Cold Reception For Scott's Mother

Judge Alfred A. Delucchi said one additional defense witness may testify Thursday morning before closing arguments in the penalty phase of the Scott Peterson murder trial. Jurors will then be sequestered in a hotel for the duration of deliberations.

Wednesday, Peterson's mother testified that Laci "became like a daughter to us," adding that the 27-year-old schoolteacher was a perfect match for her son.

"The two of them were inseparable," Jackie Peterson said. "I loved Laci as much as Sharon (Laci's mother) loved Scott."

Most of the jury showed no emotion, reports CBS News Correspondent Steve Futterman, but one juror did appear to wipe away tears.

Others have been avoiding eye-contact with the defense witnesses, says CBS News Legal Analyst Mickey Sherman.

"A lot of people think the jury has made up their mind," the defense attorney told Early Show co-anchor Julie Chen.

While defense lawyers flashed Peterson family photographs on a large screen, Jackie Peterson, who uses a portable oxygen tank for a lung ailment, begged jurors to see the good in her son.

"He's an exceptional young man and he's my son," Jackie Peterson said during about 40 minutes of testimony. "I know he's not perfect ... but he is genuinely a loving, caring, nurturing, kind, gentle person."

A week ago, when photos of Laci's life were shown, the courtroom was overwhelmed with grief, reports CBS News Correspondent John Blackstone. Most jurors cried when Laci's mother Sharon Rocha gave heartbreaking testimony of all that had been lost when Laci was murdered.

That was not the case during Jackie Peterson's testimony.

"This jury stayed fairly stone-faced, fairly cold," said court watcher Dean Johnson.

"Two jurors were staring at the ceiling during her testimony. I don't think they care about her at all," said CBS News Legal Analyst Wendy Murphy, a former prosecutor.

"She's a mother. You want to feel for her. But by the same token, she doesn't get the same credit that Mrs. Rocha gets. Her daughter was murdered. This woman's son caused the problem, according to the jury," said Sherman.

Defense lawyers are trying to convince jurors that Scott Peterson deserves life in prison, not the death penalty. The 32-year-old former fertilizer salesman was convicted Nov. 12 of two counts of murder for killing Laci and her fetus.

Prosecutors say he killed Laci in their Modesto home on or around Dec. 24, 2002, then dumped her body into San Francisco Bay. The remains of Laci and the fetus were discovered about four months later a few miles from where Peterson claims to have been fishing alone the day his wife vanished.

Defense attorneys have called 39 witnesses over seven days in the penalty phase of the trial. Prosecutors called just four of Laci's family members on the first day, Nov. 30.

"I don't think they're going to vote for death," said Murphy. But she says that's no thanks to the defense team.

"Their approach to this phase of the trial was just a big dud," Murphy said. "They did not build sympathy for him. They may well have hurt his interest, because I think the jury dislikes him even more, if that's possible."

"I don't think that's possible," replied Sherman.

Earlier Wednesday, a family friend broke down in tears when asked how a death sentence for Peterson would affect her life.

"It's just going to be an extremely sad day if that's what happens. It's not going to bring back Laci and it's not going to bring back Conner. All it's going to do is add another tragedy," said Shelly Reiman, who met Scott and Laci Peterson while the couple attended college in San Luis Obispo.