Community Corner

Take Back the Night Event to Feature Stacy Peterson's Minister

Neil Schori testified about his conversations with Drew Peterson's fourth wife at the former Bolingbrook police officer's trial for the murder of his third wife.

The 2013 Take Back the Night Vigil & March, set for Thursday night at First Assembly of God Church in Joliet, will feature the minister who counseled the missing wife of convicted murderer Drew Peterson.

The Will County event is to start at 5:30 p.m. at the church, 1741 Essington Road, and will include a candlelight vigil for the victims of domestic violence, information tables on groups that assist violence survivors and a short march.

"Take Back the Night offers an opportunity for survivors of abuse to join with others of all races, cultures, backgrounds and experiences to combine the strength of their voices to declare an end to violence," according to event Web site www.willtbtn.com.

Participants are asked to bring non-perishable food items, paper goods and/or grocery store and gas station gift cards to be donated to area domestic violence shelters.

The guest speaker is the Rev. Neil Schori, who was the minister to Stacy Peterson, fourth wife of Drew Peterson, who was convicted last year of murdering his third wife, Kathleen Savio, in 2004. He's currently serving a 38-year prison term.

Schori testified at Peterson's trial that Stacy Peterson confided in him that her husband had told her he'd killed Savio, that she'd helped provide his alibi and that she was fearful for her own life. Stacy Peterson has been missing since 2007.

Schori has since gone on to create domestic violence prevention programs at Naperville Christian Church, where is currently the pastor.


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