Convicted killer Scott Peterson to make one LAST attempt at getting a new trial
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: On Thursday, August 11 Scott Peterson appeared in court for a case registered in 2002. His lawyer made their final attempt for a new trial over the murder of his wife, Laci Peterson, and unborn son, Conner. Peterson was found guilty in 2004 and was given a death sentence by the California Supreme Court. In 2021, he was resentenced to life without parole by the court citing juror misconduct.
The California Supreme Court previously stated that the jury did not properly screen for opinions on capital punishment when convicting Peterson. It is now up to a judge in San Mateo Superior Court to determine if Peterson can be allowed for a new trial.
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What happened in the court proceedings?
Cliff Gardner, the attorney of Peterson requested Judge Anne-Christine Massullo multiple times for a new trial of the case. Gardner has argued the accused did not get a fair trial. This is due to Richelle Nice, the juror who was involved in a domestic dispute case. Gardner then added the juror was involved for fame and popularity and was clearly biased against Peterson. The prosecutors came forward saying, Nice did not have any agenda and was not interested in disclosing her domestic issues. He also added that Nice’s domestic dispute case was still undergoing trial. Hence, she cannot be termed a criminal. “Ms Nice is not very good at filling out forms,” David Harris added in his remarks. Judge Massullo pressed both lawyers while they made their final remarks on the case. Laci's Mother, Sharon Rocha in the hearing stated, “Laci’s dead, Scott, because she loved you. She trusted you,” Rocha further added, “And she believed in you, and you betrayed her, and your son, and everybody else.”
Previous Proceedings and final judgment
Judge Anne-Christine Massullo was the judge in December 2021 who resentenced Peterson to life in prison without parole for the murder of his wife. Massullo also ordered an additional 15 years to life in prison for the murder of his unborn child. If Peterson is granted a new trial, Laci’s sister has said she will testify against him. Though the arguments of the case closed on Thursday, August 11, the court will release its final decision regarding granting a new trial for Peterson only within the next 90 days.
