Scott Peterson, left, and defense attorney Kirk McAllister enter the courtroom on Oct. 24. By Al Golub, AP
Posted on 10/29/2003 5:36:29 AM PST by runningbear
Laci Peterson hearing set to begin
Scott Peterson, left, and defense attorney Kirk McAllister enter the courtroom on Oct. 24. By Al Golub, AP
Laci Peterson hearing set to begin
SACRAMENTO (AP) — For months, there have only been glimpses into why prosecutors believe Laci Peterson's husband killed her and their unborn son.
A clearer picture of their case was expected to emerge Wednesday with the start of a preliminary hearing to determine whether Scott Peterson must stand trial on murder charges that could bring the death penalty.
Observers believe the hearing in Modesto will reveal the most detail to date of the evidence amassed by investigators in the case that riveted the nation after the substitute teacher disappeared on Christmas Eve.
Scott Peterson reported his wife missing when he returned home from a solo fishing trip near Berkeley. His 27-year-old wife was eight months pregnant with a boy they planned to name Conner.
After Peterson and other family members led hundreds of volunteers to search canals, reservoirs and wildlands, the decomposed remains of the woman and her fetus were found nearly four months later in April by dog walkers, within miles of where Peterson said he had been fishing Dec. 24.
The arrest and subsequent hearings did little to unveil what clues led investigators to suspect her husband from the beginning.
Leaks led Judge Al Girolami to impose a gag on participants in the case and seal most of the police records to protect Peterson's right to a fair trial.
Voluminous court filings have provided glimpses of the evidence defense lawyers will try to prevent prosecutors from presenting: DNA analysis of Laci Peterson's hair found on pliers in Scott Peterson's boat, bloodhounds used to pick up the scent of Laci Peterson in the boat or at a storage warehouse her husband rented, and wiretaps and global positioning systems used to monitor and track Scott Peterson.
The 31-year-old former fertilizer salesman has been held without bail since he was arrested in San Diego County — not far from the Mexico border — with his hair bleached and $10,000 cash.
Defense attorney Mark Geragos has said he would not only prove Peterson innocent, but would find the "real killers." The defense team has intimated that a satanic cult may have been responsible. Police have disputed such claims.
Prosecutors are expected to present enough evidence so the charges stick, but not so much that they expose witnesses to tough .........
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Peterson Preliminary Hearing Set To Begin
Prosecution To Reveal Evidence
Peterson Preliminary Hearing Set To Begin
Prosecution To Reveal Evidence
POSTED: 6:47 PM PST October 28, 2003
UPDATED: 11:03 PM PST October 28, 2003
MODESTO, Calif -- After months of speculation, the prosecution will reveal the evidence it has against accused killer Scott Peterson, as his preliminary hearing is set to begin Wednesday.
Peterson's attorneys had boxes of evidence dropped off at the Modesto courthouse Tuesday afternoon.
FeedRoom
Peterson Hearing Wednesday
Legal experts expect the prosecution to lay out its strongest evidence against Laci Peterson's husband -- not only to convince the judge Peterson should stand trial for murdering his pregnant wife, but to sway public opinion.
"This case has taken on a life of its own. I think we'll have a lot of testimony you wouldn't normally have at this stage," said Alexander Wolfe, a former district attorney.
The preliminary hearing is expected to ..........
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Calif. Prosecutors Ready for Laci Peterson Hearing
Calif. Prosecutors Ready for Laci Peterson Hearing
Tuesday, October 28, 2003 6:02 p.m. ET
By Michael Kahn
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Nearly one year after a pregnant Laci Peterson disappeared from her California home, prosecutors on Wednesday will finally lay out evidence they say shows Scott Peterson killed his wife and unborn son.
The eagerly-anticipated preliminary hearing in Modesto is expected to last up to five days after which Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Al Girolami will decide whether there is enough evidence to merit a trial for the 31-year-old salesman.
Scott Peterson, who has been in jail since his April arrest, is charged with two counts of murder and could face the death penalty if convicted in the case that has attracted exhaustive press coverage. He has pleaded not guilty.
A gag order has also kept a lid on much of the evidence so far and lawyers following the case said the preliminary hearing will likely showcase new details.
"There are going to be some surprises," said Jim Hammer, a prosecutor with San Francisco's district attorney's office. "It is a little like we have been waiting for the movie to start and we have been watching previews for the past month."
He pointed out that wiretaps, which the defense has been trying to suppress, would let people hear Scott Peterson's words as police were investigating his wife's disappearance from her home some 85 miles from San Francisco.
There is also rising speculation prosecutors will call the woman with whom Peterson was having an affair -- Amber Frey -- to testfy.
