Peterson had pleaded not guilty to charges in Savio's murder and is the suspect in the disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson.
His second wife's daughter, Lisa Ward, lived with the couple during Vicki Connolly's 10-year marriage. In her interview on "Good Morning America," Ward called Peterson, "a jerk" and said he threatened her mother's life.
"My mother suffered abuse for years and allowed it," Ward said. "I believe anything is possible."
Ward described Drew Peterson as a strict parent who punished her physically. She lived with him from age 8 to 18.