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Peterson held over for trial
Tje Modesto Bee ^ | November 18, 2003 | John Cote'

Posted on 11/19/2003 5:44:27 AM PST by runningbear

Peterson held over for trial

Peterson held over for trial

By JOHN COTÉ
BEE STAFF WRITER

Last Updated: November 18, 2003, 02:15:14 PM PST

2:07 p.m., PST: A judge this morning held Scott Peterson to answer on double murder charges in the deaths of his wife and son.

Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Al Girolami's ruling followed a short day in court that included testimony Peterson had $15,000 cash and extensive camping gear with him when he was arrested.

The driver's license issued to Peterson's brother was on the center console of the car next to Peterson's wallet, Detective Jon Buehler testified.

Peterson also told his girlfriend Amber Frey that he had "lost his wife" two weeks before Laci Peterson was reported missing, Buehler said.

Scott Peterson later told Frey on Jan. 6 - more than a week after his wife disappeared Christmas Eve - that he was "longing to hold onto" Frey, Buehler said.

Frey secretly recorded the conversation for police, and Buehler said he with was Frey during the call.

During the conversation, Frey asked Peterson why she should "not go to police with this," Buehler said, reading from a transcript of the call.

It was unclear during the proceeding if Frey was referring to the couple's relationship or something else.

Peterson responded: "It's your decision," Buehler said.

Defense attorney Mark Geragos said that during hundreds of phone calls between the two, Peterson never sought to dissuade Frey from going to police.

"That's correct," Buehler answered.

Judge Al Girolami's decision to bind Peterson over for trial came at the conclusion of a 12-day preliminary hearing. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against the 31-year-old Modesto fertilizer salesman.

He is charged with killing 27-year-old wife, Laci, and their unborn son, who was to be named Conner. The bodies of mother and son washed ashore in April, a few miles from where Peterson said he went fishing on a solo trip Christmas Eve.

He is to appear in court Dec. 3 for arraingment on the charges..........

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Testimony is graphic at hearing

Testimony is graphic at hearing


Scott Peterson's chair is empty as pathologist Brian Peterson testifies Monday in front of the defense and Judge Al Girolami. LAURIE McADAM/THE BEE

Laci Peterson's mother, Sharon Rocha, and stepfather, Ron Grantski, listen to testimony Monday afternoon. LAURIE McADAM/THE BEE

Modesto police Detective Craig Grogan, left, and Sgt. Mike Zahn head into court. MARTY BICEK/THE BEE

By JOHN COTÉ and GARTH STAPLEY
BEE STAFF WRITERS

Last Updated: November 18, 2003, 08:10:51 AM PST

Police investigators found evidence suggesting someone made several cement anchors in Scott Peterson's warehouse, a detective testified Monday, while a pathologist said it was possible but not likely that Peterson's son was born alive.

Missing anchors could be damning evidence against Peterson, while the possibility that his son was delivered by Caesarian section could undermine a prosecution argument that he murdered his wife when she was nearly eight months pregnant with their first child.

The developments in Stanislaus County Superior Court punctuated a day dominated by often graphic testimony from the forensic pathologist who performed autopsies on Peterson's wife and son.

The 31-year-old defendant asked to leave the courtroom before the doctor took the stand. Defense attorney Mark Geragos said he encouraged his client to waive his right to hear that particular testimony in his preliminary hearing on double-murder charges.

"I do not wish to be present during this witness," Peterson said in measured tones when Judge Al Girolami asked him if it was his choice to leave the courtroom.

Laci Peterson's family members, who have been in the front row for nearly every court session, did not appear until after that testimony was over.

Peterson's parents, Lee and Jackie Peterson, remained in the courtroom. During a particularly gruesome patch of testimony, Jackie Peterson dabbed her eyes with a tissue. The Petersons cringed as the medical examiner inadvertently showed the audience portions of large color autopsy photos.

Also Monday, a police computer investigator said Scott Peterson used his home computer in early December to research San Francisco Bay and Central Valley lakes and reservoirs. The expert acknowledged that Peterson visited a sport fishing Web site as well.

Prosecutors said they intend to finish presenting evidence and witnesses today. Defense attorneys said they may call no witnesses.

