| Peterson's Death Penalty Decision Comes Wednesday
Jurors Reportedly Mulling Book Deal March 15, 2005 Scott Peterson faces a life-or-death court hearing on Wednesday. Peterson is scheduled to learn at his formal sentencing whether he'll face the death penalty. He was convicted in November in the deaths of his pregnant wife, Laci, and their unborn son. The jury that convicted him also recommended the death penalty. But the judge will have other decisions to make on Wednesday, too. On Monday, Peterson's lawyers filed a motion for a new trial, arguing that newly discovered evidence could have brought a different verdict. Scott Peterson's attorneys accused prosecutors of withholding key evidence that a state prison inmate claimed to have information about Laci Peterson's disappearance. The inmate said he was told the pregnant schoolteacher had interrupted a burglary at a neighbor's home. Peterson's attorneys claimed that information was buried in thousands of pages of documents. Prosecutors countered that the defense simply missed the details in its haste to take the case to trial. Meantime, KCRA-tv IN Sacramento, Calif., reported that some of the jurors who convicted Scott Peterson are teaming up to write a book. Starting this week, the jurors are allowed to sell their story. Under state law they could not accept payment for information for 90 days, and as such have been reluctant to discuss details. "I certainly couldn't get involved in anything to make money over such a terrible thing, but if there was one and if I were to get involved with it, it would certainly have to take into consideration something that would pay respect to the memory of Laci and Conner Peterson," juror Mike Belmessieri said. "It could be a possibility, no one's approached me, I haven't written a book. (It's) something I've thought about at times but right now I am mainly focused on my work, my career," juror John Guinasso said. KCRA confirmed that as many as 11 of the jurors have scheduled a meeting with an attorney for later this week to discuss a book deal. Many of the jurors are expected to be in court Wednesday as Peterson is formally sentenced. Many said they hope being there in person will give them closure. Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, faxed a letter to the media Tuesday, expressing her anger that she cannot get more seats in the courtroom for Laci's family and friends. "Laci would be sooooo upset to know that the people who worked so hard to find her, and worked so hard to put Scott in prison, won't be allowed to witness his sentencing," the fax read. "She would be heartbroken to know her family and dearest, lifelong friends won't be allowed to witness the sentencing of the man who murdered her because their seats were taken by people who felt their need to be part of the circus atmosphere in the courtroom far outweighs the needs of Laci's loved ones to witness justice being served on her and Conner's behalf." The court is reporting that the family requested and got 21 seats. HOME INDEX LACI CONNER TRIBUTES ALBUMS CASE INFO TRIAL VERDICT DEATH SENTENCE |
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| LACI & CONNER "I know Laci is with Conner watching over all of you and helping to give peace in your heart." KIMBERLY ~ FT. WAYNE ~ GUESTBOOK |
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