Nearly 22 years after Scott Peterson was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, his legal team is pushing for a new trial based on what they describe as new evidence that could challenge the conviction.

The Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP), representing the 53-year-old Peterson, claims to have uncovered evidence that may undermine one of America's most infamous murder cases. Prosecutors maintain that Peterson killed Laci, who was eight months pregnant, on Christmas Eve 2002 and disposed of her body in San Francisco Bay.

Retired Homicide Detective Jon Buehler, who previously investigated the case, defended the original conviction on Fox & Friends. He disputed claims made in a recent documentary, including theories that Laci interrupted a burglary and sightings of her with her dog after Peterson left home. Buehler also challenged new analyses disputing where Laci's body entered the water, stating these defense arguments lack merit.

Chris Pixley, a defense attorney featured in the documentary, said Modesto police largely ignored varying witness accounts, and that Peterson’s defense team did not call these witnesses during the trial.

Ninette Toosbuy, a former LAPD detective with nearly 25 years of experience, emphasized the importance of following all leads in a missing person’s case and questioned why certain witness reports were not fully pursued. "Why wasn't this followed all the way through? You've got witnesses, people in the neighborhood, who reached out to Modesto PD once they heard there was a missing person's investigation going on," she said.

Despite the renewed legal efforts, Laci Peterson's mother, Sharon Rocha, dismissed the claims of new evidence and remains steadfast in her belief that Scott Peterson is guilty.

The case continues to evoke strong opinions as Peterson's legal team seeks to overturn the verdict, while the family of the victim stands firm in their conviction.

Sources