High Winds Trouble Missing Mom Search

Nov. 7, 2007 — -- Investigators searching for a missing 23-year-old Illinois mother combed through her family's suburban Chicago home Tuesday night.

For the second time, law enforcement authorities searched Stacy Peterson's garage and volunteers explored thick brush in the bitter cold, hoping to find clues. A Texas-based search team arrived with sonar-equipped boats and ATVs to aid in the search, which was made more difficult by high winds.

"If anything bad did happen to her, with every day that passes by evidence is lost and it is going to be harder for law enforcement to investigate," said Tim Miller of Equusearch, the Texas search firm.

The winds prevented Miller's group from using its search dogs, horses and an aerial drone.

Peterson's family has tried to remain hopeful as it awaits word of her fate. The mother vanished 10 days ago, and her disappearance has friends, family and authorities baffled.

Peterson was last seen by her husband of four years, Bolingbrook, Ill., police Sgt. Drew Peterson, who some believe may know more than he has said.

The marriage was a first for Stacy and a fourth for Drew. Friends said Stacy recently had told her husband she wanted a divorce, which has caused some to wonder whether he is involved in her disappearance.

But Drew said he believes his wife ran off, and at least one of his friends continues to support him.

"I have my best friend that is under the scrutiny of America saying he's guilty of a crime that I don't feel there's any foul play in," said Rick Mims, Drew's friend.

As the search continues, the couple's two young children, Lacy, 2, and Anthony, 4, are staying with neighbors, according to family members.

Stacy's disappearance has caused authorities to look into the death of Drew's third wife, Kathleen Savio, whose 2004 bathtub drowning death initially was ruled accidental.

Before she died, Savio had filed an order of protection against her ex-husband, which read in part, "He wants me dead, and if he has to, he will burn the house down to shut me up."

As the Peterson drama plays out, Stacy's sister said she has tried not to think the worst and remain positive.

"I'm holding off. I'm trying. The prayers are helping," said Cassandra Cales.

Find out more at www.findstacypeterson.com.