Almost two decades after the murder case of Lacey Peterson and her unborn child Connor gripped the nation, new evidence has emerged that raises doubts about the conviction of Scott Peterson. In 2004, Peterson was found guilty of murdering his wife and unborn son, but the Los Angeles Innocence Project has now filed a motion claiming that key evidence was withheld from his original trial.
The Innocence Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals, is seeking post-conviction discovery of evidence in Peterson's case. Their attorneys argue that newly discovered evidence supports Peterson's claim of actual innocence.
One piece of evidence brought to light is the possibility of a burglary across the street from the Petersons' home in the week leading up to Lacey's disappearance. The organization also wants further investigation into a van found after Lacey went missing, as it appears to contain belongings missing from the Petersons' house. Additionally, they are requesting DNA testing of the duct tape and remains, as well as examination of the cord found around the neck of the baby's remains.
Supporters of Peterson's innocence believe that there is enough evidence to suggest that someone else may have committed the crimes. They contend that law enforcement should pursue further investigation based on this evidence.
The case began in December 2002 when Scott Peterson reported his pregnant wife Lacey missing on Christmas Eve. Four months later, both Lacey's body and the body of her unborn baby, Connor, washed up separately in the San Francisco Bay, just two miles from the location where Scott claimed he had been fishing.
During the trial, Amber Fray, a woman who claimed to be dating Scott Peterson prior to Lacey's disappearance, testified as a star witness for the prosecution. Fray revealed that Scott had told her he was not married and that his wife had died. Just a month after this conversation, Lacey went missing.
In 2004, Scott Peterson was convicted of murder and subsequently sentenced to death. However, in 2020, the California Supreme Court overturned Peterson's death sentence while upholding his convictions. He is currently serving life in prison without parole and continues to maintain his innocence.
The Los Angeles Innocence Project, with funding partially provided by the Department of Justice, is spearheading the campaign to reevaluate Peterson's case and have his conviction vacated. They seek to retest or test for the first time the various pieces of evidence, which largely comprise items that washed up on shore during the discovery of Lacey and Connor's remains.
Ultimately, the recent developments have reignited public interest in the case and raised important questions about Peterson's guilt. As the legal battle unfolds, many eagerly await the outcome and the prospect of a new trial for Scott Peterson.