"Although I don't think he confessed to the murder, I think the prosecution has some highly damaging or at least embarrassing evidence in the terms of Scott Peterson's words on those tapes," Hammer said.
A heavily pregnant Laci Peterson disappeared on Christmas ............
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Amber Frey to testify at Peterson hearing
Fresno woman is suspect's former girlfriend
Amber Frey to testify at Peterson hearing
Fresno woman is suspect's former girlfriend.
By Garth Stapley
The Modesto Bee
(Published Tuesday, October 28, 2003, 10:18 AM)
The "other woman" romanced by Scott Peterson before his wife's disappearance has been called to testify at his double-murder preliminary hearing, a source said Monday. Fresno massage therapist Amber Frey, who has cooperated with authorities since the case became a national obsession, has spent hours with legal experts practicing for the hearing, the source said.
Peterson is charged with killing his 27-year-old wife, Laci, who was eight months pregnant when she was reported missing Dec. 24, and their son, Conner.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
The preliminary hearing is scheduled to start Wednesday in Stanislaus County Superior Court.
At the conclusion, Judge Al Girolami is expected to rule whether evidence is strong enough to warrant a trial for the 31-year-old fertilizer salesman.
Girolami's gag order has kept veiled most aspects of the high-profile case, including witness lists.
Speculation has swirled over whether Frey might testify. The source, fearing possible repercussions because of the gag order, spoke on condition of anonymity.
California and other states allow law enforcement officers to relate testimony from witnesses at preliminary hearings.
Prosecutors may have put Frey on notice for this week's hearing because her testimony "has a lot more impact coming out of her mouth than some cop's mouth," said Ernie Spokes, a Modesto defense lawyer and former prosecutor.
Telephone records show that Frey and Peterson exchanged at least 76 calls over nine weeks starting nine days before Laci Peterson's family reported her missing Christmas Eve. Some were recorded by wiretaps on Scott Peterson's phones.
Spokes speculated that Peterson may have said something incriminating to his former lover. Otherwise, Peterson's defense team -- led by celebrity attorney Mark Geragos of Los Angeles -- would not be fighting to keep the wiretap recordings out of court, Spokes said.
"You always attack the biggest thing coming at you," Spokes said. "You've got to believe there is something in those phone conversations with Amber Frey that is dangerous."............
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Scott Peterson faces hearing on possible murder trial in Laci's death
AP STORIES WITH BRIAN MELLEY WILL BE IN MANY OTHER NEWS ONLINE UNTIL UPDATED:
Scott Peterson faces hearing on possible murder trial in Laci's death
Brian Melley, Associated Press
Published October 29, 2003 LACI30
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- For months, there have only been glimpses into why prosecutors believe Laci Peterson's husband killed her and their unborn son.
A clearer picture of their case was expected to emerge today with the start of a preliminary hearing to determine whether Scott Peterson must stand trial on murder charges that could bring the death penalty.
Observers believe the hearing in Modesto will reveal the most detail to date of the evidence amassed by investigators in the case that riveted the nation after the substitute teacher disappeared on Christmas Eve.
Scott Peterson reported his wife missing when he returned home from a solo fishing trip near Berkeley. His 27-year-old wife was eight months pregnant with a boy they planned to name Conner.
After Peterson and other family members led hundreds of volunteers to search canals, reservoirs and wildlands, the decomposed remains of the woman and her fetus were found nearly four months later in April by dog walkers, within miles of where Peterson said he had been fishing Dec. 24.
The arrest and subsequent hearings did little to unveil what clues led investigators to suspect her husband from the beginning.
Leaks led Judge Al Girolami to impose a gag on participants in the case and seal most of the police records to protect Peterson's right to a fair trial.
Voluminous court filings have provided glimpses of the evidence defense lawyers will try to prevent prosecutors from presenting: DNA analysis of Laci Peterson's hair found on pliers in Scott Peterson's boat, bloodhounds used to pick up the scent of Laci Peterson in the boat or at a storage warehouse her husband rented, and wiretaps and global positioning systems used to monitor and track Scott Peterson.
The 31-year-old former fertilizer salesman has been held without bail since he was arrested in San Diego County - not far from the Mexico border - with his hair bleached and $10,000 cash.
Defense attorney Mark Geragos .............
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The latest from the pressupdate link:
Media Parking Lot Map Posted on Sunday, October 26 2003 at 3:47 PM PST ----
A detailed map indicating the designated parking spaces for satellite trucks, microwave vehicles and crew cars for the upcoming Peterson Preliminary Hearing is now available online.
