Law enforcement sources tell TMZ … Peterson, an ex-cop who is currently behind bars awaiting trial for the murder of his third wife, told an inmate yesterday how he killed Stacy Peterson, wife number 4. Stacy’s body has never been recovered.
Our sources say Peterson told the inmate he had an accomplice help him dispose of the body. The inmate then told authorities about his discussion with Peterson, which led them to the alleged accomplice. We’re told the accomplice informed Will County Sheriff’s officials and prosecutors that the body was buried just outside Peoria, Illinois.
Will County Sheriff’s deputies and prosecutors took the alleged accomplice to Peoria Friday, and the accomplice led them to private hunting grounds. The owner allowed authorities to enter his property and the accomplice then led them to the site where Stacy’s body was allegedly buried. The accomplice told authorities the body was stuffed in a metal drum that had been buried underground.
On Friday afternoon, authorities brought police dogs onto the property and we’re told the dogs immediately took them to the place where the witness said the body was buried. Authorities then put prongs in the soil and hit a mass below ground that could be the drum in question.
We’re told State Police are now guarding the property and authorities will begin digging Saturday morning.
UPDATE 6/5 10:00 AM PT — State Police confirm the search is underway.
