Laci's things in tug of war

The Modesto Bee ^ | May 31, 2003 | Garth Stapely and John Cote'

[MizSterious]

For the record, I don't like the concept of trial by media either. If you noticed, on this thread, I'm mostly expressing opinions (and that's all that they are) about the behavior of the lawyers and the family. I'm leaning towards the "he's guilty" side, but we haven't seen much actual evidence (just spin). I have no idea what the State's case will look like.

But Geragos' tactics are kind of slimy, from the "declaration of war" against the grieving parents, all the way to the leaks. And I have to say, the satanic cult defense just really sounds hokey--almost as hokey as "we know who did it and we will prove it" sounds. If they already know, they should turn it over to the police--several attorneys have said that as officers of the court, it's their duty to turn it over to the police. They haven't, which makes it look pretty bogus. My opinion--Geragos and company are making Peterson look really, really guilty.

[A CA Guy]

I think if they wanted this stuff they did the only and right thing.
Are they going to spend $10,000 contesting maybe $2,000 in stuff in court.

This for them puts some stuff to rest. It was closure in part and they deserved that.

[arichtaxpayer]

I heard that most of the furniture taken (wicker chair set, stained glass lamp) was given to Laci from her grandmother. They also took unopened Christmas gifts, and stuff like diplomas, pictures. That's all they have left of Laci, so I can understand their desperation.

[Chad Fairbanks]

His lawyers certainly don't appear to be helping. True enough... Still doesn't negate what the Rochas did though... We can't just give them a pass on this because they had their feelings hurt by leaked reports, and we can't just give them a pass because the Peterson Family is a pack of scumbags...

Well, maybe everyone else can, but I can't...

[A CA Guy]

You don't know lawyers, when you contest items in court, only the lawyers get the items.

Had one friend decades ago left with a $250,000 lawyer bill from his divorce and my own sister had a $60,000 bill over nothing, so if you are smart, you take what you want and later let the other side decide if they want to spend $20,000 trying to get back $500.

[Chad Fairbanks]

Are they going to spend $10,000 contesting maybe $2,000 in stuff in court.

This for them puts some stuff to rest. It was closure in part and they deserved that.

Oh, well, ok. You convinced me. SInce they did it for 'Closure', then let's give them a pass on their actions. After all, everyone knows that the most important thing in life is 'closure'...

If they really wanted 'closure', then $10,000 dollars in legal fees is chump change - can one put a price on 'closure'?

[Chad Fairbanks]

Oh, ok. Good advice. SInce laywers will screw us, let's break the law...

Ok, I'm in!!!!

[MizSterious]

I hadn't heard that about the house--now if cleaning the house isn't changing a "crime scene," I don't know what is!

[runningbear]

I think this is a little bit too strong

" certainly can't abide thieves (The Rochas)... "

I understand what your saying, but as RG stated, the house is still currently 50/50 of Laci and Scott. Until Probate! And since that is the case, anything of Laci's values from Laci's parents would be, in my humble opinion, theirs, NOT scott's nor the Lee and Jackie peterson's show!

This is civil, and that is why the police were on 'stand-by'..... If criminal, they, Rocha's would of been arrested on the spot.

okay, bookmarking... have errands to take care of today...

Oh, scroll down to the power of attorney docs

Sailingacross

Might help ya some in this civil matter, not criminal matter.

[A CA Guy]

Absolutly they get a pass. Why let the lawyers end up with her stuff?
Why go to court and pay $10,000 to get possessions valued at $1000. Let the other side spend $20,000 chasing the issue in court instead.

This issue is over. The expense of chasing this isn't worth it.
That is why it would have been prohibitive for Laci's family to act through the court. That would be INSANE cost wise!

Would you through away $25,000 in court or just go get your sister's belongings for your mother yourself as well? I would.

[MizSterious]

"If the wife dies, it belongs to the husband 100 percent, including the right to determine who goes in there."

Are you speaking for your state, or the state of California? And if the latter, are you an attorney? I ask because some California attorneys on FNC insisted otherwise--that the house is not in fact owned by Scott until this case is decided one way or the other. If he is found guilty, they say, the house will go to Laci's heirs, probably her parents.

[Howlin]

The Petersons have been moving stuff out of the house, staying there, swimming in the pool.

Trashy.

[Chad Fairbanks]

Did they, or did they not go into a home (which did not belong to them) and remove truckloads of items (which did not belong to them)?

A simple yes or no will suffice. No need for, "Well yes, but they did it because...". A simple yes or no? If yes, then no matter what the reasoning or excuses, it was Theft. If they did not do that, then I am wrong....

[Howlin]

I ask because some California attorneys on FNC insisted otherwise--that the house is not in fact owned by Scott until this case is decided one way or the other. If he is found guilty, they say, the house will go to Laci's heirs, probably her parents.

Exactly.

And the Rochas attorneys contend that because there is no death certificate, the Rochas have just as much right in that house as do the Petersons, regardless of their POA; Scott CANNOT benefit from a crime he committed.

[runningbear]

Not sure if you can see anything

these are most likely the last near her disappearance pics taken.

[justshe]

Aren't refies a matter of public record? They are in the state I live in.

[Chad Fairbanks]

Why go to court and pay $10,000 to get possessions valued at $1000. Let the other side spend $20,000 chasing the issue in court instead.

Cool! Cuz my sister-in-law has some really cool stuff that I'd like to have...

[runningbear]

LOL... too funny....

[runningbear]

understand.... ;o)

[Chad Fairbanks]

Scott CANNOT benefit from a crime he committed

Sorry, Howlin, I have to call you on that - he hasn't been convicted yet. Once he's convicted, then you are correct. Until then, it's still his home...