Los Angeles Innocence Project takes up Scott Peterson case
The infamous case of convicted murderer Scott Peterson will get a second look from the Los Angeles Innocence Project, NewsNation has confirmed.
The nonprofit organization provides pro-bono legal analysis and services to those it believes may have been the victims of unjust or improper convictions.
Peterson, 51, was convicted in 2004 of first-degree murder of his wife, Laci, and second-degree murder of their unborn son, whose remains were found in April 2003 on the shoreline of a park in the San Francisco Bay.
Laci was 27 years old and eight months pregnant at the time of her death.
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While having no direct evidence tying Peterson to the crime, prosecutors built the case on circumstantial evidence and perceived motive, including the fact that he was having an affair with a woman who later testified at the trial.
He was eventually sentenced to death, but his sentence was overturned in 2020. His conviction remained in place, but he was subsequently re-sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole the following year.
REDWOOD CITY, CA – MARCH 17: Convicted murderer Scott Peterson is escorted by two San Mateo County Sheriff deputies as he is walked from the jail to an awaiting van March 17, 2005 in Redwood City, California. Scott Peterson was transported to San Quentin Prison death row after he was formally sentenced to death for the murder or his wife Laci and their unborn son. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) New mug shot of Scott Peterson (Nov. 2021 / CDCR) REDWOOD CITY, CA – NOVEMBER 2: Accused double murderer Scott Peterson (2nd-L) and attorney Pat Harris (L) listen to attorney Mark Geragos (R) during defense closing arguments November 2, 2004 in Redwood City, California. Peterson is accused of killing his wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner. (Photo by Fred Larson-Pool/Getty Images) Scott Peterson listens to prosecutor Joseph Distaso respond to defense attorney Mark Geragos’ petition for dismissing double murder charges against Peterson Jan. 14, 2004, in Modesto, California. (Bart Ah You-Pool/Getty Images)
Peterson has maintained his innocence throughout his sentence and often claimed to be the victim of unfair treatment during his trial, which made international headlines and was the source of widespread media attention.
The Innocence Project, one of the most well known and high-profile justice reform organizations, submitted a slew of documents that have been obtained by Nexstar, KTLA’s parent company. Among them are claims of newly discovered evidence, including new potential suspects, that they say will prove Peterson did not kill his wife and unborn child.
His attorneys are also requesting dozens of items of evidence that they say they have either never seen or are unable to locate, some of which are said to be connected to a burglary in Stanislaus County near the Peterson’s home, as well as evidence recovered from a van fire in 2002.
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