Scott Peterson Case: LA Innocence Project Seeks Retrial, Prosecution Remains Skeptical

Twenty years after Scott Peterson's conviction for murdering his wife and unborn child, the LA Innocence Project is taking up his case and pushing for further DNA testing. However, a former California prosecutor with knowledge of the case believes the odds of a retrial are "unlikely."

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Scott Peterson Case: LA Innocence Project Seeks Retrial, Prosecution Remains Skeptical

In an order filed on July 24, a judge approved DNA testing on a piece of duct tape recovered from Laci Peterson's pants during her autopsy in 2003. The LA Innocence Project, which represents Peterson, is overseeing the testing, along with more than a dozen other pieces of evidence.

Peterson's attorneys have previously attempted to appeal his conviction, including a motion for DNA testing in May 2022. However, prosecutors filed a 337-page court document opposing the motion.

Scott Peterson Case: LA Innocence Project Seeks Retrial, Prosecution Remains Skeptical

Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, believes a retrial is "unlikely." For Peterson to succeed, someone else's DNA would have to be found on the duct tape or other evidence.

Rahmani pointed to the hair found on pliers recovered from Peterson's boat, which was used as key evidence against him. He suggested it would be highly improbable for Peterson to be fishing near where Laci's body was found if he were not involved in her death.

Scott Peterson Case: LA Innocence Project Seeks Retrial, Prosecution Remains Skeptical

At the time of Laci's disappearance, Peterson was engaged in an affair and had financial issues. Rahmani believes this evidence implicates Peterson, despite his denials of involvement.

Rahmani noted that the upcoming Peacock documentary, "Face to Face with Scott Peterson," could influence public opinion. Rahmani pointed out that documentaries have played a role in swaying public perception in high-profile cases such as R. Kelly and Britney Spears.

Scott Peterson Case: LA Innocence Project Seeks Retrial, Prosecution Remains Skeptical

The LA Innocence Project has not publicly commented on its case for Peterson but has stated that it believes there are grounds for further investigation based on a claim of actual innocence. Peterson's trial lawyers also maintain his innocence.

While a retrial remains a possibility, Rahmani cautioned against assuming Peterson's innocence. He emphasized the presence of substantial circumstantial evidence that implicates him.

Scott Peterson Case: LA Innocence Project Seeks Retrial, Prosecution Remains Skeptical

The outcome of the further DNA testing and the public opinion generated by the documentary could potentially impact Peterson's chances of obtaining a retrial. However, the prosecution remains firm in its belief that the evidence against him is overwhelming.