| Monday, July 12, 2004 A videotape made by police on Dec. 26, 2002 of Scott and Laci 's home showed no apparent signs of an intruder, the police sergeant who supervised the taping testified today. Jurors in the Scott Peterson double murder trial spent much of the morning watching the approximately 45-minute tape of the outside of the couple's Modesto home. Prosecutors showed the jury a videotape taken of the inside and outside of the Petersons' home before the search to show both the thoroughness of the investigation and that no one had broken into the home and abducted the 27-year-old woman. The lengthy video showed no plants that appeared trampled and no doors or windows pried open. Modesto Police Sgt. Adam McGill narrarated most of the video for those in the courtroom today. Explaining looking at flowerbeds for footprints, walking to the gate and checking windows. 'Did you see any sign of forced entry on the windows and doors,' prosecutor Rick Distaso asked Sgt. McGill. 'No,' McGill testified. The video, which was shown on a large screen in the courtroom, also gave jurors their first glimpse into the couple's home and their lifestyle. The footage documented what would otherwise seem to be a normal holiday tableau -- unopened gifts around a decorated Christmas tree, icicle lights strung along the house's exterior and an evergreen wreath hung on the front door. A chalkboard near a back entrance read simply, "Merry Christmas." Scott showed no emotion as he watched the video from his seat at the defendant's table. In the video, the baby's nursery, decorated in a nautical theme, appeared ready for its new arrival. The crib was neatly made and above it hung a life preserver with the words, "Welcome Aboard," painted on it. The film also shows chickenwire and a trowel in the back of Scott's truck as they continue throught the gate to the backyard and see the dog. Jurors got to hear from the Peterson's golden retriever McKenzie for the first time in the trial as the vociferous pooch had a cameo in the videotape and his barking could be heard at several points during the tape. Next seen are large patio umbrellas against the fence and then the pool and barbeque. It spans a shed from which McGill describes a strong odor of gasoline as he opened the door. Inside are garden equipment and a tarp, He continues explaining what is seen inside the home answering questions throughout the video. Sharon Rocha, Laci Peterson's mother, sat in the front row of the gallery and quietly cried, wiping tears from her eyes as she watched the tape. HOME INDEX LACI SCOTT TRIAL ALIBI-WITNESS LIST |
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| LACI & CONNER "May God be with you for now and always" Paula Galarza ~ Illinois ~ Guestbook |