Peterson murder trial stretches into 15th week

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – Prosecutors in Scott Peterson’s murder trial sought Tuesday to counter defense claims that police were so eager to charge their client with his wife’s killing that they ignored other credible tips.

Two investigators testified that in the weeks after Laci Peterson vanished they pursued a tip that the pregnant schoolteacher was held in a rural area about 30 miles from her hometown.

Modesto police officer Eric Beffa testified about an anonymous tip received in early January 2003, weeks after the disappearance, that Peterson was being held captive near the suburb of Tracy.

Beffa quoted from a report: “They have a pregnant woman there and he states he recognizes her to be Laci. … He doesn’t want the reward money; he just wants her to be found.”

He and a San Joaquin County sheriff’s deputy, Paul Mears, testified that they and other law enforcement personnel responded to the area but were unable to find any sign of the woman, despite a four-day search.

Prosecutors allege Peterson killed his wife in their Modesto home on or around Dec. 24, 2002, then drove to San Francisco Bay and dumped her body. The remains of Laci Peterson and the couple’s fetus washed ashore in April 2003, not far from where Peterson set out for what he said was a solo fishing trip that Christmas Eve morning.

Defense lawyers contend someone else abducted and killed Laci, then framed their client after learning of his widely publicized alibi.

As the trial entered its 15th week, prosecutors prepared to introduce evidence they say places Laci Peterson on the boat that police allege Scott Peterson used to dispose of her body.

A pair of pliers found on the boat contained a strand of hair that prosecutors claim DNA testing indicates likely came from Laci Peterson.

It’s their only piece of potential physical evidence linking Laci to the boat that police claim she never knew her husband had purchased.

Sarah Yoshida, a state criminalist, testified Tuesday that she found no signs of blood or tissue on two pairs of Peterson’s pliers seized by police. Under cross-examination, she said the pliers were rusty and showed no signs of recent use.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide. (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood police: 1 suspect in custody, 1 at large after attempted carjacking

Beverly Elementary School went into a precautionary lockdown Thursday afternoon. Numerous officers continue to search for the second suspect.

Candidates announce campaigns for Everett city council seat

Ryan Crowther, founder of the Everett Music Initiative, will challenge incumbent Paula Rhyne for the District 2 seat.

Lynnwood City Council Vice President Julieta Crosby speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood picks top eight candidates to replace former council VP

The City Council will make its final decision Feb. 20 after interview process.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.