Is Scott Peterson Innocent? Breaking Down the Recent Documentary Evidence

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Summary

  • Face to Face with Scott Peterson
    presents alternative theories on the Laci Peterson case in a three-part docuseries.
  • The LA Innocence Project is exploring new evidence to try and overturn Scott Peterson’s conviction.
  • Despite strong beliefs in Scott’s guilt, the case was built on circumstantial evidence, leaving room for doubt.

As a seasoned investigative journalist who has covered numerous high-profile cases, I can’t help but find myself drawn to the enigma that is the Scott Peterson case. Having followed this story since its inception, I must say that the recent developments have certainly piqued my interest once more.

The Laci and Scott Peterson case, where Laci, a pregnant woman, was tragically murdered along with her unborn son Conner in 2002, has sparked renewed discussion this year, marking the 20th anniversary of Scott’s first-degree murder conviction. In response, multiple true crime documentaries are delving back into the details of this intriguing case.

A new documentary series titled “Face to Face with Scott Peterson” has been released on Peacock, focusing on the contentious case that gained widespread attention. Unlike the Netflix’s recent docuseries “American Murder: Laci Peterson”, this three-part series explores alternative theories and controversially suggests that Scott Peterson may be innocent. The Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP), a distinct organization from the Innocence Project, is spearheading efforts to reexamine Scott’s conviction. This is the first time Scott has appeared on camera in 21 years, and the series presents evidence and arguments that could potentially shift perspectives, although it remains to be seen if it will change the minds of those most strongly against Scott Peterson.

What Does Scott Peterson Have to Say?

Laci Peterson.

Scott maintains an answer for every question, basing his defense on the notion that the police targeted him from the outset. He thinks their interrogation techniques and searches were tainted by bias, as they aimed to gather evidence supporting a preconceived theory rather than investigating other possible culprits. For instance, he points out that the police inadvertently disclosed his whereabouts on December 24th, which he argues would have provided another perpetrator with an ideal spot to discard the body and implicate him. Regarding his fishing trip, he asserts that the boat he bought was intended for bonding with his father-in-law, enabling them to fish together once their son grew old enough to accompany them.

1. Apart from what’s apparent, he has explanations for his behavior. He explains that his composed demeanor was a facade to hide his emotional turmoil from others. On the day of his detainment, he confesses he dyed his hair to disguise himself due to receiving death threats. His car contained his brother’s ID as he intended to use it for a discount at the golf course. According to his sister-in-law Janey, he had $10,000 cash in the car because his brother was planning on buying his truck with it. He had lent him the money and hadn’t retrieved it from the vehicle yet. As for the headlines about his arrest at the Mexico border, he clarifies that he was simply visiting family in San Diego, which coincidentally is near the border.

Scott acknowledges his past sexual indiscretions, admitting to the affair with Amber, explaining that it was a moment of youthful recklessness, insecurity, and being swept away by someone who was attracted to him. He continued communicating with Amber to dodge any red flags that might expose their affair, fearing it would be exposed. He also implies that his relationship with Amber may not have been as profound as she portrayed it to be.

Alternative Theories Presented in Face to Face with Scott Peterson

The Peterson family and private investigators have been exploring aspects of the story they think were overlooked. For instance, some nearby residents assert they saw Laci walking her dog after her death was believed to have taken place. Given her distinctive pregnant appearance, wearing a white top with black pants, and accompanied by a big golden retriever, it’s plausible that these people didn’t mistake her for someone else. Multiple individuals claim they reported these tips to the police, but no one ever reached out to them or dismissed their claims. The police argue that people often want to help and sometimes even fabricate tales to be part of the case. They insist they investigated these leads, but were unable to confirm these witnesses as reliable.

The crux of the defense’s argument revolves around a break-in that allegedly took place at a house situated just across the street (on the same day Laci disappeared). A neighbor reportedly observed Peterson’s dog off its leash at a certain time in the morning and subsequently returned it to their yard. The judge deemed that the burglary must have transpired after Laci’s demise, disallowing those details from being presented in the trial. However, the family asserts that there are additional pieces of evidence from the mailman who declares he visited the house later than the supposed time of death. He maintains that the dog didn’t bark as it typically does when he arrives, and the gate was closed. Consequently, the family argues this implies Laci was at home when the neighbor placed the dog back in its yard, and she had departed later, taking her for a walk.

Regarding the robbery, multiple neighbors reported observing a van outside the targeted home, accompanied by three unfamiliar individuals. These individuals didn’t match the descriptions of the two suspects currently charged with the crime. This suggests a possibility that the burglary was carried out by more accomplices. The culprits who confessed to the break-in, often drug addicts and petty criminals, may have informed others in the area about this vacant house, leading to further involvement. There’s a growing suspicion that these three additional men could be connected to Laci’s disappearance.

A significant detail is that a charred van was located near the residence, containing a partially burnt mattress within it. This van turned out to be connected to the individuals involved in the robbery. At the scene, a fire investigator performed an initial luminol test on an untouched section of the mattress and detected blood. However, subsequent police testing did not reveal any blood. The family has persistently asked for a DNA test on the mattress, but their request has been turned down.

