In Redwood City, California, the star prosecutor from Scott Peterson’s well-known murder trial is opposing efforts from the Innocence Project to reopen his case. Scott Peterson was convicted in 2004 of killing his pregnant wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner, and disposing of their bodies in the San Francisco Bay.
Former Stanislaus County District Attorney Birgit Fladager, who was the prosecutor in Peterson’s trial, is now fighting against attempts to investigate and reopen the case. The Innocence Project, representing Peterson, has submitted over a thousand pages of motions requesting DNA testing and other evidence that they believe could exonerate Peterson.
One piece of evidence they want tested is a suspicious stolen orange van found near Peterson’s home the day after his wife disappeared. The van contained blood, and the Innocence Project believes testing it could provide new information. However, special prosecutors Fladager and David Harris have filed a motion opposing the DNA testing, stating that there is no valid new evidence to warrant reopening the case.
Peterson, who maintains his innocence, is seeking DNA testing on various items related to the case. Despite this, Fladager and Harris argue that the circumstantial evidence presented at trial was overwhelming and there is no justification for revisiting the case.
The opposition motion contains details from the trial, including Scott’s behavior leading up to Laci’s disappearance and the discovery of her remains. The prosecution argues that Peterson’s lies, behavior, and evidence from the trial do not support further DNA testing.
Scott Peterson is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. The case continues to be a point of contention, with supporters calling for justice and opposing efforts to reopen the investigation.
