http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/010704_venue_ctv.html Thursday, Jan. 8, 2004
Updated Jan. 8, 2004, 6:43 p.m. ET
Judge tentatively rules to move Scott Peterson's trial from Modesto
By Harriet Ryan
Court TV
Modesto, Calif. — A judge ordered Scott Peterson's double-murder trial moved to another county Thursday afternoon, saying intense press coverage would make it difficult to pick an unbiased jury locally.
"Despite the court's best efforts, the nature and extent of the publicity this case has received has rendered Stanislaus County an inappropriate venue," Superior Court Judge Al Girolami said.
Citing "8,000 articles worldwide and at least 150 here in Modesto" stemming from last year's disappearance of Peterson's pregnant wife, Laci, the judge said, "There's a reasonable likelihood that in the absence of a change of venue, the defendant would not be tried by a fair and impartial jury."
The judge will consult with state court officials before convening a hearing Jan. 20 to select a new location. Girolami said he favored a larger metropolitan area within driving distance of Modesto and specifically named Santa Clara, San Mateo and Alameda counties as possible contenders.
Peterson's defense had hoped to move the trial to Los Angeles, where lead attorney, Mark Geragos, is based. The judge, however, said he opposed southern California because of the inconvenience to witnesses from Modesto.
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ALRIGHT!! LA it is NOT!! Within driving distance from Modesto is just FINE.
Actually Maggie, within driving distance from Modesto is fine, it is basically splitting the baby if you know what I mean. The wisdom of Solomon here. It DEFINITELY ELIMINATES LA and within driving distance of Modesto will NOT make a HUGE difference nor will it inconvenience the Rocha family too much or the State. I'm not UNhappy with that.