Scott Peterson’s latest attempt to overturn his murder conviction has been denied by a San Mateo County Superior Court judge.
Judge Elizabeth Hill rejected Peterson’s third petition for a writ of habeas corpus, dismissing all 14 claims in a comprehensive 116-page ruling. The decision upheld the conviction for the murders of his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, Conner.
Peterson’s defense, led by the Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP), argued that new evidence proved his innocence and that his trial was unfair. However, Judge Hill found these claims “procedurally barred, meritless, or both,” stating that there was nothing “new, admissible, nor material” in the evidence presented. The ruling marks another setback for Peterson, whose conviction has been upheld through multiple appeals over the years.
According to the Modesto Bee, LAIP plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the court misunderstood the law applied to habeas corpus petitions. Despite their efforts, none of Peterson’s legal attempts have been successful since his 2004 conviction.
Peterson was originally sentenced to death, but this was overturned in 2020, and he was resentenced to life in prison without parole. His defense team has consistently challenged the conviction, citing issues such as juror bias and false scientific evidence. However, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office maintains that no credible new evidence has been presented.
District Attorney Jeff Laugero emphasized the importance of conviction integrity, stating, “The appellate process is crucial to the integrity of the criminal justice system. Here, once again, the process worked.” As Peterson’s legal team vows to continue their fight, one matter remains pending before the California Supreme Court concerning a juror bias claim.
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