According to some, Laci might have stumbled upon a burglary in action, which led her to confront the burglars. Alternatively, the burglars may have spotted her witnessing them and decided they had to silence her as she could recognize them. After Laci’s death, the accomplices informed Steven Todd and Donald Glenn Pearce, who admitted to the burglary, that they needed to take responsibility for it to hide the serious crimes committed on that same day.

It is said that one individual allegedly observed a woman being compelled into a van against her will. According to his account, she was made to relieve herself in a secluded area before being returned to the vehicle, all while appearing distressed. His spouse reportedly advised him not to intervene as they appeared dangerous, so he contacted the authorities instead. Later, he went to the police station to reinforce his statement, but no action was taken. The family is also paying attention to other relevant details. Furthermore, a corrections officer submitted a tip from conversations with inmates: they were suggesting that Laci had been murdered by the criminals linked to the burglary. However, since there was no recording of the specific call and it was based on second-hand information, the police chose not to follow up on this tip.

Afterward, a watch similar to the one Laci wore when she passed away, which was pawned at a store following the murder, is linked to Croton watches. The police retrieved this watch, yet no one has reported seeing it since or heard about it again. Police admit they can’t definitively say it belonged to her. These small details raise questions, if nothing else. On the other hand, both the Petersons and L.A.I.P argue that DNA evidence could be found in various objects related to the burglary that could clear Scott. However, the police consider this argument as nonsense and believe they have already caught their suspect.

What Is The LA Innocence Project?

As an admirer, I’m well-acquainted with The Innocence Project, a tireless non-profit organization that dedicates its resources to freeing individuals who’ve been unjustly imprisoned. They employ various methods from DNA testing to criminal justice reforms and revisit case files or errors in original trials to assist those they believe are innocent but have been unjustly detained. Established in 1992, the organization initially garnered attention as part of the “Dream Team” defending O.J. Simpson during his murder trial. Since then, they’ve successfully overturned more than 240 wrongful convictions.

Although they share a similar name, the Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP) is an entirely separate entity with no affiliation to The Innocence Project. In fact, the LAIP has been explicitly defined as “independent” of The Innocence Project, as stated in an official announcement from the latter organization. Given the attention garnered by the LAIP’s involvement in Scott’s case in January 2024, they felt it important to clarify their independence.

On January 18, 2024, the Los Angeles Innocence Project submitted requests for DNA testing and post-conviction evidence in support of their client, Scott Peterson. For any queries regarding Mr. Peterson’s case, please contact the Los Angeles Innocence Project, an independent non-profit organization distinct from the Innocence Project.

Established in 2022, the LAIP (Legal Aid Investigative Project) is a non-profit organization that offers “free investigatory services and legal representation” to individuals in Central and Southern California who were wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit, according to their website. Approximately 20 people are employed by the LAIP. In January 2024, many motions filed by the LAIP on behalf of Scott were denied by the judge, but some were granted. One such approved request was for further forensic analysis to be conducted on a piece of duct tape found with Laci’s body. The LAIP collaborates with the California Forensic Science Institute, the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center, and California State University – Los Angeles in its mission.

Is it possible that the LAIP is seizing an opportunity for greater visibility by conducting this re-investigation on the 20th anniversary of the case? The timing coincides with increased public interest and media attention, including two popular documentaries about the case. If successful, such high-profile wins could inspire others seeking to overturn their convictions. However, it might also stir controversy among those who maintain Scott’s guilt.

If DNA found on the duct tape doesn’t match either Laci or Scott, it could potentially reopen the case. Many who followed the case believe in Scott’s guilt based on the strong circumstantial evidence presented, but it is important to remember that the entire case and conviction were primarily built upon such evidence.

The Future of the Scott Peterson Case

For a movie enthusiast like me, it’s clear that Scott Peterson is still facing a lengthy journey ahead, with the LAIP (Lawyers for Arturs Peterson Inc.) on board, there’s potential for fresh revelations, which could reopen this case. However, the long and endless road is particularly tough on Laci’s loved ones, who were prominently highlighted in the docuseries American Murder: Laci Peterson. While Scott’s family remains steadfast in their belief of his innocence, and he maintains his stance that he didn’t kill his wife and child, it seems like justice has been served in the eyes of many.

In both the cases of American Murder: Laci Peterson and Face to Face with Scott Peterson , several jurors emphasized that they did not arrive at their verdicts lightly. However, they felt that the circumstances were so unusual that it would have been an incredible string of coincidences if he was innocent. Interestingly, the jurors in these cases were unaware of a burglary allegation. A significant part of their decision also considered the sequence of events, which the Peterson family believes contradicts evidence that was overlooked.

The LAIP (Laci Peterson Investigation Project) carries on its investigation, and the case could unexpectedly change direction. Regrettably, those who have firsthand knowledge of the events are not contributing their perspectives. In a concluding title card for Face to Face with Scott Peterson, it’s mentioned that Sharon Rocha, Laci’s mother, declined to be part of the docuseries. However, she did express her views during the July 2024 hearing, aiming to uncover new evidence. “I feel this isn’t about demonstrating his innocence, but rather his persistent efforts (to secure) release from prison.” Watch American Murder: Laci Peterson on Netflix and Face to Face with Scott Peterson on Peacock.

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2024-08-22 02:32