But that could change, Geragos said, after he hears what today's witnesses have to say. Scheduled are Modesto police Detective Jon Buehler and county district attorney investigator Steve Jacobson.

Buehler was law enforcement's chief contact with Amber Frey, Scott Peterson's girlfriend when his wife disappeared. Jacobson was in charge of wiretaps on Peterson's phones.

Judge rules on DNA tests

Girolami started Day 11 of the hearing by ruling he would allow results from a disputed DNA test into court if the case proceeds to trial.

The move was a blow to the defense, which maintains that police wrongly honed in on Scott Peterson after his pregnant wife was reported missing Christmas Eve.

Prosecutors contend Peterson murdered his wife and unborn son late Dec. 23 or early Dec. 24. They are seeking the death penalty.

Peterson told police he left his wife at about 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 24 to fish alone in San Francisco Bay. She was gone when he returned that afternoon, he said.

A Dec. 27 search of the Modesto warehouse that Peterson used in his work as a fertilizer salesman and where he stored his fishing boat turned up evidence suggesting the making of cement anchors, Detective Dodge Hendee testified Monday.

Police found what appeared to be cement powder along the edge of a flatbed trailer in the warehouse, Hendee said.

There were five patches "where there was a little less powder, a voided area, if you will, something had probably or most likely, in my opinion, been there," he said.

Investigators found a 1-gallon plastic pitcher nearby, Hendee said.

A cement anchor with a rebar loop at one end found in Peterson's 14........

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Peterson to stand trial in slayings of wife, unborn son He could face death penalty if convicted

Peterson to stand trial in slayings of wife, unborn son He could face death penalty if convicted

Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer Wednesday, November 19, 2003

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Modesto -- Scott Peterson will stand trial for murder in the slayings of his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son in a case that has captivated the nation since the substitute teacher and former high-school cheerleader disappeared on Christmas Eve.

Capping 11 days of testimony, Judge Al Girolami of the Stanislaus County Superior Court ruled Tuesday that prosecutors had presented ample evidence that the former fertilizer salesman likely committed the crimes -- including a hair found in his boat that FBI scientists linked to his wife and more than 200 phone calls between Peterson and his mistress.

If convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, Peterson, 31, could face the death penalty. Peterson, who has pleaded not guilty in the slayings, is to be arraigned on the charges on Dec. 3.

"The court has considered all the evidence, and it appears to me that the offenses outlined in the complaint have been committed. There is sufficient cause to believe that Scott Lee Peterson is guilty of the crimes," Girolami said at the end of a preliminary hearing.

The decision marks the latest chapter in a saga that has transfixed the public with anguished searches for the smiling mother-to-be, reports of her husband's infidelity -- which he initially denied -- and the discovery of two bodies along the San Francisco Bay shore not far from the Berkeley Marina, where Peterson told police he had gone fishing alone on Dec. 24.

'We're not surprised'

"We're not surprised," Peterson's father, Lee Peterson, told reporters on Tuesday.

Peterson's attorney, Mark Geragos, said the ruling was all but a foregone conclusion. "The standard unfortunately in California . . . is: 'Is the defendant breathing?' " Geragos said. "Obviously, we're gratified at least that we're this much closer to trial and, hopefully at trial, vindication of Scott."

Geragos said he plans to file a change-of-venue motion and appeal the judge's ruling to hold ...........

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Peterson to stand trial for deaths of wife and unborn son

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Judge rules Scott Peterson to stand trial

Judge rules Scott Peterson to stand trial
Defense calls no witnesses at preliminary hearing

Wednesday, November 19, 2003 Posted: 3:00 AM EST (0800 GMT)

MODESTO, California (CNN) -- A judge decided Tuesday to bind Scott Peterson over for trial on murder charges in the deaths of his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn child.

The decision -- on the 12th day of Peterson's preliminary hearing -- quickly followed the end of the prosecution presentation and the defense decision not to call witnesses -- a move that kept Peterson's ex-mistress, Amber Frey, from testifying before the actual trial.

Peterson's next court appearance is set for December 3, when he will face arraignment in Stanislaus County court and when the judge will consider a defense request to move the trial to another county.

