Scott Peterson, convicted nearly 20 years ago for the murder of his pregnant wife, appeared virtually in court as his lawyers from the Los Angeles Innocence Project sought new DNA tests and access to evidence related to a burglary near the couple's home.
Peterson was initially sentenced to death for the murders of his wife Laci and their unborn child, but the death penalty was later overturned, and he is now serving life without parole.
The LA Innocence Project has put forth a theory suggesting that Laci Peterson may have witnessed a burglary on Christmas Eve and was subsequently kidnapped and killed by the burglars. They have filed motions in court to request further DNA testing and access to evidence connected to the burglary.
The group is specifically seeking DNA tests on materials linked to the burglary, as well as on items found near where the bodies were discovered. They are also requesting police reports and recordings related to the burglary suspects and witnesses.
During the court proceedings, the prosecutor mentioned that it will take time to review the materials requested by the defense. The defense team emphasized that their requests are precise and not a fishing expedition.
In the original trial, prosecutors relied on circumstantial evidence to argue that Peterson had murdered his wife after having an affair. Peterson attended the recent court hearing via Zoom, with the next hearings scheduled for April and May.
The national Innocence Project has distanced itself from the LA group, clarifying that they are independent entities.
