Dr. Phil confronts Michael Peterson face-to-face, analyzing his story, contradictions, credibility, and the psychological red flags at the center of The Staircase.
Dr. Phil analyzes the eerie parallels between the deaths of Kathleen Peterson and Elizabeth Ratliff, breaking down the behavioral patterns, motive questions, hidden relationships, and the disturbing coincidence that turned The Staircase from a single death into a haunting theory of repetition.
Dr. Phil analyzes the shocking death of Kathleen Peterson, the blood-soaked staircase scene, Michael Peterson’s evolving story, and the secrets, motives, and credibility questions at the center of The Staircase murder case.
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In this episode, Payton and Garrett explore the perplexing case of Susan Sills, a woman discovered lifeless at the base of her staircase under suspicious circumstances. Was it a tragic accident, or is there a darker truth lurking beneath the surface?
Case Sources:
NBCNews.com - https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/scott-sills-susann-murder-husband-fertility-doctor-rcna150322
CBSNews.com - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dr-eric-scott-sills-susann-sills-california-accidental-fall-murder-trial-48-hours/
Wavy.com - https://www.wavy.com/news/dateline-death-of-california-doctors-wife-susan-sills-not-accidental-fall/
NBC.com - https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/eric-scott-sills-murdered-wife-susann-sills-staged-her-death
The Sun.com - https://www.the-sun.com/news/11269662/eric-scott-sills-case-where-now/
TheDailyBeast.com - https://www.thedailybeast.com/eric-scott-sills-california-fertility-doctor-arrested-for-murder-of-wife-susann-stephanie-arsuaga-sills
Distractify.com - https://www.distractify.com/p/what-happened-to-susann-sills
Sportskeeda.com - https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/five-details-susann-sills-murder-explored
People.com - https://people.com/e-scott-stills-california-fertility-doctor-guilty-murder-death-wife-susann-8418722
KTLA.com - https://ktla.com/news/local-news/orange-county-doctor-sentenced-for-murdering-wife-in-staged-accident/
Oxygen.com - https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/scott-stills-found-guilty-of-killing-wife-susann-sills-in-2016
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The pop culture of the Michael Peterson case is fascinating. There are many infamous true crime cases that create their own universe. The Peterson case was always going to be famous. But when Netflix bought the rights to Jean-Xavier de Lestrade’s docu-series, The Staircase, Michael Peterson and his …The pop culture of the Michael Peterson case is fascinating. There are many infamous true crime cases that create their own universe. The Peterson case was always going to be famous. But when Netflix bought the rights to Jean-Xavier de Lestrade’s docu-series, The Staircase, Michael Peterson and his family were launched into the stratosphere. There were already books…but after Netflix reopened the saga, we have every form of media jumping on the Peterson bandwagon. Including a sitcom. Outside of South Park lampooning OJ Simpson, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a murder case inspiring a comedy show with the likes of John Lithgow starring. What does this say about us as a society? How far should “journalists” go to keep trying to get interviews years after the man served his time. How long should his children be chained to this case? I’m not saying I have the answers. I just think it’s interesting to ask these questions.
Hosted and produced by Erica Kelley
Researched and written by Erica Kelley
Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma Radio
Edited & Mixed by Brandon Schexnayder of Southern Gothic & Erica Kelley
Source, “Death by Talons” by Tiddy Smith
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On December 9, 2001, Kathleen Peterson was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in her Durham, NC home. Her scalp was laced with deep incisions, and her blood was strewn from outside to inside the house.
The sinister truth of that night turned her murder into North Carolina's most enigmatic crimi…On December 9, 2001, Kathleen Peterson was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in her Durham, NC home. Her scalp was laced with deep incisions, and her blood was strewn from outside to inside the house.
The sinister truth of that night turned her murder into North Carolina's most enigmatic criminal case, capturing media attention across the globe.
Police zeroed in on Kathleen’s husband, Michael Peterson, and charged him with murder.
But Was It The Truth?
A neighbor, Larry Pollard, came up with an alternative “killer;” he claimed an owl had attacked Kathleen outside her house. He said it sliced her scalp with its fierce talons and caused her to run inside, collapsing at the stairwell, and bleeding to death.