Go to http://www.pressupdate.info/prelim and download this map.
YOU MUST FOLLOW THIS MAP. ANY UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES WILL BE TOWED AWAY IF THEY DO NOT FOLLOW THE SPACE DESIGNATIONS.
Authorization must be obtained by your network affiliation representative or CNN/Court TV.
You may download the map by clicking HERE.
Peterson Case - Hearing results 10_24_03 Posted on Friday, October 24 2003 at 9:48 AM PST ----
Information provided by Michael A. Tozzi, Executive Officer, Stanislaus County Superior Court:
A hearing was held this morning, October 24th, in Department 2 of the Superior Court, Judge Al Girolami presiding. The results follow:
1. Due to continued delays in the trial in Los Angeles where defense attorney Mark Geragos is appearing, the Preliminary Hearing previously scheduled for October 28th was trailed one day to October 29th at 9:30 a.m. in Department 2 of the Superior Court.
2. The lists of prospective witnesses have been exchanged between the prosecution and the defense.
3. The Court ordered, pursuant to Penal Code §867, that any and all witnesses were not to discuss testimony with each other.
4. The Court also ordered that both sides provide the bailiff in Department 2 with a list of witnesses who are to be excluded from the courtroom during the Preliminary Hearing.
5. The Court allowed defendant Scott Peterson to continue to continue to wear civilian clothing during the Preliminary Hearing.
6. All media requests faxed to the court for courtroom seating on the 28th will remain in full force and effect for the hearing on the 29th, i.e., you do not need to renew you original request.
Peterson Case - Court Transcripts Posted on Wednesday, October 22 2003 at 3:29 PM PST ----
Information provided by Michael A. Tozzi, Executive Officer, Stanislaus County Superior Court:
Availability of Daily Transcript of People v. Peterson Preliminary Hearing
At the close of each Preliminary Hearing session, which is scheduled to begin on October 28, 2003, media representatives will be able to access the Court Reporter’s Daily Transcript by logging onto www.exemplaris.com.
This website is a private transcript repository and distribution service. Exemplaris will charge a fee in the amount of $30.00 for access to the transcript. In addition to this fee, the statutory fee for court transcripts will also apply and be charged. The statutory fee will vary depending on the length of the hearing and the fee amount will be shown when you access the Exemplaris website.
The reporter’s certified transcript is subject to an in-court review to certify the record pursuant to Penal Code §190.9(a)(2).
You will need to access the Exemplaris website to get the details on how to set up an account.
The Superior Court is not associated with Exemplaris. Questions regarding Exemplaris and services provided by Exemplaris should be directed to Exemplaris at (888) 584-9988.
Dates, Deadlines & Updated Forms Posted on Tuesday, October 21 2003 at 12:19 PM PST ----
There are many dates and deadlines coming up in the case of the People v. Scott Lee Peterson. In an effort to make it easier to sort out, we've posted a calendar list of events/deadlines.
Go to http://www.pressupdate.info/ and click on "Court Dates". You will be able to download a one-page list of dates. There are also two different dates/forms for seating for the upcoming hearings. Go to "Court Forms" for those forms.
If you intend on bringing a live truck and gear to the Preliminary Hearing scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 - YOU MUST CONTACT James Kyle at (818) 383-2115 to coordinate access and parking on the pre-designated lot.
Parking Agreement & New Map Posted on Tuesday, October 21 2003 at 12:17 AM PST ----
Based on legal feedback from the networks, the FINAL License Agreement is now posted to this Web site - CLICK HERE to view that information.
If you are the designated representative for NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, Court TV or FOX - please download this document and follow the instructions. It MUST be returned by 5:00 pm (PST) on Thursday, October 23, 2003.
There is also an updated detailed map of downtown which reflects the use of the county property. It also details the street closures, parking restrictions and media box designations............
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All eyes on Modesto
Jackie and Lee Peterson head into the Stanislaus County Jail on Tuesday to visit their youngest son, Scott Peterson. BART AH YOU/THE BEE
Television crews have come from as far away as Japan to cover today's hearing.
Laci Peterson
Scott Peterson
By JOHN COTÉ
BEE STAFF WRITER
Published: October 29, 2003, 05:19:27 AM PST
The preliminary hearing for accused double murderer Scott Peterson has turned a dirt lot at 11th and I streets in downtown Modesto into a bustling enclave of TV trucks and cables -- at least for a week.
TV crews from stations as far away as Japan have rumbled into Modesto to cover Peterson's preliminary hearing on charges that he murdered his pregnant wife, Laci, and their son, Conner.
