Scott Peterson Case: Los Angeles Innocence Project Pursues New Evidence, Status Hearing Granted
Mar 12, 11:00 AM
Scott Peterson, convicted of first-degree murder in 2004 for the deaths of his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, has been granted a status hearing by a California judge, following the involvement of the Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP) in his case.
Peterson's case, which garnered national attention, is set for a hearing on Mar. 12, where he is expected to appear via Zoom, while LAIP representatives will be present in person before Judge Elizabeth Hill. Now 51 years old, Peterson has served over two decades in prison after initially being sentenced to death, later commuted to life without parole.
The involvement of the LA Innocence Project signals a significant development. The organization, known for taking on cases with potential DNA evidence to prove innocence, believes that Peterson's state and federal constitutional rights were violated.
During a recent appearance on Court TV’s “Opening Statements with Julie Grant,” criminal defense attorney Kaysia Earley highlighted the importance of the LAIP's involvement, stating, “Ultimately, his constitutional rights were violated so if there was any exculpatory evidence that can exonerate him that they see, then it’s worth going after; and in this case, that exculpatory evidence is DNA evidence.”
The LAIP seeks to conduct DNA testing on specific items related to the case, including a hammer believed to have been present at a burglary scene across the street from the Petersons' home around the time of Laci's disappearance. Additionally, they aim to test a blood-stained mattress found in a burned-out van in the Petersons' neighborhood on Christmas Day 2002.
According to court filings from the LAIP, new evidence supports Peterson’s claim of innocence and raises questions about who abducted and killed Laci and Conner Peterson. The documents assert violations of Peterson's constitutional rights and claim of actual innocence backed by newly discovered evidence.
While a new trial may be ordered if Peterson's due process is found to be violated, it remains an uphill battle. Despite public scrutiny over Peterson's behavior, including infidelity, the focus lies on the potential new evidence and constitutional violations.
Cameras will be permitted in the courtroom for what could be a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal saga surrounding Scott Peterson’s conviction.
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Peterson's case, which garnered national attention, is set for a hearing on Mar. 12, where he is expected to appear via Zoom, while LAIP representatives will be present in person before Judge Elizabeth Hill. Now 51 years old, Peterson has served over two decades in prison after initially being sentenced to death, later commuted to life without parole.
The involvement of the LA Innocence Project signals a significant development. The organization, known for taking on cases with potential DNA evidence to prove innocence, believes that Peterson's state and federal constitutional rights were violated.
During a recent appearance on Court TV’s “Opening Statements with Julie Grant,” criminal defense attorney Kaysia Earley highlighted the importance of the LAIP's involvement, stating, “Ultimately, his constitutional rights were violated so if there was any exculpatory evidence that can exonerate him that they see, then it’s worth going after; and in this case, that exculpatory evidence is DNA evidence.”
The LAIP seeks to conduct DNA testing on specific items related to the case, including a hammer believed to have been present at a burglary scene across the street from the Petersons' home around the time of Laci's disappearance. Additionally, they aim to test a blood-stained mattress found in a burned-out van in the Petersons' neighborhood on Christmas Day 2002.
According to court filings from the LAIP, new evidence supports Peterson’s claim of innocence and raises questions about who abducted and killed Laci and Conner Peterson. The documents assert violations of Peterson's constitutional rights and claim of actual innocence backed by newly discovered evidence.
While a new trial may be ordered if Peterson's due process is found to be violated, it remains an uphill battle. Despite public scrutiny over Peterson's behavior, including infidelity, the focus lies on the potential new evidence and constitutional violations.
Cameras will be permitted in the courtroom for what could be a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal saga surrounding Scott Peterson’s conviction.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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