When the media heard about his theory, Larry was mocked. And Michael was convicted.
Now, twenty years later, author Tiddy Smith explores Pollard’s theory and questions whether law enforcement ignored, or even hid, evidence to convict Michael Peterson. And was an owl, in fact, the real killer? DEATH BY TALONS: Did An Owl 'Murder' Kathleen Peterson?-Tiddy Smith Follow and comment on Facebook-TRUE MURDER: The Most Shocking Killers in True Crime History https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064697978510Check out TRUE MURDER PODCAST @ truemurderpodcast.com more
Late one night in 2001, Michael Peterson and his wife Kathleen were sitting outside chatting and drinking, when Kathleen went back inside the house. Michael allegedly went inside not long after, and came across her body laying in a bloody mess at the bottom of the staircase. Michael would continue t…Late one night in 2001, Michael Peterson and his wife Kathleen were sitting outside chatting and drinking, when Kathleen went back inside the house. Michael allegedly went inside not long after, and came across her body laying in a bloody mess at the bottom of the staircase. Michael would continue to insist that his wife had fallen to her death through the length of what became one of the longest trials in North Carolina state history.
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For over two decades, Kathleen Peterson’s mysterious death has captivated America. After the most complex court proceeding in Durham, North Carolina’s history, Michael was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole. This episode covers the infamous trial, Michael’s …For over two decades, Kathleen Peterson’s mysterious death has captivated America. After the most complex court proceeding in Durham, North Carolina’s history, Michael was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole. This episode covers the infamous trial, Michael’s appeals and the overturning of his original verdict after he served over eight years in prison. Studies show less than 10% of criminal trials are overturned on appeal. Despite the incredible amount of corruption revealed in Michael’s case, people still believe he “got off on a technicality.” We will explore the truth of what happened in the investigation and trial of Michael Peterson, but can we ever really know for certain what really happened to Kathleen Peterson?
Hosted and produced by Erica Kelley
Researched and written by Erica Kelley and Andrea Marshbank
Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma Radio
Edited & Mixed by Erica Kelley
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In December of 2001, the seemingly accidental death of 48-year-old Kathleen Peterson made headlines in Durham, North Carolina. A beloved community figure, enjoying a night of celebration with some champagne, had lost her balance and tragically fallen down the stairs. But when 58-year-old Michael Pet…In December of 2001, the seemingly accidental death of 48-year-old Kathleen Peterson made headlines in Durham, North Carolina. A beloved community figure, enjoying a night of celebration with some champagne, had lost her balance and tragically fallen down the stairs. But when 58-year-old Michael Peterson, Kathleen’s husband, was indicted for first-degree murder eleven days later, news outlets across the nation picked up the story. People were captivated with this seemingly idyllic couple’s descent into murder. From bungled police investigations to faulty crime scene photographs, this case had the chaotic appeal of any page-turning tabloid story. Michael Peterson’s character, sexuality, and marital fidelity were called into question. And when a mysterious death from Michael’s past comes to light, pandemonium ensues. This is part two of the Kathleen Peterson case.
Hosted and produced by Erica Kelley
Researched and written by Andrea Marshbank and Erica Kelley
Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma Radio
Edited & Mixed by Erica Kelley
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In the early hours of December 9th, 2001, a man named Michael Peterson made a panicked phone call to 911, telling them that his wife, 48 year old Kathleen Peterson, had fallen down the stairs and they should hurry because she was still breathing. Six minutes later he called back and reported that Ka…In the early hours of December 9th, 2001, a man named Michael Peterson made a panicked phone call to 911, telling them that his wife, 48 year old Kathleen Peterson, had fallen down the stairs and they should hurry because she was still breathing. Six minutes later he called back and reported that Kathleen was no longer breathing, she was gone. Initially, it appeared that this had been a tragic accident, but as first responders and law enforcement began to arrive at the scene, the tension was palpable. The Peterson family and friends felt that Michael was being unfairly targeted, that the police were only suspicious of him because he had been loudly outspoken and critical of the Durham North Carolina Police Department in his role as columnist for a local paper. The law enforcement professionals on the scene claimed that from the moment they walked in, it felt as if something wasn’t right, and there was far too much blood for the death of Kathleen Peterson to be attributed to a simple fall down the stairs.
