Why Did The LA Innocence Project Take on The Scott Peterson Case?
Jan 29, 10:00 PM
The recent decision by the LA Innocence Project to take up Scott Peterson's case, a man serving a life sentence for the murder of his wife Lacey Peterson, has raised many eyebrows and sparked a flurry of questions. What could this mean for a case that seemed closed, with Peterson presumably behind bars for life?
In an episode of "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski discussed this intriguing development with Eric Faddis, a former felony prosecutor and attorney. Faddis shared his insights into the potential implications of the LA Innocence Project's involvement, questioning whether there might be significant new evidence, or if this is merely a strategy for garnering attention.
The conversation highlighted the reputation of the Innocence Project and the impact of its support for Peterson. "This announcement grabbed the attention of the nation, in part because of the reputation of the Innocence Project... most folks would say the Innocence Project is pretty reputable and incredible," Faddis noted. The involvement of such a respected organization suggests that there could be more to Peterson's story than what was presented in his trial.
Faddis and Brueski discussed key aspects of the case that the LA Innocence Project might be focusing on, including a controversial burglary that took place across the street from the Peterson home on the day Lacey disappeared. Faddis elaborated, "There's a dispute as to exactly when it took place, but according to Scott Peterson's team, it took place on the day that Lacey Peterson disappeared." The theory suggests that Lacey could have been murdered because she witnessed the burglary.
A significant point of interest is a blood-soaked mattress found in a van near the crime scene, which the Innocence Project wants to test for DNA. The question arises: why was this evidence not explored during the original investigation? Faddis explained, "2004 was a different time... DNA was still kind of in its infancy." This new angle could potentially introduce fresh evidence that was not available or considered two decades ago.
The discussion also touched on the nature of circumstantial evidence and its role in Peterson's conviction. Faddis pointed out that Peterson's actions and behavior, including his affair and inconsistencies in his statements, were damning, albeit circumstantial. "This is someone who was painted in a horrible light, but not necessarily I think with much effort... there were so many things that just never really truly added up," he stated.
However, the conversation took a critical turn when considering the nature of the Innocence Project's involvement. Faddis expressed doubt about the likelihood of finding evidence that could exonerate Peterson entirely, suggesting that the goal might be to create reasonable doubt for a new trial. "I don't think any of the possible new evidence... would result in a complete reversal of the conviction and no new trial," he said.
Brueski and Faddis debated the motivations behind the LA Innocence Project’s decision to take up such a high-profile and contentious case. Faddis highlighted a crucial legal distinction: "Usually the Innocence Project goes for the former, people who are factually innocent." The implication is that the LA Innocence Project might be stretching this definition, possibly to gain publicity or challenge the conviction on weaker grounds.
In conclusion, the involvement of the LA Innocence Project in the Scott Peterson case opens up a realm of possibilities and uncertainties. While the prospect of new evidence is intriguing, the true nature and impact of this evidence remain to be seen. As the legal community and the public alike await further developments, one question lingers: Is the LA Innocence Project pursuing a path of true justice for Scott Peterson, or are they navigating a more complex and ambiguous route that blurs the lines between innocence and reasonable doubt?
In an episode of "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski discussed this intriguing development with Eric Faddis, a former felony prosecutor and attorney. Faddis shared his insights into the potential implications of the LA Innocence Project's involvement, questioning whether there might be significant new evidence, or if this is merely a strategy for garnering attention.
The conversation highlighted the reputation of the Innocence Project and the impact of its support for Peterson. "This announcement grabbed the attention of the nation, in part because of the reputation of the Innocence Project... most folks would say the Innocence Project is pretty reputable and incredible," Faddis noted. The involvement of such a respected organization suggests that there could be more to Peterson's story than what was presented in his trial.
Faddis and Brueski discussed key aspects of the case that the LA Innocence Project might be focusing on, including a controversial burglary that took place across the street from the Peterson home on the day Lacey disappeared. Faddis elaborated, "There's a dispute as to exactly when it took place, but according to Scott Peterson's team, it took place on the day that Lacey Peterson disappeared." The theory suggests that Lacey could have been murdered because she witnessed the burglary.
A significant point of interest is a blood-soaked mattress found in a van near the crime scene, which the Innocence Project wants to test for DNA. The question arises: why was this evidence not explored during the original investigation? Faddis explained, "2004 was a different time... DNA was still kind of in its infancy." This new angle could potentially introduce fresh evidence that was not available or considered two decades ago.
The discussion also touched on the nature of circumstantial evidence and its role in Peterson's conviction. Faddis pointed out that Peterson's actions and behavior, including his affair and inconsistencies in his statements, were damning, albeit circumstantial. "This is someone who was painted in a horrible light, but not necessarily I think with much effort... there were so many things that just never really truly added up," he stated.
However, the conversation took a critical turn when considering the nature of the Innocence Project's involvement. Faddis expressed doubt about the likelihood of finding evidence that could exonerate Peterson entirely, suggesting that the goal might be to create reasonable doubt for a new trial. "I don't think any of the possible new evidence... would result in a complete reversal of the conviction and no new trial," he said.
Brueski and Faddis debated the motivations behind the LA Innocence Project’s decision to take up such a high-profile and contentious case. Faddis highlighted a crucial legal distinction: "Usually the Innocence Project goes for the former, people who are factually innocent." The implication is that the LA Innocence Project might be stretching this definition, possibly to gain publicity or challenge the conviction on weaker grounds.
In conclusion, the involvement of the LA Innocence Project in the Scott Peterson case opens up a realm of possibilities and uncertainties. While the prospect of new evidence is intriguing, the true nature and impact of this evidence remain to be seen. As the legal community and the public alike await further developments, one question lingers: Is the LA Innocence Project pursuing a path of true justice for Scott Peterson, or are they navigating a more complex and ambiguous route that blurs the lines between innocence and reasonable doubt?
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com