The Complex Life And Relationships Of Michael Peterson: A Deep Dive Into The Staircase

With every episode of The Staircase on HBO Max, more and more details and jaw-dropping twists and turns continue to play out in the story and criminal case against Michael Peterson. On December 9, 2001, Michael Peterson's wife, Kathleen Peterson, was found dead at the bottom of their staircase with severe injuries. Peterson was charged with her murder, convicted at trial, and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

He was released in 2011 on bond ahead of a retrial but in February 2017, Peterson submitted an Alford plea to the reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter, meaning he admitted the evidence against him would likely lead to a finding of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt but did not have to admit he committed the crime. Flash-forward to the present day and true-crime enthusiasts want to know every possible detail about Peterson's life and personal relationships—like, does he have a new wife? Newsweek has everything you need to know about his relationship history:

Biography

Michael Peterson is a figure surrounded by controversy and fascination. Born on October 23, 1943, he is best known for the tragic death of his second wife, Kathleen Peterson, and the ensuing legal battles that captivated the public's attention. Peterson's life took a drastic turn when he was charged with murder, leading to a highly publicized trial that raised many questions about the justice system.

Inside Michael Peterson's Relationship History

Michael Peterson's relationships have been complex and often scrutinized. His first marriage to Patricia Sue lasted for decades, and together they had two sons. However, the death of Kathleen Peterson altered the course of his life dramatically. With each layer of his personal life unveiled, the public has been eager to learn more about the dynamics of his relationships.

Patricia Sue

Michael Peterson's first marriage was to Patricia "Patty" Sue, an elementary school teacher. They married in 1965 and had two sons, Clayton and Todd. Their marriage faced challenges, including living in Germany during Michael's service in the U.S. Marine Corps. They eventually separated in the 1980s and divorced in the early 1990s, but Patty remained a key figure in Michael's life and legal battles.

Kathleen Peterson

Kathleen Peterson, née Hunt, was Michael's second wife. They married in 1987 and shared a blended family that included children from previous relationships. Kathleen was a trailblazer, being the first woman to attend Duke University’s School of Engineering and worked for Nortel throughout their marriage. Tragically, she was found dead on December 1, 2009, leading to Michael's conviction for murder.

Sophie Brunet

In a surprising twist, Michael Peterson dated Sophie Brunet, an editor of the documentary series about his life. Their relationship began while he was in prison and continued until 2017. Sophie played a significant role in the documentary, and their romantic involvement added another layer to the public's intrigue regarding Peterson's life.

Peterson expressed that their relationship ended due to his inability to commit to living in Paris, as he felt too old and disconnected from his family in America. Their story highlights the complexities of love and support amidst personal turmoil.

Michael Peterson's Bisexuality

Michael Peterson's bisexuality has been a topic of conversation, particularly during his trial. Evidence of male pornography found on his computer raised questions about his personal life, which he acknowledged. His relationships have often intersected with his identity, leading to a nuanced, multifaceted narrative that continues to captivate audiences.

The Staircase airs on Thursdays on HBO Max and Sky Atlantic, drawing viewers into the complex life of Michael Peterson and the ongoing discussions about justice and truth.