Posted on 06/27/2003 5:30:50 AM PDT by runningbear
LACI'S 'KILLER' HUBBY UNCORKS NEW WHINE
LACI'S 'KILLER' HUBBY UNCORKS NEW WHINE
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June 27, 2003 -- MODESTO, Calif. - A cocky Scott Peterson took a verbal swipe at prosecutors yesterday, blaming them for delays in his double-murder trial that won't begin for several more months.
Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Al Girolami set Peterson's preliminary hearing for Sept. 9, pushing it back from its originally scheduled date of July 16.
Peterson, 30, and his lawyer Mark Geragos complained that prosecutors are too slow to turn over evidence. When Girolami procedurally asked Peterson if he agreed to the delay, the accused killer seized his chance to pop off.
"I think we're forced to [delay the preliminary hearing] without the information coming from the prosecution," sniped Peterson, who wore a tan suit and short haircut to court yesterday. "It's not my wish, but yes [to the delay to Sept. 9]."
Peterson is accused of killing his wife Laci Peterson, who vanished on Christmas Eve, and their unborn son Connor. Howard Breuer
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((my comments: what a stupid moron scaughty is!!))
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Police talk to 4 women who live near Petersons' home about murder case
Police talk to 4 women who live near Petersons' home about murder case
By GARTH STAPLEY
BEE STAFF WRITER
Published: June 26, 2003, 07:33:05 AM PDT
Police last week contacted two women living in Laci Peterson's neighborhood who also were pregnant with their first babies Christmas Eve.
Like Laci Peterson, both have dark brown hair and regularly walked their dogs -- but neither did that day, they said.
Two other women, also neighbors, say Scott Peterson contacted them on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as he spread the word about his missing wife. They also told their stories to police.
One said Peterson cried, and she hugged him to show support. But she said she since has wondered if they were tears of sorrow or guilt.
The other woman said Peterson appeared wracked with anxiety as he let another man do the talking.
Police spokesman Doug Ridenour, citing a court-imposed gag order, refused to comment Wednesday.
Scott Peterson has been charged in the deaths of his wife and their unborn son, Conner. He faces the death penalty if convicted.
Three of the women -- Leslie Streeter, Janet Kenworthy and Joan Barnett Lee -- work in various departments at The Bee. The fourth, Jill Lear, is employed by a private social services company.
The women's accounts could play a part in court if attorneys bring up reports by people who said they saw Laci Peterson walking her dog the day her family reported her missing.
Scott Peterson told police he left their Covena Avenue home about 9:30 a.m. to go fishing in San Francisco Bay, and that his wife had planned to walk their dog in nearby East La Loma Park. A neighbor found the golden retriever less than an hour later, its muddy leash attached, and returned it to the Petersons' yard.
The bodies of mother and fetus washed up along the bay in mid-April. Police arrested Scott Peterson a few days later.
Streeter said Scott Peterson and another man came to her door between 7 and 8 p.m. Christmas Eve. She didn't know Brent Rocha, Laci Peterson's brother, at the time, but figured he was the other man after seeing numerous reports about the case.
A Rocha family spokeswoman said family members would not comment because the gag order extends to witnesses and potential witnesses.
"Scott didn't say anything," Streeter recalled. "He just stood there; he looked kind of stressed out."
The other man explained that they were looking for the woman in the picture, Streeter said. She said Scott Peterson was in the picture as well.
"After about an hour, we heard search planes going over the park," she said. "That's when we knew something was terribly amiss."
Streeter called police the next day, more to offer help than to report the encounter, she said, and an officer called back to take a statement.
Encounter in the park
The next day -- Christmas -- Kenworthy happened upon Scott Peterson as both walked their dogs in the park, where authorities and volunteers already were searching.
"He reaches in his coat, pulls out a flier and says, 'My wife's missing,'" Kenworthy recalled. "He about broke down in front of me. I did see tears, retain-your-composure efforts."
