Scott Peterson Case Update: Judge Approves Limited DNA Testing as Innocence Project Fights for New Trial

Modesto, CA – July – A California judge delivered a partial victory to Scott Peterson’s defense team, granting DNA testing on a single piece of evidence while denying a broader request for additional forensic examinations. The ruling comes as the Los Angeles Innocence Project intensifies it’s efforts to overturn Peterson’s murder conviction.

Peterson, is currently serving a life sentence without parole for the deaths of his wife, Laci, and their unborn son. Laci Peterson, and eight months pregnant, vanished on Christmas Eve . Her body was discovered in San Francisco Bay months later, sparking a high-profile case that captivated the nation.

Last year, the LA Innocence Project took on Peterson’s case, alleging his innocence and pointing to potential flaws in the original investigation and trial. In January , they filed a motion requesting DNA testing on items, arguing that advances in forensic technology could uncover new evidence and potentially exonerate Peterson.

Limited Victory for the Defense

On Wednesday, a San Mateo County judge presiding over the case granted the defense’s request for DNA testing on just one item: a piece of duct tape retrieved from Laci Peterson’s clothing during her autopsy. According to court documents, the tape was tested in , but the results were inconclusive due to the sample’s poor quality.

Attorneys for the Innocence Project hope that modern DNA technology may be able to extract a usable profile from the duct tape, potentially linking it to someone other than Scott Peterson.

However, the judge denied the defense’s requests for DNA testing on the remaining items, dealing a significant setback to their efforts.

Prosecution Maintains Peterson’s Guilt

During Wednesday’s hearing, prosecutors vehemently opposed the defense’s motion, arguing that the original trial presented ample evidence of Peterson’s guilt and that further testing is unnecessary.

“The defendant’s argument is that there’s a fundamental fairness request that requires this testing. The argument is flawed and legally incorrect,” stated David Harris, the original prosecutor from Stanislaus County. “The defendant says that the prosecution should want to know, an attempt to shame us into agreeing to this test. The people know the truth — we know that Scott Peterson is guilty of, and has been convicted of, the murder of his wife and unborn son.”

Defense Seeks Missing Evidence and New Leads

Beyond DNA testing, the LA Innocence Project is pursuing several other avenues to bolster Peterson’s case.

Attorneys claim they are missing crucial evidence from the original trial, including items related to:

• A December burglary across the street from the Petersons’ Modesto home.
• Laci Peterson’s missing Croton watch.
• A van fire that occured on December , in Modesto’s Airport District.

Additionally, the defense is seeking access to documents and interview transcripts from several witnesses, hoping to uncover new leads or inconsistencies in the original investigation.

A hearing to discuss the defense’s motion for post-trial discovery is scheduled for July , .

Public Remains Divided

The Scott Peterson case has captivated the nation for over two decades, and the renewed legal battle has reignited public interest. Opinions remain sharply divided, with some believing in Peterson’s guilt while others question the integrity of the original investigation and trial.

Social media has become a hotbed for debate, with hashtags like #ScottPeterson and #FreeScottPeterson trending as users share their perspectives and dissect every new development in the case. The upcoming hearings are sure to fuel further speculation and scrutiny.

A Long Road Ahead

The judge’s decision on the limited DNA testing is just the latest chapter in what promises to be a long and arduous legal process. The defense team faces an uphill battle as they work to uncover new evidence and challenge the prosecution’s case.

Whether the limited DNA testing yields any new information remains to be seen. The upcoming hearings on missing evidence and witness interviews could also prove pivotal in determining whether Scott Peterson will get a new trial. One thing is certain: the Scott Peterson case, with its intricate twists and lingering questions, continues to grip the nation’s attention.