An annoyed Peterson speaks out in court
An annoyed Peterson speaks out in court
Scott Peterson expressed his annoyance Thursday at the slow pace of his case.
By Harriet Ryan
Court TV
MODESTO, Calif. — Scott Peterson lashed out at prosecutors Thursday, telling a judge in rare court comments that the district attorney's slow pace of turning over evidence to his lawyers left him no choice but to consent to a two-month delay in his double-murder case.
"I think we are forced to without the information coming from the prosecution," said Peterson in a loud voice tinged with annoyance when asked by Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Al Girolami if he agreed to the postponement, a pro forma question that normally elicits a curt "Yes" from a defendant.
"It's not my wish, but yes," he added when pressed further.
Peterson's grudging agreement to moving his preliminary hearing from July to September was the most he has said publicly since his April arrest for the murder of his pregnant wife and unborn son.
Peterson, who insists he had nothing to do with his wife Laci's death and believes the real killer is still at large, is facing the death penalty and confined to a cell in the county jail. According to the county sheriff, the often-tearful Peterson is visited several times a day by mental health workers and, while not officially on suicide watch, is monitored closely by the staff. His supporters have said he is eager to begin the preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will disclose their evidence against him.
Chief Deputy District Attorney John Goold, speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, denied the prosecution was dragging its feet in turning over police reports and other evidence to the defense team as ......
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Lawyers toss barbs — and buffalos — during Peterson hearing
Lawyers toss barbs — and buffalos — during Peterson hearing
By Harriet Ryan
Court TV
MODESTO, Calif. — Scott Peterson's lawyer and the attorney for his former mistress traded insults inside and outside a court hearing Thursday in a verbal brawl that included references to "Saturday Night Live" skits, a gazelle, the county fair and at least one declaration of war, but practically nothing about the crime which could land the accused double-murderer on death row.
The face-off between media-savvy lawyers Mark Geragos and Gloria Allred, which the participants variously described as "a battle," "a game" and a buffalo hunt, ended with Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Al Girolami rejecting Geragos' charge that Allred had violated a gag order by speaking about the case on cable talk shows.
Mark Geragos during an earlier pretrial hearing June 6
The judge said Allred was not covered by the order, which prevents lawyers, police, investigators and potential witnesses from publicly discussing evidence concerning the murder of Peterson's pregnant wife, Laci, and unborn child. Allred represents Amber Frey, a masseuse who began an affair with Peterson about a month before the killings and has been described by Allred as a key trial witness.
"Even if she were, I'm satisfied [her comments] were not clearly and specifically prohibited," said Girolami, who kept a calm and matter-of-fact demeanor as the two sides bickered.
At the conclusion of the hearing, a beaming Allred.......