Butler County murder suspect makes first Iowa court appearance

ALLISON- A Butler County man accused of murdering his wife and kidnapping his son last June made a first Iowa court appearance Friday morning.

Thomas Petersen, 39, of Greene, returned to Iowa from South Dakota custody on Thursday.  He was arrested June 5 after fleeing to South Dakota with his 2-year-old son Jacob. 

Petersen was initially the object of an Amber Alert in the kidnapping of his son. 

Iowa authorities charged Petersen with first degree murder in the stabbing death of his wife Judy "Renee" Petersen, 36.  He initially fought extradition back to Iowa.

The initial appearance on the murder charge took place Friday morning in Allison before Judge Chris Foy.  Foy told Petersen his bail would remain $500,000 cash only for now.  The judge also indicated he would appoint the state public defenders office in Mason City to represent Petersen on the murder charge.

An arraignment was set for Aug. 22. At that time Petersen will enter a formal plea.

In addition to an initial appearance, Iowa authorities also released more details about the Renee Petersen's death.  Documents show police recovered knives  and bloody clothing beloning to Thomas Petersen at the crime scene in Greene.

A criminal complaint filed with the court said Renee Petersen's 17-year-old son had seen his mother and step father arguing the night she died.  The son left the house at about 8:30 p.m. and returned shortly before 10 p.m.  when police said the son found his mother unresponsive and covered in blood.  The couple's two-year-old son was also missing from the home.

Investigators said interviews with friends and family members revealed the two had a history of domestic fighting.

The complaint also states that after his arrest in South Dakota, Thomas Petersen told authorities he and his wife had gotten into a fight.  Petersen state "his wife got out a paring knife and threatened to cut off his testicles."  Petersen went on to say "when that occurred, he lost it and blacked out."

Authorities noted that Petersen did have a wound on his hand at the time of his arrest.  Some of his clothing also had blood stains.