"It's like doing the logistical planning for a mini-Super Bowl," Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department spokesman Kelly Huston said.
Nearly all the evidence in the case has been ordered sealed, stoking public interest and speculation.
But a court official said that despite the Peterson case's drawing power, it largely would be business as usual inside the Stanislaus County main courthouse.
"It's an open courthouse, and we intend to keep it an open courthouse," court Executive Officer Michael Tozzi said.
Cameras are banned from courthouse hallways, and the hearing will not be televised.
Legal proceedings in other courtrooms have not been reduced or rescheduled to avoid the media swarm outside, Tozzi said.
Police Lt. Dan Inderbitzen said access to 11th Street between I and H streets would be limited to people with courthouse business.
The police and sheriff's departments have set up mobile command centers outside the courthouse.
Media companies paid to have about 125 lines for phone and high-speed Internet access installed to their encampments in front of the courthouse and on the future site of the Gallo Performing Arts Center, Huston said.
Networks also are footing a bill of roughly $30,000 for additional police officers, portable toilets, garbage service and fire personnel to oversee refueling and other measures, Inderbitzen said.
Mobile office trailers, satellite trucks and portable generators dotted the dusty lot at 11th and I streets Tuesday afternoon.
The office trailers, complete with air conditioning, were sandwiched between nine TV trucks, various remote broadcast vans and a motor home.
Thousands of feet of cable snaked through the dust to a row of 28 media tents set up along 11th Street in front of the courthouse.
Some TV trucks had been diverted to cover...........
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Just a start on the hearing thread.....
(Excerpt) Read more at usatoday.com ...
You're good, I'm impressed!
Scotty Boy won't be laughing anymore.
Have you seen Matt Dalton in your rear view mirror? I know they say he's off the case but watch it...he's a wild man. ;~)
Speaking of the weeks before 1/24/03, when Scott was hiding his face.
Peterson Hearing: Scott's Behavior Scrutinized
Peterson Hearing: Scott's Behavior Scrutinized
Scott Peterson is accused of killing his wife Laci and their unborn child.
The preliminary hearing for Scott Peterson begins in Modesto Wednesday.
While prosecutors plan on hearing from a long list of witnesses, the focus will clearly be on the man who's accused of a heinous crime -- killing his wife and unborn child.
From day one of his wife Laci's disappearance, Scott Peterson stood out. Initially it was his silence.
"If it were my husband, I would be begging for his life," said Laci's best friend Stacy Boyers. "I would be pleading with you people. I wouldn't be letting everyone and my friends and family do it for me."
Laci Peterson was reported missing on Christmas Eve. But Scott refused to allow investigators to look for evidence inside the couple's home until police obtained a search warrant. That took almost two days.
In the weeks that followed, Peterson allegedly avoided police and was described as less than cooperative.
My most memorable encounter with Scott came in the street in front of his home. It was 36 hours after Laci was first reported missing. Pointing at a group of reporters he barked, "I don't want you taking any pictures of me, my house, or my family." When told the attention might help in the search for his missing wife, Scott shot back, "You aren't going to change my mind."
Earlier on, Scott seemed to have disdain for reporters. But there were exceptions. CBS 5's Juliette Goodrich was approached late one night in a hotel parking lot full of news crews.
"He seemed extremely calm," Goodrich said. "When we talked about his wife, he got somber. And a little peculiar because you didn't know what he was getting at -- why would he knock on the door of our van."
Peterson declined an on-camera interview and slipped away without notice.
But things changed when news of an extra-martial affair became public. Scott was then frequently available for the cameras. But he remained selective about doing interviews.
Reporter Gloria Gomez said Scott later craved the attention, and during a one-on-one interview she found him rehearsed and vacant. "He almost knew, 'OK, here comes that question where I need to show a little emotion,'" she said. "It was like he turned off and on."
That would surface again and again. One week after Laci disappeared, Scott inquired about selling the couple's home. He would later trade in her SUV and there were reports that Scott was golfing at the upscale Del Rio country club while the search for his wife was in full stride.
"It doesn't make sense," said Laci's brother Brent Rocha. "He's not acting like a husband that's missing his wife."
Alone none of this may mean much. But together it could leave a jury cold.
I would have thought since Scott and Frey met November 20-22 or there abouts the calls would have started before that.
I wonder what those conversations were about?
The Transformation
Good point, Arthalion.
Seventeen homicides in Modesto, a city of 200,000+ so far this year. Three of those children. Three children murdered in 2002 under the age of two. It's a pretty sad commentary of our society.
Scott Peterson is front page news this morning, and the story of the other homicides is relagated to Section B of the Modesto Bee.
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