Current:Home > NewsScott Peterson Case Taken on by L.A. Innocence Project to Overturn Murder Conviction -Stellar Financial Insights
Scott Peterson Case Taken on by L.A. Innocence Project to Overturn Murder Conviction
View
Date:2025-04-27 16:59:14
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! (172)
Related
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Indiana Fever move WNBA preseason home game to accommodate Pacers' playoff schedule
- Former Boy Scout volunteer sentenced to 22 years in prison for hiding cameras in camp bathrooms
- MLB announces changes to jerseys for 2025 after spring controversy
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Person fatally shot by police after allegedly pointing weapon at others ID’d as 35-year-old man
- Fulton County officials say by law they don’t control Fani Willis’ spending in Trump case
- Employer who fired 78-year-old receptionist must now pay her $78,000
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Hawaii lawmakers wrap up session featuring tax cuts, zoning reform and help for fire-stricken Maui
Ranking
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- US loosens some electric vehicle battery rules, potentially making more EVs eligible for tax credits
- 'You can't be gentle in comedy': Jerry Seinfeld on 'Unfrosted,' his Netflix Pop-Tart movie
- Celebrate May the Fourth with These Star Wars Items That Are Jedi-Approved
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- Military documents contradict Republican Rep. Troy Nehls' military record claims
- '9-1-1' stars talk Maddie and Chimney's roller-coaster wedding, Buck's 'perfect' gay kiss
- North Carolina bill ordering sheriffs to help immigration agents closer to law with Senate vote
Recommendation
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
United Methodist delegates repeal their church’s ban on its clergy celebrating same-sex marriages
Military documents contradict Republican Rep. Troy Nehls' military record claims
Swiss company to build $184 million metal casting facility in Georgia, hiring 350
Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
Commuters cautioned about weekend construction on damaged Interstate 95 in Connecticut
Fever move Caitlin Clark’s preseason home debut up 1 day to accommodate Pacers’ playoff schedule
New Jersey governor sets July primary and September special election to fill Payne’s House seat