Peterson has pleaded not guilty. If convicted for the murders of his wife and their unborn child, Peterson, 31, could be sentenced to death.

The prosecution called two investigators Tuesday morning, including one who recorded Peterson's conversations with Frey starting a week after Christmas Eve, the day officials believe Laci Peterson's pregnant body was dumped in San Francisco Bay.

Detective Jon Buehler quoted from the transcript of several calls and from his interviews with Frey. .......

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Scott Peterson to stand trial

Posted on Tue, Nov. 18, 2003

Scott Peterson to stand trial
JUDGE RULES THERE IS ENOUGH EVIDENCE IN DOUBLE HOMICIDE CASE

By Chuck Carroll and Julia Prodis Sulek
Mercury News

Scott Peterson in court on November 13, 2003. The 31-year-old fertilizer salesman is accused of killing his wife Laci Peterson and their unborn son, Conner.

MODESTO - Scott Peterson, whose alleged role in the deaths of his wife and unborn son has riveted the nation, must stand trial for double-homicide in a case in which he will be fighting for his own life.

Stanislaus County Judge Al Girolami said there was sufficient evidence presented in a four-week preliminary hearing for Peterson to stand trial on the two counts of murder ``with intention and premeditation.''

Peterson did not react, and members of the families involved did not immediately speak to reporters.

No trial date was set, but the judge set Dec. 3 for a hearing on a variety of issues, including whether the trial should be moved to help ensure a fair jury.

The ruling came after the prosecution rested and Peterson's attorneys decided not to call any witnesses.

The final witness presented the contents of some of the taped phone conversations between Peterson and his mistress, Amber Frey, whom Peterson said .....

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Superior Court, Stanislaus County November 18, 2003

Minute Order: Preliminary Hearing (Final Day overview & ruling)

Superior Court, Stanislaus County November 18, 2003

Mitochondrial DNA Evidentiary Ruling

(Excerpt) Read more at modestobee.com ...


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Extended News; Government; News/Current Events; US: California
KEYWORDS: avoidingchildsupport; baby; babyunborn; conner; deathpenaltytime; dontubelievemyalibi; getarope; ibefishing; laci; lacipeterson; oj; smallbaby; smallchild; sonkiller; unborn; wifekiller
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To: runningbear
Pinging... news may get slower til Dec, or who knows?.... ;o)

We can only hope!..................................................................................................................................................................
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

21 posted on 11/19/2003 7:59:22 AM PST by Luke FReeman (God Bless America!!!)
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To: RGSpincich; runningbear; Jackie-O; Devil_Anse; Velveeta; Sandylapper; grizzfan; All
Thanks RG for that post and runningbear for the ping.

Article,titled,"Transcript of the phone call between Scott Peterson and his Girlfriend".
LINK
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031118/APN/311181124

Scott Peterson's preliminary hearing concluded Tuesday with testimony from Detective Jon Buehler about a Jan. 6 phone call secretly recorded by Peterson's girlfriend, Amber Frey. During the call, Peterson attempts to explain his whereabouts for the past two weeks and discuss that his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, is missing. On Dec. 9 - two weeks before she disappeared - he told Frey that he was widower and he was planing to spend the holidays without her for the first time. The call was made as the story of Laci Peterson's disappearance became a national news story and her photo was splashed across newspapers and television sets as police, family members and volunteers searched for her.

The following are excerpts from a transcript of the 23 minute call:

Scott Peterson: I am so sorry I hurt you in this way. ... It's the worst thing. I'm sorry, Amber. I'll just tell you.

Amber Frey: OK.

Peterson: Uh, you haven't been watching the news, obviously?

Frey: No.

Peterson: I have lied to you. ... I haven't been traveling.

(He tells her he's been in Modesto looking for his wife, Laci).

Frey: You told me that you had lost your wife. What was that about?

Peterson: She ... she's alive.

Frey: Where? She's alive? Where?

Peterson: In Modesto. ... The media has been telling everyone that I had something to do with her disappearance. So the past two weeks I've been hunted by the media. ...

You deserve so much better.

