Prosecutors in California are seeking to block new DNA testing of evidence in the 2002 murder case of Laci Peterson and her unborn son Conner. This request could potentially impede the latest appeal by Laci’s husband, Scott Peterson, who is currently serving a life sentence for their murders. The Los Angeles Innocence Project became involved in Peterson’s case in January and has been arguing that DNA testing on a mattress found in a burned-out car near the Petersons’ home could point to someone else being responsible for the crime.
The defense team for Scott Peterson is pushing for state-of-the-art DNA testing on the mattress and a hammer with modern technology as part of their appeal. However, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, which successfully prosecuted Peterson during his trial, has filed a motion opposing new testing. The office has cited previous unsuccessful tests conducted in 2013 and 2019, as well as evidence of Peterson’s guilt that was presented during his trial. The filing argues against allowing new DNA testing due to the overwhelming evidence already presented in court.
Peterson was arrested in 2003 near the Mexico border after he attempted to flee with his brother’s passport and money, prompting suspicion of his involvement in Laci’s disappearance. During his trial, Peterson’s affair with Amber Frey, who testified that he had confessed to his wife’s death before she went missing, further implicated him. Additionally, his alibi of being on a fishing trip coincided with the location where Laci’s remains were later discovered. Despite Peterson’s claims that the Medina household burglary across the street could have been connected to Laci’s disappearance, prosecutors maintain that the break-in occurred after she had already vanished.
The Los Angeles Innocence Project is advocating for new DNA testing on a hammer connected to the neighboring burglary and a stained mattress found in a nearby burned-out van. These items could potentially shed new light on the case and offer an alternative explanation for Laci and Conner’s murders. Scott Peterson, who continues to declare his innocence, has had his death sentence overturned in a prior appeal, and is now seeking a new trial through the ongoing DNA testing efforts. A hearing on the DNA testing issue has been scheduled for May 29, with both the defense and prosecution presenting their arguments in court.
