Posted on 11/18/2004 2:13:39 PM PST by LouAvul
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The cost to investigate, arrest and prosecute Scott Peterson for the murder of his pregnant wife, Laci, has reached nearly $2.5 million so far, and state taxpayers might have to pick up the tab.
Estimating that the costs could reach $5 million with appeals, Republican state Sen. Jeff Denham said he will introduce a bill when the Legislature convenes next month to get the state to cover 100 percent of the bills.
Authorities in Stanislaus County and Modesto, where Scott and Laci Peterson lived, have spent about $2.1 million so far. San Mateo County, where the trial was held after the defense argued that Peterson had been demonized in his hometown, has spent $320,000.
Peterson, 32, was convicted Friday of murder. The jury will return next week to decide whether he should get the death penalty.
The cost estimates came amid a fight between the two counties where the nearly 2-year-old case has taken place.
The original deal stipulated that Stanislaus County would reimburse San Mateo County for the trial costs. But San Mateo County is frustrated with the slow pace of reimbursement, and officials there said Thursday they want a court order compelling Stanislaus to pay up.
In a letter, San Mateo County Supervisor Mark Church said it is "imperative" that the county be reimbursed to avoid cuts in county services.
Stanislaus County Auditor-Controller Larry Haugh said the county will pay, but added, "Things are tight."
(Excerpt) Read more at modbee.com ...
At times like these I can't help but remember a line from one of Chris Rock's comedy specials, "stabbing don't cost a damn thing".
He!!, I'd do it for the price of a round trip plane ticket.
Only because the media hyped this trial into something it did not merit.
They ought to send the bill to the media. Of course, they probably think that the money the media spent in CA pays for it.
We could have shot him for a lot less. Same result.
Put him in the regular jail population and let them give him justice!
When Greta pimped for OJ she got a private interview. Wonder what she'll get for pimping for Scott Peterson.
And people wonder why I'm planning to flee California? The state just blew 2.5 MILLION on a case that's going straight to appeal thanks entirely to the aged judge who was brought out of retirement to preside over the trial in a manner so half-assed, I wouldn't be surprised if the conviction were overturned.
What is our sanity worth?
Exactly..!..Maybe he will make someone a better 'bride' than he was a husband..!
Modern day citizens need a "feed 'em to the lions" playday.
It takes their minds off what is really going on. Shell game stuff.
How much of that cost was caused by the coverage that the media gave the trial? Now that murder trials have become big entertainment business (enough so to launch an entire network) the media should have to foot some of the expenses that they cause.
Got an idea to reduce future costs. Execute him TODAY.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.