174: The Neverending Staircase, The Death of Kathleen Peterson, PART 2

174: The Neverending Staircase, The Death of Kathleen Peterson, PART 2

Author: Erica Kelley February 10, 2023 Duration: 1:38:10
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

Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-neverending-staircase-part-2




  • This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern.
  • Take a break and lose yourself solving a fascinating mystery set in the roaring 20’s with June’s Journey!
  • Give yourself the gift of peace of mind by going to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried. There’s no safe like SimpliSafe.

Hosted by Tennessee native Erica Kelley, Southern Fried True Crime digs into the dark, complex, and often unsettling stories that have shaped the American South. This podcast moves beyond the headlines to examine both historical cases and contemporary crimes, all through the lens of the region's distinct culture. Erica brings a local's perspective, balancing a layer of charm with a direct, no-nonsense approach-what she aptly calls southern sass. Each episode is a deep dive into how geography, tradition, and social structures influence these events and their outcomes. You'll hear detailed narratives that reveal how the justice system operates in the Deep South, for better or worse. The show connects the past to the present, exploring how history echoes in modern courtrooms and investigations. It’s a blend of societal observation, cultural history, and true crime analysis, all grounded in Erica's firsthand understanding of the territory. Listen for thorough research presented in a conversational tone, where the setting is as crucial as the crime itself. This isn't just about the what, but the why and how, specifically within a southern context. Tune in for a compelling exploration where the stories are as layered and potent as the region's famed cuisine.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Southern Fried True Crime
Podcast Episodes
128: The Belinda Temple Case, Part 2 - REMASTERED [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:55
After the brutal murder of Belinda Temple, an 8 month pregnant school teacher in 1999, the Harris County DA’s office took five years to finally charge her husband, David, with murder. They had an ace in the hole. They ha…
Listen Now - Over My Dead Body: Gone Hunting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:56
When Mike Williams vanishes on a hunting trip, the authorities suspect he was eaten by alligators but the true predators who took Mike may lurk much closer to home. The mystery of Mike’s disappearance might have faded fr…
190: The Murder of Liz Sennett [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:36
In the spring of 1988, Liz and Charles Sennett were pillars of the Colbert County, Alabama, community. 45-year-old Liz was a mother, grandmother, and homemaker. Charles was a local pastor. They were beloved and respected…
189: The Murder of Denise Lee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:56
21-year-old Denise Amber Lee was a happily married stay-at-home mom when her life was abruptly snatched away from her. On January 17, 2008, she was abducted from her home. Her two young sons were left sleeping in a crib…
188: The Murder of Margaret Abernathy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:52
Monday, February 4, 1991 started out as a normal day. 40 year old Priscilla Matula was rushing out the door for work. She owned and operated a car dealership with her husband, Nick. It soon became one of those days…where…
187: Lindsey Lowe Case - UPDATE (episode 119) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:47
This is a short bonus episode for July. It's about the controversial Lindsey Lowe case, so I hope you find it interesting. I had a defense attorney reach out and give me the judge's signed ruling early and also give me s…
186: Behind Closed Doors: The Janae Carroll Case [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:26
In September of 2017, 30-year-old Janae Carroll was preparing to end her longterm relationship with her boyfriend—who was also her abuser. After years of suffering, Janae had gathered the strength and the courage to leav…
Introducing Suspect: Five Shots in the Dark [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:02
Leon Benson spent 24 years in an Indiana state prison for the 1998 murder of a young man named Kasey Schoen. His conviction hinged on the testimony of two eyewitnesses – but what if their memories turned out to be wrong?…
185: The Murder of Lindsey Lee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:51
When 31-year-old Lindsey Lee didn’t show up for work bright and early one Tuesday morning, her coworkers at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department were immediately worried. Their fears were confirmed when the deputy w…
184: The Poisoner Katie Stricklin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:56
In 1971, Sundays in Savannah, Tennessee were for two things: church and family. That was especially true for the Stricklin family. One Sunday, 66-year-old Mollie and her husband, 81-year-old William, invited their son an…