Frey: I deserve to understand an explanation of why you told me you lost your wife and this was the first holidays you'd spend without her. That was Dec. 9 you told me this and now all of a sudden your wife's missing. Are you kidding me?

(Peterson stammers and says he can't explain it now. He repeatedly says he needs to protect "all of us.")

Frey: So where is she?

Peterson: That's what we are trying to find out. ... I'm so sorry. You should be so angry at me and, God, I hope you are.

---

Frey: You sat here (Dec. 9) in front of me and cried and broke down. I sat here and held your hand, Scott, and comforted you and you were lying to me.

Peterson: Yeah.

---

Peterson: If you think I had something to do with her disappearance ... er, it, that is so wrong.

---

Frey: And you still have the audacity to call me "sweetie" right now?

---

Peterson: I know you can't trust me.

Frey: Didn't you say: "Amber, I will do anything for you. To trust me, uh baby, we have ... I feel we have a future together." What was that about?

---

Peterson: I never cheated on you.

Frey: Ha, ha, ha.

Peterson: I never did.

Frey: You're married. How do you figure you never cheated on me? Explain that one to me?

(Peterson says he can't explain it to her at this time, a refrain throughout the conversation).

---

Frey: How did you lose her then before she was lost? Explain that.

Peterson: There's different kinds of loss.

Frey: Then explain your loss.

Peterson: I can't.

---

Frey: How would you explain your baby to me?

Peterson: Sweetie, you don't know everything.

(He will not tell her if he's the father of the child Laci was carrying).

---

Peterson: I want to tell you everything but I can't.

Frey: Why should I not go to the police with this?

Peterson: It's your decision.

Frey: Really?

Peterson: Of course.

Frey: What stopped you from telling me this?

Peterson: It was probably just weakness and hoping that I could hold onto you.

Frey: Just a weakness and ... holding onto me?

Peterson: Longing to hold on to you.

Source: Transcript admitted into evidence in the case of People v. Scott Lee Peterson in Stanislaus County Superior Court.


22 posted on 11/19/2003 8:11:15 AM PST by MaggieMay (A blank tag is a terrible thing to waste)
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To: runningbear
I dunno. From what I've read the prosecution is going to have an uphill battle. Sure, SP is a swarmy cheat and liar but that's not enough for a murder conviction. I've been known to wear the same outfit the next day. Mr. M says he finds my hairs at his work when I haven't been there in a decade. There's weird markings on our garage floor that could be made out to be who knows what. And how many cheating spouses have come up with the same "I'm a widow" cover stories. If he did it then I hope he fries but if he didn't, then the police have let another murderer slip through their fingers due to their not investigating all avenues.
23 posted on 11/19/2003 8:18:29 AM PST by mtbopfuyn
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To: MaggieMay; RGSpincich; MEG33; Devil_Anse; Jackie-O; Diver Dave; runningbear; Sandylapper; ...
You all won't believe this!!!

Court TV reporting that Mark Geragos to represent MICHAEL JACKSON!!!!

Wonder what mom and pop Peterson will think about that???

24 posted on 11/19/2003 8:20:22 AM PST by Velveeta
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To: Velveeta
How 'bout that!!

It reminds me of an old routine by the left-leaning, but sometimes funny, Tom Lehrer: "He became a medical doctor, specializing in diseases of the rich."

"He specialized in criminal offenses of the rich."

Hope Mark can buy some talent with all that money.
25 posted on 11/19/2003 8:23:36 AM PST by Devil_Anse
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To: mtbopfuyn
And how many cheating spouses have come up with the same "I'm a widow" cover stories.

The question is, how many have come up with murdered wives and had nothing to do with it? Not many, I'd bet.

26 posted on 11/19/2003 8:26:17 AM PST by RGSpincich
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To: Velveeta
I guess he thinks he's going to ask for a delay of the Peterson trial..so he can do MJ's work for him.
27 posted on 11/19/2003 8:34:45 AM PST by MEG33
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To: Velveeta
Okay, don't tell me this is more satire like the NARAL post!!! What a joke!!
28 posted on 11/19/2003 8:35:28 AM PST by Jackie-O (Don't like Laci threads? Post your own protest thread, ping me, we'll discuss.)
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To: Velveeta
Geragos is a glutton for punishment. Better order more oxygen for Jackie Peterson. :)
29 posted on 11/19/2003 8:35:41 AM PST by MaggieMay (A blank tag is a terrible thing to waste)
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To: Devil_Anse
Hope Mark can buy some talent with all that money.