Kenworthy was especially touched, she said, to learn that the missing woman was pregnant. She said she gave Peterson a hug.
"I would have sworn at that time that he was innocent," Kenworthy said.
A police investigator tracked down Kenworthy last week and asked questions about her dog-walking routine. She has a white husky named Aroo; the Petersons' dog, McKenzie, is a golden retriever.
"I think there is so much pressure to make this case tight, (police) don't want to go to court and say they didn't follow up on all calls," Kenworthy said.
Other pregnant women worried
Also last week, an investigator questioned Lee and Lear, both of whom were pregnant at Christmas time.
Peterson was 5-foot-1, while Lee is 5-foot-5 and Lear, 5-foot-7 1/2. Peterson was 27, Lee is 33 and Lear, 36.
Lee was only four months along in December. She had walked her chocolate Labrador retriever, Kramer, in the neighborhood in November, but quit when the weather turned colder and was not out on Christmas Eve, she said.
"I didn't look half as pregnant (then) as she did," Lee said.
Lear said she was six months pregnant at that time, but hardly showed. Her hair color is close to Laci Peterson's. And their dogs were about the same size, although Lear's Australian shepherd, Maitland, was mostly black with some white and copper.
"From a distance, a lot of us probably look similar," Lear said.
The park was her favorite destination while running and walking the previous seven years with Maitland, who died in February. But she clearly remembers not being out on Christmas Eve.
Both Lee and Lear quit walking as the missing-woman case was splashed across newspapers and television screens all over North America.
"I remember being freaked out about that," Lee said. "We didn't know if there was some crazy person abducting pregnant women."
Said Lear: "It made everyone more cautious. Things like that are a little too close to home."
Both resumed walking, pushing strollers, after delivering their babies -- and after police made it clear that their investigation pointed to no one other than Scott Peterson. But they prefer to walk with their husbands.
Kenworthy, who was not pregnant, never stopped walking Aroo.
"I did give (Peterson) a hug," she recalled. "When someone approaches you and says, 'My wife's missing, and she's pregnant, too,' it makes your heart squeeze tight."
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Judge keeps gag order on participants in Peterson case
Posted on Thu, Jun. 26, 2003
Judge keeps gag order on participants in Peterson case
MODESTO, Calif. (AP) - The judge in the Laci Peterson murder case reaffirmed his gag order today, but refused to hold contempt proceedings against the Stanislaus County district attorney for speaking publicly about the case.
Judge Al Girolami also sealed a search warrant for Scott Peterson's cellular phone records and postponed a preliminary hearing until September, at which time he will hear testimony to determine whether Peterson will stand trial on two counts of murder in the deaths of his wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son.
The judge rejected claims by defense lawyer Mark Geragos that District Attorney James Brazelton breached ethical lines when he said he would seek an open preliminary hearing to show the public the evidence amassed against Peterson.
Geragos said Brazelton violated the court's gag order when he told The Modesto Bee that he chose not to seek a grand jury indictment in favor of the preliminary hearing so he could dispel rumors and ``open some eyes.''
The remarks did not rise to an ``extremely egregious or prejudicial'' level, Girolami said. At most the comments would result in a fine and the judge said he didn't want to take up the matter before the trial, which could be more than a year away.
Geragos also lost an attempt to have the lawyer for his client's former mistress found in contempt for repeatedly appearing on television talk shows to discuss the case. Girolami said the gag order did not apply to attorney Gloria Allred, who represents Amber Frey, the massage therapist Peterson was romantically involved with before his wife vanished.
Bolstered by the ruling, Allred amplified her rhetoric outside the courthouse, calling it a ``pathetic loss'' for Geragos.
``I think Mr. Geragos knows if he wants war with me, he gets it,'' she said. ``I'm not the shy type.''
Geragos had asked the judge to lift the gag order because he can't respond to rumors or evidence leaked in the case.
The judge has barred lawyers, witnesses and investigators from speaking about the case to prevent evidence leaks and gossip that could make it difficult to find fair jurors.
