Los Angeles Innocence Project Takes Up Scott Peterson’s Case

The Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP) has recently announced that it is now representing Scott Peterson, who was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, Conner, in 2004. The nonprofit organization, dedicated to helping wrongfully convicted individuals prove their innocence, is seeking new evidence in Peterson’s original trial in hopes of overturning his conviction. This development was first reported by NBC Bay Area.

Laci Peterson went missing on Christmas Eve of 2002 when she was eight months pregnant. Her body was later found in San Francisco Bay in April 2003. Peterson was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in her death and second-degree murder for the death of their unborn child. After a highly publicized trial, he was convicted and sentenced to death in 2005. However, in 2020, the California Supreme Court overturned his death sentence due to jury bias against the death penalty. Peterson was subsequently resentenced to life in prison without parole in December 2021.

Scott Peterson’s defense team, along with the Los Angeles Innocence Project, is now focusing on proving his innocence based on new evidence and potential juror misconduct during the original trial. They allege that one of the jurors, Richelle Nice, hid crucial information about her personal life during jury selection. Nice, who co-wrote a book about the case with other jurors, was accused of “prejudicial misconduct” for failing to disclose her experience as a victim of domestic violence and her prior request for a restraining order. Peterson’s attorneys argue that this information could have influenced her judgment during the trial.

In a recent motion filed in court, Peterson and the LA Innocence Project requested the presentation of new materials to support his claim of innocence and request a new trial. They are seeking various items of evidence that were reportedly missing from the trial files, including documents related to the investigation of a burglary near the Petersons’ home in Modesto, Stanislaus County. They are also seeking additional information on Laci Peterson’s missing Croton watch and a van fire on December 25, 2002.

Paula Mitchell, the director of the LA Innocence Project, has pointed out deficiencies in the discovery process and has sent a letter to Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero seeking the production of specific items related to post-conviction discovery. Mitchell’s review of the case files revealed private identifying information of potential witnesses and suspects, which she believes could be crucial in supporting Peterson’s claim of innocence.

The involvement of the Los Angeles Innocence Project in Scott Peterson’s case has stirred renewed interest and raised questions about the evidence and jury misconduct. It remains to be seen whether the new evidence presented in court will have an impact on the conviction and potentially lead to a new trial for Peterson.

Scott Peterson’s attorney, Pat Harris, expressed great enthusiasm for the LA Innocence Project’s involvement, stating that they are thrilled to have their expertise in the pursuit of proving Peterson’s innocence.

Mike Belmessieri, a juror in Peterson’s trial, has also voiced his support for the LA Innocence Project’s review of the case, acknowledging the significance and potential impact of uncovering new evidence.

As the Los Angeles Innocence Project digs deeper into Scott Peterson’s case, the pursuit of justice and the quest to uncover the truth continue to captivate public attention.