The Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP) has taken up the case of notorious wife killer Scott Peterson, claiming that new evidence has emerged that may prove his innocence.
Peterson is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of his wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, Connor. The 26-year-old Laci was eight months pregnant when she disappeared from her home in Modesto, California, sparking a nationwide search. She vanished on Christmas Eve 2002.
A few months later, the remains of Laci and Connor washed ashore separately in the San Francisco Bay. The cops learned that Peterson had been having an affair and that he likely killed his wife to escape the marriage.
When Peterson was arrested, he appeared to be trying to escape to Mexico. He was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. The death sentence was later overturned, and in 2021, he was resentenced to life in prison.
However, on Wednesday, the LAIP submitted a court filing to San Mateo County Superior Court requesting a new investigation. The filing reportedly contained multiple motions that pointed to new areas of inquiry.
The LAIP is a non-profit organization dedicated to proving the innocence and establishing the release of individuals who have been wrongly convicted.
What is the new evidence? Scott Peterson may not have murdered wife, claims Innocence Project
The organization has requested that the police investigate a robbery that occurred in Modesto in a house directly opposite the Peterson home. The burglary happened on the same week as the murder, and one of the robbers allegedly admitted that Laci had seen them.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelThe court filing also refers to a burnt-out orange van that was recovered in Modesto on Christmas Day 2002, the day after Laci vanished. The van reportedly contained a bloody mattress, duct tape, and a shopping bag with various contents. The LAIP wants these items, especially the blood, to be put through DNA testing.
Other issues mentioned in the filings include witness testimony that a pregnant woman matching Laci’s description was allegedly spotted being forced into a van.
The LAIP has also requested an investigation into a Croton watch that may have belonged to Laci but was pawned a week after her disappearance.
Scott Peterson has always claimed he was innocent of Laci Peterson murder
Peterson has always insisted he is innocent, claiming he was fishing at the time she disappeared.
This case has generated much publicity and has been featured numerous times in TV documentaries.
In 2021, Laci’s mother, Sharon Rocha, told the resentencing court, “I’ve seen no sorrow or no remorse from you at all. I know you’re going to say you have no remorse because you’re innocent, but you haven’t shown any grief or sorrow for either of them.”
Rocha added, “No matter what happens, no matter what transpires in the future, there are two things that will never change: Laci and Conner will always be dead, and you will always be their murderer.”