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| The jury in the Scott Peterson case asked to review several pieces of evidence Monday, after the judge reminded them to keep an open mind in deliberations. The panel asked to hear several of the tapes made by Amber Frey, Peterson's girlfriend. One recording they requested included Frey quizzing Peterson on why he told her his wife Laci was dead before she was reported missing. The jury also asked to see a cement anchor, information on a life insurance policy on Laci Peterson, and Scott Peterson's fishing license, among other items. Earlier in the day, the panel asked to see Scott Peterson's 14- foot fishing boat, which was towed into a courthouse parking garage for the viewing. The boat is what the prosecution claims that Scott Peterson used to dump his wife's body into the San Francisco Bay. Attorneys from both sides were there in the garage, and they saw jurors literally rocking the boat. The judge had allowed a few jurors to climb aboard the craft. Then, to the shock of lawyers and the judge, some stood up and tried to rock it from side to side. The boat's stability is crucial because the defense contends a person trying to throw a body over its side would capsize it. After the incident, defense attorney Mark Geragos argued for a mistrial, saying what the jury did was an experiment, which is strictly forbidden by California law. It was denied, but legal experts say the issue is strong ground for an appeal. "There is case after case where convictions have been reversed on appeal for juries conducting experiments," said legal analyst Jim Hammer. "So I think it's a real dangerous thing that happened this morning. I think the judge was caught unawares and off-guard and I think it's a real problem." The jury also asked to get a second look at several other exhibits pertaining to fishing, such as Peterson's receipts for fishing tackle. They also asked for photos inside the Peterson home, including bedrooms, the clothes hamper where Laci's blouse was found, and the blouse itself. Analysts say the evidence requests indicate the jury is still working despite their obvious disagreements. "This isn't going to be over today," said legal analyst Chuck Smith. "This judge is going to tell them to keep on working for several days, even if they keep telling him, 'We're not getting anywhere.'" After the boat viewing, Judge Alfred Delucchi called the jurors into court and told them they should not give up yet in trying to decide whether Peterson is guilty of murdering his wife Laci and their fetus Conner. It was not clear what spurred the judge to call the meeting, but it prompted speculation that the jury was struggling. Delucchi reminded the jurors they're not to base their decision on bias against or sympathy for Peterson. He added that forming firm opinions early in deliberations is a bad idea, because it's more difficult for jurors to change their minds. HOME INDEX LACI SCOTT TRIAL ALIBI-WITNESS LIST WIRETAPS EVIDENCE PHOTOS AUTOPSY CEMENT DOGS |
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| Peterson Jury Asks to Hear Amber Frey Tapes November 8, 2004 - Watch Video |
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| LACI & CONNER ".. there are Angels who Masquerade as People On This Earth and I believe that Laci is One Of Them" Joleah Nowicki * Louisiana * Guestbook |
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