When HBO Max released the TV miniseries, The Staircase, the case of Kathleen Peterson once again came into the limelight. After the release, Caitlin Atwater, Kathleen Peterson’s daughter, drew everyone’s attention.
It seems like Kathleen Peterson, a successful American businessman, and Michael Peterson, a reputed author, had a real-life modern family.
That’s because Michael had two sons, and Kathleen had one daughter from their previous marriages. After Kathleen and Michael married, they adopted two daughters.
While they were raising five kids together, they had no kids together.
Here’s more about Caitlin Atwater.
Caitlin Atwater Early Life and Education
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Caitlin Atwater is Kathleen Peterson’s first and only biological child. Her father is Kathleen’s first husband, Fred Atwater. She was born on 27 April 1982.
Much details about Caitlin Atwater’s early life are not known. But it is known that she was studying at Cornell University when her mother died in 2001.
While she was in London, she earned a law degree. It is believed that she might currently be pursuing a career in law, but it is not confirmed.
Caitlin Atwater Husband
Caitlin Atwater married Christopher Clark on 10 March 2012. Before marrying, the duo lived for a few years in London.
After marriage, they settled in Durham North Carolina, where Kathleen Peterson once lived. Later, the couple became parents to twins named Penelope and Thompson. Now Caitlin Atwater goes by the name Caitlin Clark.
Caitlin’s husband, Christopher, is currently working with Latham & Watkins as a partner. In 2014, when he started his professional career, he joined as an associate.
Besides Latham & Watkins, he also worked with Allen & Overy and Georgetown University Law Center.
Caitlin Atwater’s husband earned his J.D. in 2012 from Georgetown University Law Center. He got a post-baccalaureate after studying Literature, Linguistics, and Classical Languages.
Caitlin Atwater Father: Fred Atwater
After Caitlin’s father and mother separated, they remarried. The media has revealed that Fred married Carol Atwater. Carol completed her high school at Parkland High School and studied Sociology at William & Mary.
Caitlin’s father, Fred, keeps himself active by involving himself in regular cycling and exercise. Fred and Carol have been living happily for so many years. They go on many adventures together.
Caitlin Atwater’s Lawsuit Against Michael Peterson
Caitlin Atwater always shared a close relationship with her mother. While they had their arguments and differences, they always shared a healthy bond. That’s why Caitlin can properly remember the last time she spoke to her late mother.
After her mother died in 2001, she initially supported her stepfather, Michael Peterson. She always believed that Kathleen and Michael Peterson shared a close and loving bond. She cannot believe that Michael Peterson could harm Kathleen in any way.
But she slowly changed her mind once the autopsy reports and pictures came. The pictures clearly show the horrible injuries on Caitlin’s mother’s body. Also, her stepfather lied about his sexuality and other things.
After the trial began, Caitlin filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Michael Peterson. A few years later, in 2007, the trial settled where Caitlin won $25 million, but she didn’t receive any money as Michael’s indigent.
Caitlin’s lawyer stated that she never really wanted any money from him. All she wanted was to stop him from profiting in any way from her mother’s death. That’s exactly what happened.
The court ordered that Michael Peterson would have to forward the proceeds to Caitlin if he ever tried to write or sell a book again. In such a case, he will give the money to Caitlin till the debt is entirely settled.
The current whereabouts of Caitlin Atwater are not known as she likes to maintain privacy. But she is living happily with her family.
Kathleen Peterson’s Death Cause and Trial
On 9 December 2001, Caitlin’s mother, Kathleen Peterson, was found dead at the bottom of the staircase of the home in Durham North Carolina. She lived there with Michael Peterson.
The media has revealed that Caitlin’s stepfather, Michael Peterson called 9-1-1 to report his unconscious wife. He further told police that his wife might have fallen down the stairs under the influence of alcohol.
However, the autopsy results claimed that the death resulted from forced trauma. There were several bruises on the body.
After the trial, Caitlin’s stepfather, Michael Peterson, was convicted of his wife’s murder. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2003. In 2017, Michael Peterson submitted an Alford plea to reduce the charge.
So many documentaries on Caitlin’s mother’s mystery death have been made.
These include Saved Rounds (2019); The Staircase (2004); The Staircase II: The Last Chance (2013); The Staircase (2022): Power, Privilege, and Justice (2004): Forensic Files (2006); and Dateline NBC (2017).
Where Are Kathleen Peterson and Miachel Peterson’s Other Kids?
Clayton Peterson is Michael Peterson’s elder child with his first wife, Patricia Petersonson. He lives happily with his wife, Becky, and two kids.
Todd Peterson, Michael Peterson’s youngest son, was vocal during his father’s trial. But no current information about him or his family is available.
Margaret Ratliff, the eldest of two adopted daughters, got married in her late twenties and today lives happily with her husband in California.
Martha Ratliff is the youngest adopted Michael and Kathleen Peterson’s daughter. Martha Ratliff likes to have a private life without much media attention.
Conclusion
Caitlin Atwater is Kathleen Peterson’s only biological child. She got media attention after her mother’s mysterious death at the bottom of the staircase in 2001.
While Caitlin initially supported her stepfather, Michael Peterson, she slowly changed her mind after seeing autopsy reports.
Later, she filed a wrongful death claim where she won $25 million but didn’t receive any money. Michael Peterson was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his wife. But later, in 2017, he was released after submitting an Alford plea.
Presently, Caitlin Atwood lives happily with her husband, Christopher Clark, and two kids.
That’s all about Caitlin Atwater.
