Scott Peterson Appeal Argues Unfair Trial, Former Neighbors Disagree
Modesto (CBS13) - Lawyers for Scott Peterson filed their automatic appeal, trying to get his murder conviction overturned.
It is 423 pages and argues Peterson didn't get a fair trial. Back in his old Modesto neighborhood, the Peterson story is still big news, even all these years later.
"It's still hard for our neighborhood. People come by and stare as they drive, sometimes just stop and look at it for a long time," said neighbor Rhona Medina.
Across the street from the old Peterson home, Medina's family still gets calls from investigators.
"Now that he's filed for appeal, they will call and see if my parents can remember anything extra," said Medina.
It's hard to imagine anything was left out of this exhaustive appeal filed Thursday.
Peterson's lawyers argue pretrial publicity, for perhaps the most-covered U.S. court case ever, doomed any shot at a fair trial for the man convicted in the infamous 2002 killing of his wife Laci and their unborn child.
Lawyers argue billboards asking "man or monster?" or the one tallying guilty votes from the public polluted the jury pool in San Mateo County.
"Because 96% of the jury venire was exposed to this prejudicial pretrial publicity, and 45% of the venire admitted they thought Mr. Peterson was already guilty, the ensuing conviction must be reversed," the appeal read.
Peterson's attorneys also argue there was little direct evidence linking their client to the crime.
"The state had failed to present any evidence showing 'how this crime was committed' or 'where this crime was committed,' " the appeal read.
But neighbors, even now dealing with curious onlookers, say Peterson is exactly where he should be.
"I know that people think he's guilty and he should never get out," said Medina.
A spokesperson for Laci's family said the appeal was expected standard procedure and so there is nothing new to say.
