The daughter of Kathleen Peterson, who sued former novelist Mike Peterson over her mother's death, has accepted $25 million to settle the wrongful death lawsuit.

Caitlin Atwater sued her stepfather for wrongful death after he was convicted in a Durham court of murder in the death of his wife. Because Peterson was convicted in a criminal court, a judge ruled that he was liable under civil law for the death. The only issue remaining has been the amount of damages Peterson would owe.

Under the settlement announced this afternoon, the wrongful death suit would be reinstated if Peterson’s conviction is overturned. Despite the settlement, Peterson still maintains his innocence and will continue his appeals.

Peterson was convicted in 2003 and sentenced to life without parole. He maintained that his wife died when she fell down a staircase in their Cedar Street mansion. Prosecutors say Peterson bludgeoned her to death and then staged an accident scene.

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