Drew Peterson outburst had court gasping

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) — Eyes widened and spectators gasped in a Joliet courtroom when Drew Peterson exploded as he spoke at his sentencing hearing.

The former Bolingbrook police officer was sentenced Thursday to 38 years in prison. Before the judge sentenced him, Peterson gave an emotional statement and shouted when he said "I did not kill Kathleen!" At one point sheriff's deputies stepped forward closer to Peterson. Judge Edward Burmila fought to restore order in the court.

Jurors convicted Peterson in September of killing his third wife, Kathleen Savio. Her body was found in a dry bathtub in 2004.

As Peterson continued he spoke in mostly hushed tones, crying and trying to regain his composure at times. His voice quivered and his hands shook as he reached out for a glass of water.