Scott Peterson in court Tuesday seeking new trial
(KRON) — Convicted murderer Scott Peterson appeared in a San Mateo County courtroom Tuesday via Zoom, in the hope that DNA testing of evidence could overturn his conviction. Peterson was convicted in the 2002 killings of his pregnant wife Laci Peterson and the couple’s unborn son, Connor.
He then dumped their bodies into the San Francisco Bay, according to prosecutors in the case.
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Tuesday’s hearing is one of three hearings set to take place. Peterson was convicted of the murders back in 2004 and sentenced to life in prison.
He has maintained his innocence.
Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Innocence Project, which takes on cases it believes led to wrongful convictions, took on Peterson’s case. Lawyers for the Innocence Project are asking a judge to approve new DNA testing and to reexamine evidence from two decades ago.
Some of this includes evidence related to a burnt-out van that was found near the Peterson home around the time Laci disappeared. Specifically, lawyers are asking that new DNA testing be done on blood that was found inside that van.
Other evidence requested includes reports collected from the search of the Bay Area marina where Laci’s remains were found, access to interviews conducted during that time, and police reports on a burglary that happened across the street from the Peterson home.
Tuesday’s hearing was brief, lasting about 15 minutes and mostly dealt with issues related to paperwork that Peterson’s attorneys have submitted.
His attorneys from the LA Innocence Project have submitted more than 1,500 pages of legal documents requesting evidence and information related to his case. Among those documents was a letter asking that any new details they obtain be sealed to protect the identities of those who might provide it.
On Tuesday, the Innocence Project withdrew that letter after the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office raised concerns that sealing new information could be problematic.
The DA’s office also said it is struggling to review and respond to the Innocence Project’s large request for records and evidence in the now 21-year-old case.
Following Tuesday’s hearing, there are two additional court dates schedule for later this year, in which the judge is being asked to rule on defense requests for access to evidence, documents, and witness testimony. It’s unclear at this point if these hearings will eventually result in a new trial for Scott Peterson but attorney Paula Canny says that if Laci’s blood is found in the van, all bets are off.
The next hearings are set for May 29 and July 15.
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