Peterson, 30, a former fertilizer salesman, has pleaded innocent to two counts of murder and could face the death penalty if convicted. He was arrested after the remains of his wife and unborn son washed ashore in San Francisco Bay in April near where he said he was fishing Christmas Eve when she vanished.
Girolami added a search warrant of Peterson's phone records to about a dozen other court records that have been sealed, including autopsy results, wiretap applications and other police records. The court records are sealed from the public but available to lawyers.
Girolami set the preliminary hearing for Sept. 9 after prosecutors said witnesses were not available when it was originally scheduled next month. Defense lawyers agreed to the change.
If the hearing is open to the public, it will be the first time evidence in the case has been discussed in open court. The judge will hear arguments Aug. 14 on whether to close the courtroom.
Girolami set an Aug. 15 hearing to consider a defense ........
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Peterson hearing delayed until September
Peterson hearing delayed until September
By GARTH STAPLEY
BEE STAFF WRITER
Published: June 26, 2003, 10:49:06 AM PDT
Sept. 9 is the new date for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to try Scott Peterson for the murders of his wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner. Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Al Girolami granted the delay today after asking Peterson is he agreed to postponing the hearing.
"It's not my wish, but yes," Peterson answered.
Peterson's attorney, Mark Geragos, said the delay was necessary because there is still some evidence that hasn't been shown to the defense team.
Laci Peterson was nearly eight-months pregnant when she was reported missing on Christmas Eve. Her body and that of Conner were found in early April on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay.
The hearing today also covered whether a search warrant should remains sealed. The warrant was issued after Peterson's arrest April 18 just north of San Diego. Girolami ruled that the warrant should remain sealed. He has said that opening the warrant and other documents could make it difficult for Peterson to get a fair trial.
Eight more search warrants are set to be unsealed July 8 unless an appeals court reverses Superior Court Judge Roger M. Beauchesne's order.........
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Did DA violate gag order?Did DA violate gag order?
By SUSAN HERENDEEN
BEE STAFF WRITER
Published: June 26, 2003, 07:33:04 AM PDT
A judge is not likely to order a contempt of court hearing for Stanislaus County District Attorney James Brazelton this morning, legal experts predict. Defense attorney Mark Geragos has asked Judge Al Girolami to hold Brazelton in contempt for violating a gag order in the double-murder case against Scott Peterson, who is accused of killing his wife, Laci, and unborn son, Conner.
If that happens, Brazelton could get a reprimand, be fined or even spend a day behind bars. But experts said the chance of censure is slim.
"Judges generally don't hold prosecutors in contempt," said Bennett Gershman, a former New York City prosecutor who teaches at Pace University Law School and has written textbooks about prosecutorial misconduct.
"It sounds like the type of violation that the judge won't find to be in contempt," said George Bird, a certified criminal law specialist and defense attorney in Torrance.
Girolami two weeks ago forbade attorneys on both sides from discussing evidence in the case. He also could rule today on another defense motion to lift the gag order.
Brazelton last week told The Bee he wants to take the case to a preliminary hearing, rather than to a grand jury where he could lay out his evidence behind closed doors.
He said the move is needed to because leaks to the media and speculation on television talk shows force prosecutors to "spend all our time running down this phony baloney stuff they throw up."
In court papers, Geragos said the comments are "nothing less than outrageous."
But it will be up to the judge to decide if Brazelton was merely talking about the process or flouting his order by talking about the evidence.
"It's not a clear, unequivocal, unambiguous reference to the evidence in violation of the judge's order," Gershman said.
The California Bar Association doesn't keep statistics on contempt of court findings, but will investigate if attorneys are held in contempt for ethical violations. Brazelton has no public record of discipline.
The defense also has alleged "grave prosecutorial misconduct" in the interception of 71 phone calls in a wiretap, because three calls between Scott Peterson and his attorney were re-corded............