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December 9th, 2001 was an unseasonably warm night in Durham, North Carolina. At 2:40 a.m., a novelist named Michael Peterson called 911. He was frantic. He said his wife Kathleen had an accident. She had fallen down some stairs. Within 10 minutes, paramedics, police and the fire team swarmed the hou…December 9th, 2001 was an unseasonably warm night in Durham, North Carolina. At 2:40 a.m., a novelist named Michael Peterson called 911. He was frantic. He said his wife Kathleen had an accident. She had fallen down some stairs. Within 10 minutes, paramedics, police and the fire team swarmed the house.
They were all startled by the amount of blood. Kathleen’s blood was everywhere. It covered her body, the staircase, and the floor. Soon, homicide detectives were called to the scene. For the next 16 years, Durham law enforcement officials would pursue one fundamental question: Was Kathleen’s death an accident?
Hosted and produced by Erica Kelley
Researched and written by Andrea Marshbank and Erica Kelley
Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma Radio
Edited & Mixed by Erica Kelley
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In the early hours of December 9th, 2001, a man named Michael Peterson made a panicked phone call to 911, telling them that his wife, 48 year old Kathleen Peterson, had fallen down the stairs and they should hurry because she was still breathing. Six minutes later he called back and reported that Ka…In the early hours of December 9th, 2001, a man named Michael Peterson made a panicked phone call to 911, telling them that his wife, 48 year old Kathleen Peterson, had fallen down the stairs and they should hurry because she was still breathing. Six minutes later he called back and reported that Kathleen was no longer breathing, she was gone. Initially, it appeared that this had been a tragic accident, but as first responders and law enforcement began to arrive at the scene, the tension was palpable. The Peterson family and friends felt that Michael was being unfairly targeted, that the police were only suspicious of him because he had been loudly outspoken and critical of the Durham North Carolina Police Department in his role as columnist for a local paper. The law enforcement professionals on the scene claimed that from the moment they walked in, it felt as if something wasn’t right, and there was far too much blood for the death of Kathleen Peterson to be attributed to a simple fall down the stairs.
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In the early hours of December 9th, 2001, a man named Michael Peterson made a panicked phone call to 911, telling them that his wife, 48 year old Kathleen Peterson, had fallen down the stairs and they should hurry because she was still breathing. Six minutes later he called back and reported that Ka…In the early hours of December 9th, 2001, a man named Michael Peterson made a panicked phone call to 911, telling them that his wife, 48 year old Kathleen Peterson, had fallen down the stairs and they should hurry because she was still breathing. Six minutes later he called back and reported that Kathleen was no longer breathing, she was gone. Initially, it appeared that this had been a tragic accident, but as first responders and law enforcement began to arrive at the scene, the tension was palpable. The Peterson family and friends felt that Michael was being unfairly targeted, that the police were only suspicious of him because he had been loudly outspoken and critical of the Durham North Carolina Police Department in his role as columnist for a local paper. The law enforcement professionals on the scene claimed that from the moment they walked in, it felt as if something wasn’t right, and there was far too much blood for the death of Kathleen Peterson to be attributed to a simple fall down the stairs.
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In the early hours of December 9th, 2001, a man named Michael Peterson made a panicked phone call to 911, telling them that his wife, 48 year old Kathleen Peterson, had fallen down the stairs and they should hurry because she was still breathing. Six minutes later he called back and reported that Ka…In the early hours of December 9th, 2001, a man named Michael Peterson made a panicked phone call to 911, telling them that his wife, 48 year old Kathleen Peterson, had fallen down the stairs and they should hurry because she was still breathing. Six minutes later he called back and reported that Kathleen was no longer breathing, she was gone. Initially, it appeared that this had been a tragic accident, but as first responders and law enforcement began to arrive at the scene, the tension was palpable. The Peterson family and friends felt that Michael was being unfairly targeted, that the police were only suspicious of him because he had been loudly outspoken and critical of the Durham North Carolina Police Department in his role as columnist for a local paper. The law enforcement professionals on the scene claimed that from the moment they walked in, it felt as if something wasn’t right, and there was far too much blood for the death of Kathleen Peterson to be attributed to a simple fall down the stairs.
