– Prosecutors detail evidence against Scott Peterson in new appeal filing
– New appeal filing presents overwhelming evidence against killer, say prosecutors.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A California jury found Scott Peterson guilty of murdering his 27-year-old pregnant wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner, after a five-month trial in 2004. Over the years, he’s had multiple failed appeals but succeeded in having his death penalty overturned in favor of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. However, his latest appeal, taken up by the Los Angeles Innocence Project, purports that there is previously untested DNA evidence that could show someone else may have been responsible for the double homicide.
Prosecution’s Case Against Peterson
Prosecutors disagree with the new appeal, pointing out a boatload of evidence in a 337-page court filing opposing his motion for new DNA testing. They describe the “overwhelming” case that landed him a conviction in the first place. They highlighted Peterson’s repeated lies to detectives, his mistress Amber Frey, and the media. They included photos of him smiling during a vigil for Laci Peterson just days after her disappearance. Much of the evidence ties back to his alibi – a boat trip in San Francisco Bay the day his wife vanished.
Key Evidence Presented
Prosecutors presented evidence that a police K-9 picked up Laci’s scent at a boat ramp in Berkeley. They also mentioned that her hair had been recovered from a pair of needle-nose pliers on Peterson’s boat. The autopsy suggested that her remains had been weighted to the sea floor before she broke apart and washed ashore. Peterson was found to have made multiple homemade anchors out of concrete and rebar.
Scott Peterson’s Charismatic Facade
Prosecutors painted Peterson as a charmer who would shower people with roses and home-cooked meals. He was having an affair with Amber Frey in the weeks leading up to the murder. His web of lies began to unravel as inconsistencies in his story emerged.
Conflicting Statements and Suspicious Behaviour
Investigators noted several instances where Peterson made conflicting statements to police. He claimed his wife had gone for a walk in a nearby park, while evidence suggested otherwise. Peterson’s behaviour, such as changing his clothes and washing fishing attire, raised suspicion among law enforcement.
Arrest and Conviction
After the decomposed bodies of Laci and Conner Peterson washed ashore, Scott Peterson was arrested near the Mexico border with incriminating evidence. In November 2004, he was found guilty of first- and second-degree murder for the deaths of his wife and son. Despite maintaining his innocence, Peterson is currently serving a life prison sentence.
Current Appeal and DNA Dispute
The Los Angeles Innocence Project is seeking new DNA testing on evidence linked to a burglary near the Peterson family home. Scott Peterson is due back in court on May 29 for a hearing on the DNA dispute.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from court filings and news reports. Fox News’ Michael Lundin contributed to this report.
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Scott Peterson prosecutors lay out ‘overwhelming evidence’ against killer’s new appeal in filing, exclude new appeal.
