Scott Peterson Expected To Speak In Laci Peterson Case During New Sentencing

Scott Peterson is scheduled to be re-sentenced Wednesday for the 2002 murder of his pregnant wife Laci Peterson. In this appearance, Scott Peterson is expected to speak if the judge allows him.

It would mark a first for Peterson after spending almost 17 years on death row. “This would be the first (time) that he speaks substantively about the case,” said Pat Harris, Peterson’s attorney.

Peterson’s resentencing comes after the California Supreme Court ruled the jurors were improperly screened for bias regarding the death penalty and overturned his death sentence.

However, his conviction was not vacated due to considerable circumstantial evidence that incriminated Peterson.

During Peterson’s trial, some of the jurors were dismissed for saying they disagreed with the death penalty but would be able to follow the law and impose it if necessary.

Supreme Court justices determined the trial judge “made a series of clear and significant errors in jury selection that, under long-standing United States Supreme Court precedent, undermined Peterson’s right to an impartial jury at the penalty phase.” Prosecutors have reportedly settled on life without parole for new sentencing.

While Scott Peterson’s chance to address the court rests with the judge, Laci Peterson’s family will be allowed to address the court. Prosecutors expect her mother Sharon Rocha, and siblings, Amy Rocha and Brent Rocha to give statements.

​​Scott Peterson, 49, will be allowed to have supporters in the courtroom, but they will not be allowed to speak on his behalf.

Scott Peterson’s case gained national attention in 2002 when 27-year-old Laci Peterson, who was eight months pregnant, went missing on Christmas Eve.

Prosecutors argued Scott Peterson killed Laci Peterson and disposed of her body in the San Francisco Bay. The remains of Laci Peterson and their unborn child washed ashore the following year.