0The Michael Peterson kids have remained a subject of public curiosity for more than two decades since the murder case that inspired the true-crime documentary The Staircase. As of 2025, the children connected to the case—both biological and adopted—have largely maintained private lives, though their loyalty and divisions during the trial remain key elements of one of the most talked-about criminal cases in modern American history.
Table of Contents
The Family at the Center of a National Case
Michael Peterson, a novelist and former political columnist, became the focus of national attention in 2001 after his wife, Kathleen Peterson, was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in their Durham, North Carolina, home. He was charged with her murder, and his case became the foundation for the Netflix true-crime series The Staircase, originally produced as a French documentary in 2004 and later updated in 2018.
While the trial and Peterson’s conviction drew international coverage, the story of his family—and particularly his children—became just as compelling. The Peterson family included a mix of biological, adopted, and stepchildren, whose relationships were deeply affected by the events that unfolded.
Who Are Michael Peterson’s Kids?
Michael Peterson has five children who became widely known during and after the trial. Their names are Clayton, Todd, Margaret, Martha, and Caitlin.
Here’s a closer look at each of them and their current lives based on the most recent verified updates.
Clayton Peterson
Clayton is Michael Peterson’s oldest biological son, born from his first marriage to Patricia Sue Peterson, who passed away in 2021. He attended Duke University and later pursued a career outside of public life.
Before his father’s trial, Clayton made headlines in 1994 for an unrelated incident involving a homemade explosive device at Duke University. He served a brief sentence and later rebuilt his life, staying out of legal trouble in the years since.
During his father’s murder trial, Clayton was a strong supporter of Michael, frequently appearing in court with other family members. As of 2025, he maintains a private life away from media attention. He is married with children and is believed to live in Maryland.
Todd Peterson
Todd is Michael Peterson’s second biological son and one of his most vocal defenders during the trial and documentary coverage. He was frequently featured in The Staircase and has given occasional interviews in later years, reflecting on the family’s experiences and the emotional toll of the case.
Todd’s close relationship with his father endured through Michael’s years in prison and after his release. He has continued to defend Michael’s innocence publicly and has been protective of his family’s privacy.
In recent years, Todd has lived mostly outside the public spotlight, focusing on his professional life. While he has occasionally posted reflections about The Staircase and its media adaptations on social platforms, he generally avoids public interviews.
Margaret Ratliff
Margaret, one of the adopted daughters, has perhaps been the most recognized of Michael Peterson’s children due to her presence in The Staircase. She and her sister Martha were adopted by Michael and his first wife, Patricia, after the tragic deaths of their biological parents, Elizabeth and George Ratliff, who were close friends of the Petersons while living in Germany.
Margaret remained steadfastly supportive of Michael throughout his trial and after his release. She has expressed her continued belief in his innocence, often describing him as a loving and devoted father.
Now in her forties, Margaret works in the film industry and has lived in several U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and New York. She has appeared in follow-up interviews over the years but prefers to maintain privacy regarding her personal life.
Martha Ratliff
Martha, Margaret’s younger sister, was also adopted by Michael and Patricia Peterson after their parents’ deaths. Like Margaret, she was deeply affected by the events surrounding Kathleen Peterson’s death and her father’s subsequent trial.
While she initially supported Michael during the early stages of the case, Martha later expressed mixed feelings about the situation. Over time, she became less publicly visible, focusing on her own career and personal healing.
As of 2025, Martha is known to be living in Colorado, where she works in education. She has kept a low public profile and rarely comments on the case or documentary.
Caitlin Atwater
Caitlin is Kathleen Peterson’s biological daughter from her previous marriage to Fred Atwater. She became one of the key figures in the case because of her shifting position during the investigation and trial.
Initially, Caitlin supported Michael Peterson and stood by him in the days following her mother’s death. However, after reviewing evidence and learning details from investigators, she changed her stance and came to believe that Michael was responsible for Kathleen’s death.
Caitlin eventually filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit against Michael, which was settled in 2008 for a reported $25 million. Since then, she has lived a quiet life away from media coverage.
Caitlin married and started a family, choosing not to engage publicly with the media surrounding The Staircase or its dramatized adaptation released by HBO Max in 2022.
The Family’s Divide and Its Aftermath
The events surrounding Kathleen Peterson’s death created a deep and lasting divide within the family. While Margaret, Martha, Clayton, and Todd remained largely loyal to Michael, Caitlin stood apart, maintaining that her stepfather was guilty.
The Peterson children’s differing perspectives reflected the complex emotional reality of the case. The Staircase documentary captured the strain, showing moments of unity and conflict that continue to fascinate audiences years later.
Michael Peterson was convicted of first-degree murder in 2003 and sentenced to life in prison without parole. However, after years of appeals and the revelation of misconduct by a prosecution witness, the verdict was vacated. In 2017, Peterson entered an Alford plea to a reduced charge of manslaughter, maintaining his innocence while acknowledging that sufficient evidence existed for a conviction. He was released with time served.
Following his release, Michael relocated to Durham, North Carolina, where he continues to live a quiet life as a retired author.
Where Are They All Today?
As of December 2025, all of Michael Peterson’s children continue to live private lives. None are publicly involved in new media projects related to The Staircase or other adaptations.
Here’s a brief overview of their current known status:
| Name | Relationship | Current Status (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton Peterson | Biological son | Lives privately in Maryland; married with children. |
| Todd Peterson | Biological son | Resides in the U.S.; continues to support his father. |
| Margaret Ratliff | Adopted daughter | Works in film; lives between New York and Los Angeles. |
| Martha Ratliff | Adopted daughter | Resides in Colorado; works in education. |
| Caitlin Atwater | Stepdaughter | Lives privately with family; no public involvement in media. |
The Peterson family’s story remains one of the most complex in true crime history—a portrait of loyalty, love, and tragedy that continues to spark conversation.
The story of the Michael Peterson kids reflects the enduring impact of a case that blurred the lines between truth, tragedy, and media fascination. Two decades later, the family’s journey remains a deeply human one—marked by loyalty, loss, and the pursuit of closure.