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No room at the inn since TV comment
No room at the inn since TV comment
By GARTH STAPLEY
BEE STAFF WRITER
Published: June 26, 2003, 07:33:06 AM PDT
The manager of a Modesto hotel said he turned away Scott Peterson's parents after his father criticized Laci Peterson's family on a nationally televised talk show. "I didn't want to take care of them anymore," said Brad Saltzman, general manager of the Red Lion Hotel. He made it clear that his stance did not reflect that of hotel ownership.
Saltzman said he was disturbed when Lee Peterson, Scott Peterson's father, complained on TV that his daughter-in-law's family burglarized his son's home. On May 30, her family removed truckloads of items that they said belonged to her.
Police, calling it a civil matter, did not intervene.
Sharon Rocha, Laci Peterson's mother, was not seen at the house that day.
Lee Peterson said on "Larry King Live," in part, "Instead of grieving, Sharon apparently planned this break-in."
That touched a nerve, Saltzman said. When Jackie Peterson, Scott Peterson's mother, called later to book a room, he said he suggested another hotel would have a better rate. They haven't spoken since.
Lee Peterson has said that his son's defense team has asked him not to talk to reporters.
Saltzman had provided a banquet room for a search command center for three weeks in late December and early January and continues to provide interview rooms for TV networks.
Saltzman said he had allowed the Petersons, who live near San Diego, to stay for free at the Red Lion until their son was charged with the murders of Laci and Conner Peterson. After that, they paid a discounted rate, said Saltzman, who has been at the hotel 18 months.
He said the Petersons stayed about a half-dozen times for a total of about 10 nights. Members of their extended family also stayed, Saltzman said.
"I look at the hotel like my house; I opened my doors to them," Saltzman......
((( My Comment:Good for Mr. Saltzman!!)))
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IF YOU ARE EATING, DON'T READ YET!!!
Aspiring rapper convicted of LA woman's murder
Aspiring rapper convicted of LA woman's murder
The Associated Press
(Published Wednesday, June 25, 2003, 7:05 PM)
COMPTON, Calif. (AP) - An aspiring rapper was convicted Wednesday of murder and aggravated mayhem in the April 2002 slaying of a woman who authorities say had her chest ripped open and one of her lungs partially eaten. A Superior Court jury deliberated less than an hour before returning the guilty verdicts against Antron Singleton, 26. Jurors were to meet again Thursday to begin considering Singleton's plea of insanity at the time of the murder. Prosecutors said they are not seeking the death penalty.
The body of Tynisha Ysais, who was stabbed to death, was found in the southeast Los Angeles apartment she shared with Singleton. Authorities testified that the 21-year-old woman's chest had been cut open and her right lung, which had been removed, appeared chewed and torn.........
Snip it
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Testimony In Peterson Case Postponed Until September
Testimony In Peterson Case Postponed Until September
Scott Peterson in court.
(AP)
June 26 (AP) — The judge in the Laci Peterson murder case reaffirmed his gag order Thursday, but refused to hold contempt proceedings against the Stanislaus County district attorney for speaking publicly about the case.
Judge Al Girolami also sealed a search warrant for Scott Peterson's cellular phone records and postponed a preliminary hearing until September, at which time he will hear testimony to determine whether Peterson will stand trial on two counts of murder in the deaths of his wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son.
The judge rejected claims by defense lawyer Mark Geragos that District Attorney James Brazelton breached ethical lines when he said he would seek an open preliminary hearing to show the public the evidence amassed against Peterson.
Geragos said Brazelton violated the court's gag order when he told The Modesto Bee that he chose not to seek a grand jury indictment in favor of the preliminary hearing so he could dispel rumors and "open some eyes."
The remarks did not rise to an "extremely egregious or prejudicial" level, Girolami said. At most the comments would result in a fine and the judge said he didn't want to take up the matter before the trial, which could be more than a year away.
