Current:Home > reviewsScott Peterson Case Taken on by L.A. Innocence Project to Overturn Murder Conviction -VitalWealth Strategies
Scott Peterson Case Taken on by L.A. Innocence Project to Overturn Murder Conviction
Indexbit Exchange View
Date:2025-04-08 05:38:19
Scott Peterson has found an ally in the Los Angeles Innocence Project.
Though he's currently serving a life sentence in prison for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci Peterson and their unborn son Connor, he's now working to clear his name alongside the nonprofit, which is seeking new evidence from his 2004 trial.
The Los Angeles Innocence Project filed four motions in a California court, including one for DNA testing, alleging that "new evidence now supports Mr. Peterson's longstanding claim of innocence," according to documents obtained by NBC Bay Area.
The outlet reported that the new filings include new updated witness statements and attorney's focus on potential evidence, including a burned out van found near Scott's Modesto home around the time his wife disappeared and a burglary at a house across the street. . (In April, his defense team argued in an appeal that there was evidence to support the theory Laci was killed when she walked in on burglars Dec. 24, 2002.)
Peterson's attorney Pat Harris said in a statement to NBC Bay Area, "I will confirm that we are thrilled to have the incredibly skilled attorneys at the LA Innocence Project and their expertise becoming involved in the efforts to prove Scott's innocence."
E! News has reached out to Scott's attorney for comment and has not heard back. Laci's family could not be reached for comment Jan. 18, NBC Bay Area reported.
Back in 2002, Laci's stepdad reported her missing after she disappeared on Dec. 24. At the time, Scott told police his pregnant wife had planned to take their dog for a walk while he was out fishing.
On April 13, 2003, remains of a male fetus were found by the San Francisco Bay, followed by a portion of a woman's body. By April 18, it was confirmed the bodies belong to Laci and Connor—and Scott was arrested.
In 2004, Scott was convicted of first-degree murder of Laci and second-degree murder of their unborn son. Scott originally received the death penalty, but in 2020, the California Supreme Court overturned the ruling but rejected his claim that he received an unfair trial.
The following year, the now 51-year-old was resentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for killing Laci and 15 years to life in prison for the murder of their unborn baby.
(NBC Bay Area and E! News are part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (7)
Related
- Euphoria's Hunter Schafer Says Ex Dominic Fike Cheated on Her Before Breakup
- Poland’s leader says the border with Belarus will be further fortified after a soldier is stabbed
- Cassie supporters say Diddy isn't a 'real man.' Experts say that response isn't helpful.
- Another US MQ-9 Reaper drone goes down in Yemen, images purportedly show
- Connie Chiume, South African 'Black Panther' actress, dies at 72
- Police dismantle pro-Palestinian camp at Wayne State University in Detroit
- Singapore Airlines jet endured huge swings in gravitational force during turbulence, report says
- ‘It’s just me, guys,’ Taylor Swift says during surprise set as fans cheer expecting guest
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Nissan issues urgent warning over exploding Takata airbag inflators on 84,000 older vehicles
Ranking
- Blake Lively’s Inner Circle Shares Rare Insight on Her Life as a Mom to 4 Kids
- Argentina court postpones the start of a trial in a criminal case involving the death of Maradona
- Alabama man set to be executed Thursday maintains innocence in elderly couple's murder
- Truckers suing to block New York’s congestion fee for Manhattan drivers
- British swimmer Adam Peaty: There are worms in the food at Paris Olympic Village
- Police search the European Parliament over suspected Russian interference, prosecutors say
- Families reclaim the remains of 15 recently identified Greek soldiers killed in Cyprus in 1974
- Alabama inmate Jamie Ray Mills to be 2nd inmate executed by the state in 2024. What to know
Recommendation
Daughter of Utah death row inmate navigates complicated dance of grief and healing before execution
Usher, Victoria Monét will receive prestigious awards from music industry group ASCAP
Louisiana may soon require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments
Nigeria’s new anthem, written by a Briton, sparks criticism after a contentious law is passed
Drones warned New York City residents about storm flooding. The Spanish translation was no bueno
Argentina women’s soccer players understand why teammates quit amid dispute, but wish they’d stayed
Syria’s main insurgent group blasts the US Embassy over its criticism of crackdown on protesters
Massive international police operation takes down ransomware networks, arrests 4 suspects