Does this man look innocent? Do you think he is capable of killing someone, including the girl in his arms? Can you form an opinion based solely on his looks?
What about the girl? Could she be so annoying that her husband would want to stuff her in a barrel?
This is Drew Peterson, suspected of killing his third wife several years ago. Pictured with him is his fourth wife, Stacy, who disappeared shortly after she told others she was afraid he was going to kill her, too.
You probably know the story, sensationalized by the media and Peterson’s arrogant and publicity-loving behavior. He looks much more sinister in other photos. Maybe, just maybe, he is innocent, but if he goes to trail before a jury, the odds are against him. It happens all the time to people who, regardless of weak evidence against them, look evil enough to be guilty.
It is even more common for juries and even judges to give good-looking defendants the benefit of the doubt. And , if charmers are proven guilty, they typically get a light sentence. Juries and judges are even influenced by good-looking defense attorneys. This reality is well documented in a 20-page chapter found in, “Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined,” by Gordon L. Patzer, Ph.D.
Even in fairy tales, innocent maidens are always beautiful, while evil witches are ugly. So, if you are unattractive, stay out of trouble, or be well groomed in the courtroom.
