Current:Home > NewsScott Peterson Case Taken on by L.A. Innocence Project to Overturn Murder Conviction -Clarity Finance Guides
Scott Peterson Case Taken on by L.A. Innocence Project to Overturn Murder Conviction
View
Date:2025-04-13 01:17:52
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! (18)
Related
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Make Thanksgiving fun for all: Keep in mind these accessibility tips this holiday
- Michigan school shooting survivor heals with surgery, a trusted horse and a chance to tell her story
- Israel battles Hamas near another Gaza hospital sheltering thousands
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Takeaways on fine water, a growing trend for the privileged in a world that’s increasingly thirsty
- Nearly 1,000 Rohingya refugees arrive by boat in Indonesia’s Aceh region in one week
- California male nanny sentenced to over 700 years for sexual assaulting, filming young boys
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- Appeals court to consider Trump's bid to pause gag order in special counsel's election interference case
Ranking
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Boston Bruins forward Lucic to be arraigned on assault charge after wife called police to their home
- Hundreds leave Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza as Israeli forces take control of facility
- Tom Schwartz's Winter House Romance With Katie Flood Takes a Hilariously Twisted Turn
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- A slice of television history: Why 100 million viewers tuned in to watch a TV movie in 1983
- Zach Edey, Braden Smith lead Purdue men's basketball to Maui Invitational win over Gonzaga
- Robert Pattinson Is Going to Be a Dad: Revisit His and Pregnant Suki Waterhouse’s Journey to Baby
Recommendation
US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
New iPhone tips and tricks that allow your phone to make life a little easier
Western gray squirrels are now considered endangered in Washington state: Seriously threatened with extinction
Police say shooter attacked Ohio Walmart and injuries reported
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
100+ Kids Christmas movies to stream with the whole family this holiday season.
Cara Delevingne Says BFF Taylor Swift’s Relationship With Travis Kelce Is Very Different
Takeaways on fine water, a growing trend for the privileged in a world that’s increasingly thirsty