Geragos also lost an attempt to have the lawyer for his client's former mistress found in contempt for repeatedly appearing on television talk shows to discuss the case. Girolami said the gag order did not apply to attorney Gloria Allred, who represents Amber Frey, the massage therapist Peterson was romantically involved with before his wife vanished.
Bolstered by the ruling, Allred amplified her rhetoric outside the courthouse, calling it a "pathetic loss" for Geragos.
"I think Mr. Geragos knows if he wants war with me, he gets it," she said. "I'm not the shy type."
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(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
"I think Mr. Geragos knows if he wants war with me, he gets it," she said. "I'm not the shy type."
Geragos had asked the judge to lift the gag order because he can't respond to rumors or evidence leaked in the case.">>
You go Gloria!
Ray, I posted that article....;o)
An annoyed Peterson speaks out in court
An annoyed Peterson speaks out in court
Scott Peterson expressed his annoyance Thursday at the slow pace of his case.
By Harriet Ryan
Court TV
MODESTO, Calif. — Scott Peterson lashed out at prosecutors Thursday, telling a judge in rare court comments that the district attorney's slow pace of turning over evidence to his lawyers left him no choice but to consent to a two-month delay in his double-murder case.
"I think we are forced to without the information coming from the prosecution," said Peterson in a loud voice tinged with annoyance when asked by Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Al Girolami if he agreed to the postponement, a pro forma question that normally elicits a curt "Yes" from a defendant.
"It's not my wish, but yes," he added when pressed further.
Peterson's grudging agreement to moving his preliminary hearing from July to September was the most he has said publicly since his April arrest for the murder of his pregnant wife and unborn son.
Peterson, who insists he had nothing to do with his wife Laci's death and believes the real killer is still at large, is facing the death penalty and confined to a cell in the county jail. According to the county sheriff, the often-tearful Peterson is visited several times a day by mental health workers and, while not officially on suicide watch, is monitored closely by the staff. His supporters have said he is eager to begin the preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will disclose their evidence against him.
Chief Deputy District Attorney John Goold, speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, denied the prosecution was dragging its feet in turning over police reports and other evidence to the defense team as ......
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Lawyers toss barbs — and buffalos — during Peterson hearing
Lawyers toss barbs — and buffalos — during Peterson hearing
By Harriet Ryan
Court TV
MODESTO, Calif. — Scott Peterson's lawyer and the attorney for his former mistress traded insults inside and outside a court hearing Thursday in a verbal brawl that included references to "Saturday Night Live" skits, a gazelle, the county fair and at least one declaration of war, but practically nothing about the crime which could land the accused double-murderer on death row.
The face-off between media-savvy lawyers Mark Geragos and Gloria Allred, which the participants variously described as "a battle," "a game" and a buffalo hunt, ended with Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Al Girolami rejecting Geragos' charge that Allred had violated a gag order by speaking about the case on cable talk shows.
Mark Geragos during an earlier pretrial hearing June 6
The judge said Allred was not covered by the order, which prevents lawyers, police, investigators and potential witnesses from publicly discussing evidence concerning the murder of Peterson's pregnant wife, Laci, and unborn child. Allred represents Amber Frey, a masseuse who began an affair with Peterson about a month before the killings and has been described by Allred as a key trial witness.
"Even if she were, I'm satisfied [her comments] were not clearly and specifically prohibited," said Girolami, who kept a calm and matter-of-fact demeanor as the two sides bickered.
At the conclusion of the hearing, a beaming Allred.......
Does Scott want some Velveeta with that whine?
And yes… I think he killed Laci, pregnant with Connor. Just my opinion.
THE STUPID BASTARD MANURE SALESMAN DID IT ALREADY. BUY A CLUE.
I AM SICK UNTO DEATH OF HEARING ABOUT IT.
please god make it go away
***creepy Laci Peterson music here***
Get ahold of yourself, this case looks like it will be around for a looonnggg time...;0)
Without a doubt, you are Jury Foreperson material.
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