| PRELIMINARY HEARING - DAY 1 SUMMARY - OCTOBER 29, 2003 FBI DNA expert Constance Fisher testified about mitochondrial DNA testing; prosecutors are seeking to have it allowed as evidence. Prosecutors indicated that they intend to call to the stand Laci Peterson's sister, Amy Rocha, and Scott and Laci Petersons' house cleaner. Laci Peterson's brother, Brent Rocha, apparently won't be called to testify despite family members having said they were all tabbed as potential witnesses. Brent Rocha attended the entire proceeding Wednesday. Judge Al Girolami ruled that Los Angeles attorney Gloria Allred, who represents Peterson's former girlfriend, Amber Frey, can remain in the courtroom as other witnesses testify. Defense attorney Mark Geragos said he intends to call a DNA expert from Shields State University in New York. UPCOMING *FBI DNA expert Constance Fisher is expected to take the stand again today for continued cross-examination. *The DNA expert from Shields State University is expected to testify Monday, defense attorney Mark Geragos said. IN COURT Laci Peterson's family: Sharon Rocha (mother), Ron Grantski (stepfather),Dennis Rocha (father), Brent Rocha (brother), Amy Rocha (sister). Scott Peterson's family: Jackie Peterson (mother), Lee Peterson (father), Susan Caudillo (sister), Joe Peterson (brother), Janey Peterson (sister-in-law). Others: Gloria Allred, attorney for witness Amber Frey; Greta Van Susteren, Fox News TV personality SEEN AND HEARD A cell phone or electronic data assistant clearly on vibrate went off at least three times in the media section during the morning session. A sheriff's deputy standing in the back of the courtroom told the bailiff he thought it was Fox News TV personality Greta Van Susteren's phone. The judge has forbidden any broadcasts from the courtroom, and bailiffs repeatedly instructed attendees to turn off their cell phones. During testimony by FBI DNA expert Constance Fisher, bailiffs handed a note each to Scott Peterson's parents, Lee and Jackie, on separate occasions. The couple sat with other family members in the front row behind the defense table. All Scott Peterson's family members appeared to wear pins in the shape of a yellow ribbon overlaid with blue. Pale yellow and blue ribbons were a near ubiquitous symbol during the massive search for Laci Peterson: the yellow to symbolize hope and the blue for the son Laci Peterson was expecting. During one point of defense attorney Mark Geragos' questioning, Laci Peterson's mother, Sharon Rocha, wrote something on a piece of paper for her husband, Ron Grantski, as the two sat in the front row. After he read it, the two chuckled silently. Rocha and nine other family members and friends wore black. Gloria Allred, attorney for Scott Peterson's former girlfriend Amber Frey, appeared on CNN's "Larry King Live" Wednesday evening and said she would be staying in Modesto for the length of the hearing, expected to go about a week. Allred is not covered by a sweeping gag order Superior Court Judge Al Girolami issued in June, which forbids lawyers on both sides and potential witnesses from discussing the case. Officials figured that about a dozen seats in the courtroom would be available each day for the public; the number will fluctuate. The seats will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Courthouse doors open at 8 a.m., and people interested in seats must get in a line before that time at 11th and H streets. PRELIMINARY HEARING INDEX HOME INDEX LACI ALIBI-WITNESS LIST EVIDENCE-NEWS AUTOPSY INDEX WIRETAPS |
| LACI & CONNER May Justice Prevail |
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| Greta, Sharon, Amy |
| Brent Rocha Dennis Rocha |
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| Scott, McAllister, Harris |
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