DA Seeks Death Penalty In Peterson Murder Case(!)

KNBC4 ^

[ysoitanly]

Bingo.

[Office Manager]

Yes, you definitely missed somethin'...

sorry

[Office Manager]

but regardless of death penalty or life without...

this pretty bleached boy is STILL gettin' locked up for good...

of course, this is going on the confidence the prosecution is giving off that they have clear & convincing evidence he did it....

hopefully they're not just bagging it on the public sentiment for Laci & Conner. Let's pray it's in the bag with the evidence.

[Mrs.Liberty]

Really? David Westerfield went to trail only a few months after he kidnapped and killed Danielle Van Dam, and he received the death penalty.

[cyncooper]

No, I didn't.

[ysoitanly]

When the media and the public 'tries' a high-profile case before it's legally on the docket, it gets moved to the supposed 'fast-track' for all of the reporters.. Yep, you're right -Westerfield got his right to a speedy trial and was convicted quickly in front of the cameras, as I surmise Scott will, too, unless there's something I missed. But do you know how many behind-the-scenes-at-our-expense are being filed for this guy? Politicians and the media love to say they're honoring the right 'to a speedy trial' and they 'will' (wink) insist on it when it's a national and painful issue. Problem is, of course, the victims will have to suffer as the defense, who would have sued if a 'speedy trial' were not granted, will conversely, demand endless delays, seeking 'discovery' since they 'know' a delay is the only thing going for them. Sure, Scott will go to 'trial' REAL SOON, just like Westerfield. Now, when is the last time you heard anything about Westerfield?

[NerdDad]

Is this DA elected? I understand that California is very different from my homes of Texas and Mississippi but I have insisted all along that the only person the DA needed to consult in deciding to seek the death penalty in this case would be his campaign manager.

[tessalu]

I think the DA is hired for his qualifications in California, and that is it not a political office, as it is where I live. I grew up in California, and I prefer things to be the California way. I see no reason for this to be a political office.

[spectre]

Well said, OM.

It's the "clear and convincing" evidence that I want to hear. So far, we've convicted him only on the perception he is guilty. But, we need to know what the forensics showed. We need solid proof, which I am assuming they must have. Sure, I think Scott is guilty, but it's not enough for me to be comfortable to send him to the gas chamber.

Then, we have the tainted Jury problem. I'm not suggesting that Scott isn't guilty, just saying that the Jury will be under public pressure to convict him, especially if they aren't sequestered and go home every night and turn on their TV.

The jury MUST be sequestered for Scott to get a fair trial. In any high profile case, where the accused is already convicted by the public, the Jury should always be sequestered, IMHO. Notice there hasn't been any mention of this so far?

But for now, Scott is locked up in a 6 by 9 cell and off the streets. Robert Blake almost lost it from the isolation. Sometimes being caged like an animal is a fate worse than death.

sw

[Sacajaweau]

Of course they SAY they're going for the death penalty and believe they have the evidence to do so. This is the bargaining chip and I'm sure the family would be happy with life without parole.