Posted on 11/30/2004 5:32:57 AM PST by runningbear
Jurors face difficult decision over Scott Peterson's fate
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — If the experience of those involved in past death penalty cases is any guide, the jurors in Scott Peterson's murder trial will have to grapple with raw and deep religious, moral and legal issues as they decide whether he lives or dies.
Arguments in the penalty phase are scheduled to begin Tuesday, but experts say many of the jurors may already have made up their minds about what punishment the 32-year-old former fertilizer salesman deserves.
In 2001, a California jury faced a case that holds some similarities to the Peterson trial. Todd Garton was a philandering husband convicted of the shocking murder of his young and very pregnant wife. Jurors said he deserved to die.
"I signed the document that the jury found for death and I think about that a lot," said Fred Castagna, who served as jury foreman. "It was emotional during deliberations, but I don't lose sleep over it."
Story continues ........
An update from Laura Ingle on ctv:
"From Laura Ingle:
Sharon Rocha recalled her first mother's day without Laci. She spent most of the day on the floor, crying. She started yelling at Scott that Laci wanted to be a mother but she never got the chance.
She talks about the day they told her they found Laci. Sharon knew Laci was dead when she heard a knock on her door. She didn't want to answer the door but answered it after a little while. She didn't know why they couldn't use her dental records to indentify her but they told her she didn't have a head. She also said she didn't have arms."
Then comes the pain of finally knowing. :-(
Pinz
This is just devastating stuff, isn't it? I lost my son four years ago to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning -- he just went to sleep.
I cannot imagine what Sharon Rocha is going through. It seems like it would be something she might never get over. How do you get those pictures out of you head?
I lose it still, when I think of your son. I can't imagine your pain. I lost my dad to a violent death 43 years ago. I still have nightmares when I think of what happened and what things might have changed the outcome.
Scott has destroyed so many people. Look at the time and anguish we strangers have given over to that pathetic excuse of a man!
Sharon speaks for us all as she rages against Scott, and against fate and the fact that we can't control death.
Pinz
Claudia from FOX:
Sharon said Scott added to their pain. Giving them hope that Laci was alive.
Ron said he wishes it could be him that is gone.
from CNN:
Sharon - You knew she would be there for all eternity and you did that to her anyway. (Scott sat there stone faced)
(from CTV)
Pinz
I wish they would let her slap him. I bet she'd feel a lot better......LOL.
Heh, heh. I wouldn't be surprised if Jackie crosses her at the end of this, that Sharon will deck her! ;-)
Scott could have used a few slaps earlier in life.
Pinz
I cannot imagine what they have been through...At least Sharon had a chance to say something directly to Scott..He has ears that do not hear.
He has a heart that does not feel and a... that does not.... well, you get my drift. lol
Pinz
Totally useless at this point!
lol
Sharon blasts Snott
http://www.modbee.com/reports/peterson/trialupdates/story/9527634p-10417913c.html
I've been off listening to KFI
Laura ingle excellent reporting
Well, then, I guess Sharon wasted her breath today. Laci may not even be dead, according to this logic. She certainly wasn't murdered, if there is not crime scene.
Geesh, is this guy on Gergos' payroll??
Heading to bed, today just sucked out all of my energy. Taking my baby for her first day of a real job tomorrow. When did they all grow up???? lol
Thanks for the links and continuing info. I'll catch up in the morning, before Geragos' circus begins again.
Peace and a good night's sleep for Sharon. She did an awesome job today.
Pinz
I'm wondering where she was between Dec. 24th and the day she washed up on shore, if April 14th is her "official" date of death. That's just nuts.
Drown the bastard...
Until I watched Greta's show and read this thread,
I hadn't considered Sharon's rage.
We can all relate to heartbreak, but the rage must
be overwhelming. I feel so totally sorry for Sharon
Rocha. I don't know how she's managed to hold up
all these months.
Is there any information on how Snott reacted to Sharon's testimony?
Stone blank stare.
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