This is my first thread. I can't stomach that Drew's brother has custody. I hope Stacy's Family and the Savio Family fight like heck. I found this:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/news/1568982,4_1_JO12_PETERSON_S1.article
Interesting.
It's Drew's oldest son, Steve, who has custody of Drew's minor children, who are half brothers and sister to Steve. Steve was newly married at the time Stacy disappeared.
Unfortunately, Steve is squarely behind his father and will only perpetuate the belief that their father is innocent and being unfairly prosecuted.
The two older boys, at 14 and 16 should have professional counseling to deal with all that's happened. If DP is convicted of the murder of Kathleen, they will need long-term counseling.
Because of their age, I think the courts will give some consideration to the boy's preference for who they want to live with, and since DP has kept the boys from having any contact with their mother's side of the family, they would probably state a preference for Steve and his wife. I do feel that the court should give visitation to the Savio family, so the boys would have the opportunity to get to know them. Perhaps, in the long term, the boys would opt to spend more time with the Savios.
At the time Stacy disappeared, her two children were only age 2 and 4. They should be protected from all that's happened, until they're old enough to know the truth. I think Stacy's sister should have custody of her niece and nephew, as they need a mother figure at their age more than an older brother.
It's a difficult situation no matter how you look at it. With so many families involved, it's likely the four children would be broken up, but if all the adults could put their differences aside to allow frequent contact between all four children, that would make a difference.
An unknown in all of this is Drew's second oldest son, Eric. He would be about 28 years old now. At the time of Kathleen's death, he didn't feel her death was accidental and broke off his relationship with his father. Nothing is known of him.
And both times they must have heard people talking about their father being involved. How can these children cope?
I'd imagine if DP is convicted of killing either Kathleen or Stacy (which seems like a ways off now) that the 2 older kids he had with Kathleen might go to one of Kathleen's or DP's family but the 2 with Stacy go to someone in her family.
) to stand up for these children, trying to ensure their well-being?
