Overview of Drew Peterson’s Marital History
Drew Peterson, a former Illinois police sergeant convicted of murdering his third wife, Kathleen Savio, has had multiple marriages that are central to understanding the legal and public narrative around his case. This profile focuses on confirmed relationships, timelines, and outcomes, emphasizing court-admitted facts and authoritative reporting. The marriages below are listed in sequence, with attention to legal outcomes and public records. Below the summary table, each marriage is explained in detail with context and verified background.
Summary of Spouses and Key Outcomes
| Spouse (Name) | Marriage Period | End Reason | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vicki Schmicker | circa 1982–1989 | Divorce | Mother of his children; no public controversy |
| Gloria Higgins | 1990–2002 | Divorce | Mother of his children; lasted about 12 years |
| Kathleen Savio | 2002–2004 | Her death (homicide) | Convicted in 2012; death by drowning; case drew national attention |
| Jolanta "Jolene" Maurer (fiancée) | Engaged around 2005–2007; wedding plans interrupted | Relationship ended after investigations and his imprisonment | Not legally married; engagement broken amid criminal proceedings |
| Sharon Townsend Rollo (spouse) | 2013–present (as of available public records) | Ongoing | Married after his 2012 conviction; limited public information |
Early Marriages: Vicki Schmicker and Gloria Higgins
Drew Peterson’s first documented marriage was to Vicki Schmicker around the early 1980s. They had children together and divorced in 1989 under terms that remained largely private. Sources indicate this was a conventional marriage without later legal turbulence. Following the divorce, he married Gloria Higgins in 1990. Higgins is the mother of two of his children. That marriage lasted until 2002 and also ended in divorce. Court and biographical records describe both relationships as stable compared to his later marriages, with no public allegations of misconduct during these periods.
Marriage to Kathleen Savio and Her Death
Peterson married Kathleen Savio in 2002, shortly after his divorce from Higgins. Their marriage is the most scrutinized due to Savio’s death in 2004. Initial investigations ruled her death an accident, but after Peterson’s fourth marriage drew attention, authorities reopened the case and eventually charged him with her homicide. In 2012, a jury convicted him of murdering Savio, and he was sentenced to a prison term. The case generated significant national coverage, particularly because of the later relationship with Jolanta Maurer and suspicions that financial motives influenced the circumstances around Savio’s death.
Fiancée Jolanta Maurer and Engagement Timeline
While imprisoned and during proceedings related to Savio’s death, Peterson became engaged to Jolanta Maurer in 2005. They planned to marry but never did; the engagement ended in the late 2000s amid ongoing legal battles and his incarceration. This relationship was widely reported, but it never advanced to marriage. Maurer’s involvement is notable because it coincided with increased media focus on Peterson’s behavior and finances, further complicating his public image.
Current Marital Status and Marriage to Sharon Townsend Rollo
After his conviction, Peterson married Sharon Townsend Rollo in 2013. Very little public information exists about this relationship, including how or when they met. As of the latest available records, the marriage remains ongoing. Prison policies and limited coverage have kept details private. Due to his incarcerated status and limited interviews, there are no authoritative public statements describing the nature of this partnership beyond its legal recognition.
Key Takeaways and Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Drew Peterson been married?
He has been married four times legally (Vicki Schmicker, Gloria Higgins, Kathleen Savio, and Sharon Townsend Rollo), with a fifth engagement (Jolanta Maurer) that did not result in marriage.
Which spouse’s death led to criminal convictions?
The death of Kathleen Savio led to Peterson’s murder conviction in 2012.
Is Drew Peterson still married?
Yes, as of the latest public records, he is married to Sharon Townsend Rollo, though he is incarcerated.
Were any spouses related to law enforcement or involved in investigations?
No verified information indicates that any spouse was a law enforcement officer or directly involved in the official investigations.
In summary, Drew Peterson’s spouse history includes four legal marriages and one high-profile engagement. The marriage to Kathleen Savio resulted in a homicide conviction; his current spouse is Sharon Townsend Rollo. This factual overview reflects only information available from court records and authoritative media sources.