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In the early hours of December 9th, 2001, a man named Michael Peterson made a panicked phone call to 911, telling them that his wife, 48 year old Kathleen Peterson, had fallen down the stairs and they should hurry because she was still breathing. Six minutes later he called back and reported that Ka…In the early hours of December 9th, 2001, a man named Michael Peterson made a panicked phone call to 911, telling them that his wife, 48 year old Kathleen Peterson, had fallen down the stairs and they should hurry because she was still breathing. Six minutes later he called back and reported that Kathleen was no longer breathing, she was gone. Initially, it appeared that this had been a tragic accident, but as first responders and law enforcement began to arrive at the scene, the tension was palpable. The Peterson family and friends felt that Michael was being unfairly targeted, that the police were only suspicious of him because he had been loudly outspoken and critical of the Durham North Carolina Police Department in his role as columnist for a local paper. The law enforcement professionals on the scene claimed that from the moment they walked in, it felt as if something wasn’t right, and there was far too much blood for the death of Kathleen Peterson to be attributed to a simple fall down the stairs.
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On the evening of December 9, 2001, 48-year-old Kathleen Peterson died on a back staircase in her North Carolina home. Her husband Michael claims that she fell while he was out by the pool, but other evidence would point to Michael as Kathleen's murderer.
Fam! You can hear our episode-by-episode co…On the evening of December 9, 2001, 48-year-old Kathleen Peterson died on a back staircase in her North Carolina home. Her husband Michael claims that she fell while he was out by the pool, but other evidence would point to Michael as Kathleen's murderer.
Fam! You can hear our episode-by-episode coverage of all 13 episodes of "The Staircase" right now and ad free on our Patreon!
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From the outside - they’re perfect. Wealthy, educated, compassionate, veteran, with 5 children in a blended marriage.
When Kathleen is found dead at the bottom of the staircase - all of the Petersons' family secrets come to light. We have more questions than ever…
IF she fell (like Michael Peters…From the outside - they’re perfect. Wealthy, educated, compassionate, veteran, with 5 children in a blended marriage.
When Kathleen is found dead at the bottom of the staircase - all of the Petersons' family secrets come to light. We have more questions than ever…
IF she fell (like Michael Peterson claims) why was there blood soaking the floor & walls? Why did Michael delete personal emails right after he found out his wife died? Why do people believe an owl (the bird) killed Kathleen?
And what about the other woman in Michael’s life found at the bottom of a staircase?
Diane Fanning is the author of fourteen true crime books published by St. Martin's Press and Berkley Books including the Edgar Award nominated Written in Blood, about Michael Peterson of Netflix's The Staircase and the best-selling Mommy's Little Girl, about the infamous Casey Anthony case. For the …Diane Fanning is the author of fourteen true crime books published by St. Martin's Press and Berkley Books including the Edgar Award nominated Written in Blood, about Michael Peterson of Netflix's The Staircase and the best-selling Mommy's Little Girl, about the infamous Casey Anthony case. For the work she began with Through The Window about serial killer Tommy Lynn Sells, she received the "Defender of Innocence" award from the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project.
Diane's 14 true crime books are Written in Blood, Baby Be Mine, Under The Knife, Gone Forever, Through The Window, The Pastor's Wife, A Poisoned Passion, Mommy's Little Girl, Her Deadly Web, Sleep My Darlings, Under Cover of the Night, Out There, Bitter Remains and Death on The River.
We will discuss how her incredible true crime writing began; the cases and books that most effected her career, and what's next for the incomparable author. DIANE FANNING TRUE CRIME RETROSPECTIVE-Diane Fanning Follow and comment on Facebook-TRUE MURDER: The Most Shocking Killers in True Crime History https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064697978510Check out TRUE MURDER PODCAST @ truemurderpodcast.com more
This week Zac joins Jaymie again and they talk about the death of Kathleen Peterson, and the Docuseries, The Staircase.
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Othe…This week Zac joins Jaymie again and they talk about the death of Kathleen Peterson, and the Docuseries, The Staircase.
Please be sure to leave us a rating, review and subscribe.
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