Current:Home > ScamsScott Peterson Case Taken on by L.A. Innocence Project to Overturn Murder Conviction -Summit Capital Strategies
Scott Peterson Case Taken on by L.A. Innocence Project to Overturn Murder Conviction
View
Date:2025-04-19 10:08:19
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! (4)
Related
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Starting Five: The top men's college basketball games this weekend are led by Big 12 clash
- Cellebrite donates AI investigative tools to nonprofits to help find missing children faster
- Haley’s frequent reference to new anti-DeSantis website falls flat with some supporters in Iowa
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Hunter Biden is expected to plead not guilty in a Los Angeles hearing on federal tax charges
- Dabo Swinney Alabama clause: Buyout would increase for Clemson coach to replace Nick Saban
- eBay to pay $3 million after employees sent fetal pig, funeral wreath to Boston couple
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Nick Saban explains why he decided to retire as Alabama head football coach
Ranking
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Why does Iowa launch the presidential campaign?
- YouTubers Austin and Catherine McBroom Break Up After Nearly 7 Years of Marriage
- The lawsuit that could shake up the rental market
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- Jo Koy is 'happy' he hosted Golden Globes despite criticism: 'I did accept that challenge'
- Tesla puts German factory production on hold as Red Sea attacks disrupt supply chains
- Passengers file class-action lawsuit against Boeing for Alaska Airlines door blowout
Recommendation
Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
DeSantis interrupted by three protesters at campaign stop days before Iowa caucuses
Paintings on paper reveal another side of Rothko
Michael Strahan's heartbreaking revelation comes with a lesson about privacy. Will we listen?
IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
Palisades avalanche near Lake Tahoe is a reminder of the dangers of snow sports
'Due date, brew date': Sam Adams wants to give 9-month supply of NA beer to expectant couples
Grizzlies' Marcus Smart to miss 6 weeks with a finger injury, creating more woes without Morant