Where is Michael Peterson Family Now? Who is Michael Peterson?
by Swetha P
Updated Jan 17, 2024
Who is Michael Peterson?
Michael Peterson, the central figure in the true crime story depicted in "The Staircase," faced a series of significant events. In 2001, his wife Kathleen Peterson died under mysterious circumstances on the staircase of their home in Durham, North Carolina. Michael, claiming it was an accident, found himself charged with her murder and was subsequently convicted in 2003.
However, in 2011, new revelations emerged about misleading testimony from a key prosecution witness, blood-spatter analyst Duane Deaver. This information led to Michael being granted a new trial. Released on bail, he lived under house arrest. In 2017, Michael took an Alford plea, pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter, and was sentenced to seven years and a month in prison. Having already served eight years, he was released immediately.
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Where is Michael Peterson Family Now?
After a tumultuous legal battle and a highly publicized trial, Michael Peterson, the central figure in the true crime drama "The Staircase," is now living a quieter life. Following his release in 2011 due to misleading testimony, Michael took an Alford plea in 2017 for voluntary manslaughter. He currently resides in Durham, North Carolina, at 80 years old, living alone in a ground-floor apartment.
Despite his critique of the HBO miniseries about his life, Michael has returned to writing and released two books, "Behind the Staircase" (2019) and "Beyond the Staircase" (2020), with proceeds going to charity. Michael's children have taken different paths. Todd Peterson, once a staunch supporter, has changed his perspective and accused his father of not only Kathleen's murder but also his mother Patty's and family friend Elizabeth's.
Clayton Peterson, who served time in prison for an attempted bombing, has turned his life around and now works as an engineer in Baltimore. Kathleen's daughters, Margaret and Caitlin, have also moved forward with their lives, with Margaret pursuing a career in the entertainment industry in California, and Caitlin residing in Virginia with her husband and twin children.
Michael Peterson Family
Michael Peterson and his family members have taken diverse paths following the trials and legal battles depicted in "The Staircase."
Michael Peterson now 80 years old, resides in Durham, North Carolina, living alone in a ground-floor apartment. Despite his critique of the HBO miniseries based on his life, he has returned to writing, releasing books such as "Behind the Staircase" (2019) and "Beyond the Staircase" (2020), with proceeds directed towards charity.
Todd Peterson
Once a staunch supporter of his father, Todd Peterson has shifted his perspective. He now resides in Tennessee, having distanced himself from the high-profile case.
Clayton Peterson
Clayton, who served time in prison for attempted bombing, has successfully turned his life around. He currently works as an engineer in Baltimore, Maryland, and is married with two children.
Margaret Ratliff
Margaret, one of Michael's adopted daughters, pursued a career in the entertainment industry in California. However, her professional opportunities were impacted by the publicized nature of the case.
Caitlin Atwater (now Caitlin Clark)
Kathleen's biological daughter, Caitlin, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Michael in 2007, settling for $25 million. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and twin children.
The Peterson family members have chosen different paths, with some focusing on their careers and personal lives while others have distanced themselves from the controversies surrounding Michael Peterson's trial.
Where is Michael Peterson's Family Now? - FAQs
No, Michael Peterson was released in 2017 after taking an Alford plea.
Yes, Michael Peterson released two books, "Behind the Staircase" and "Beyond the Staircase," with proceeds going to charity.
Todd Peterson now believes his father, Michael, is guilty and accuses him of multiple deaths.
Clayton Peterson resides in Baltimore, Maryland, working as an engineer.
Margaret is critical of the HBO miniseries, claiming it cost her job opportunities in the documentary world.