for trial and we’re anxious to get this case in the courtroom."

The Third District Appellate Court — which recently issued a ruling making it easier for prosecutors to use hearsay evidence against the former Bolingbrook police sergeant — sent the high-profile case back to the Will County courthouse this week in a move that inches Peterson toward trial.

The case has been on hold since July 2010 while appeals over the statements from Peterson's drowned ex-wife, Kathleen Savio, and missing fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, wound their way through the higher courts. During that time, the trial judge retired.

Peterson, 58, is charged with killing Savio, who was found dead in her dry Bolingbrook bathtub in 2004. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning, but prosecutors exhumed Savio's body and reopened the case after Peterson's fourth wife vanished in 2007.

Peterson remains the sole suspect in Stacy's disappearance but has not been charged. He has denied any wrongdoing in either case.