An American Murder Mystery: The Staircase

—Investigation Discovery's "American Murder Mystery" franchise presents the confounding case of Kathleen Peterson, who in 2001 was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in her North Carolina home. Investigators homed in on her husband, novelist Michael Peterson, who claimed it was an accident. This three-part special comprehensively delves into Kathleen's death and Michael's trial for murder. It explores shocking theories -- including one involving an owl -- and surprising secrets and includes interviews with the case's key players, as well as legal experts, jurors and reporters who covered it.

1 seasonDocumentary, CrimeTV-14

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Season 13 of 3 Episodes

Investigators discover novelist Michael Peterson clutching his dead wife, Kathleen, at the bottom of their back staircase; Peterson insists her death is the result of a tragic fall, but investigators believe otherwise.
Stunned investigators discover that Michael Peterson's friend, Liz Ratliff, was found dead at the bottom of a staircase 16 years ago; the trial begins with experts battling over the interpretation of blood spatter.
Michael Peterson's defense unveils a long sought-after piece of evidence, catching the prosecution off guard; bombshell revelations about an expert witness threaten to unravel the entire case and give Peterson a shot at freedom.

Investigation Discovery's "American Murder Mystery" franchise presents the confounding case of Kathleen Peterson, who in 2001 was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in her North Carolina home. Investigators homed in on her husband, novelist Michael Peterson, who claimed it was an accident. This three-part special comprehensively delves into Kathleen's death and Michael's trial for murder. It explores shocking theories -- including one involving an owl -- and surprising secrets and includes interviews with the case's key players, as well as legal experts, jurors and reporters who covered it.

Diane Dimond, Diane Fanning, Tom Gasparoli, Jim Hardin, Beth Karas, Tom Maher

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