Talent like Matt Dalton? ROFL!

30 posted on 11/19/2003 8:38:19 AM PST by Velveeta
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To: MaggieMay
There is an arrest warrant out for Thriller's arrest.
31 posted on 11/19/2003 8:38:40 AM PST by MEG33
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To: MEG33; All
I heard on the radio that LAPD will be holding a press conf. at 1PM to tell what they found at Neverland.
32 posted on 11/19/2003 8:41:05 AM PST by Jackie-O (Don't like Laci threads? Post your own protest thread, ping me, we'll discuss.)
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To: maggiefluffs
The DEA loans out their cameras to police departments..I don't believe it has anything to do with drug investigation,as satisfying as that might be!
33 posted on 11/19/2003 8:42:37 AM PST by MEG33
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To: Velveeta
Well, THAT would certainly be a bad bargain!

Actually I was thinking more about Geragos buying some talent for himself. His seems to be wearing thin lately.

Also, I SINCERELY hope that if Geragos has any young sons, that he is very careful never to mix business with his personal life. Although it appears that he DOES do that sometimes, such as when he let Susan McDougal borrow his car. Cozy.
34 posted on 11/19/2003 8:45:11 AM PST by Devil_Anse
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To: MEG33
Michael Jackson looks so frail,he may just be pushing up daisies,long before his trial. Geragos better get his money up front.
35 posted on 11/19/2003 8:48:29 AM PST by MaggieMay (A blank tag is a terrible thing to waste)
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To: MaggieMay
LOL, Maggie, he really does look sickly. But then he has, for years. I can't see how anyone could ever let their children around anyone like that. Not talking about the current case, since it appears that the parents never condoned any of it. But there were people before, IMO, who prostituted their children to this man, b/c of his vast riches. That's what really makes me sick. How many lives has he helped to ruin, and he's just now MAYBE getting caught?
36 posted on 11/19/2003 8:56:48 AM PST by Devil_Anse
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To: MaggieMay
I read a thread from yesterday about how he invites people from that area over and has made friends of the townspeople,someone from the town wrote.

He does look ill,but I think it's that pasty face.I believe he has that condition where he loses pigment in spots and just went all the way with the white look.

He will have many people say he could never harm a child.This person thinks he can't get 12 people to convict...that at least one will hold out.

I thought it was interesting.She admitted it was exciting when he drove up to ask directions one day..and she thinks he's a danger to boys!!Celebrity is that unknown factor that can go for or against you.
37 posted on 11/19/2003 9:05:54 AM PST by MEG33
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To: MEG33
That's true but I think there's much more to this story. The FBI is involved and there is/was a grand jury investigation. MG tried to subpoena the FBI to get copies of the surveillance videos and was basically told to "go pound sand."

http://www.nbc11.com/news/2635833/detail.html
...McAllister suggested that Brocchini tried to get Scott Peterson fired from his fertilizer sales job, which the detective denied.

Brocchini said he worked with the company to review expenditures Scott Peterson made to see whether they were work related. Investigators studied both personal and business spending -- some records of which had been subpoenaed by a the FBI, using a federal grand jury.

(snip)
38 posted on 11/19/2003 9:09:22 AM PST by maggief
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To: MEG33
Maybe Geragos is taking the Michael Jackson case and will try to dump Scott Peterson defense......cause Peterson is guilty and now Geragos knows it and can't find another way out of Peterson case.
39 posted on 11/19/2003 9:18:54 AM PST by jeeperz
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To: Devil_Anse; MEG33; Velveeta
I hope they are watching all the private jets,that Jackson has access to. It would not suprise me if he tryed to get out of the country.
40 posted on 11/19/2003 9:20:46 AM PST by MaggieMay (A blank tag is a terrible thing to waste)
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