Scott Peterson will stand trial for murder in the slayings of his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, a judge ruled yesterday in Modesto, Ca. The case has had widespread media attention since the substitute teacher and former high-school cheerleader disappeared last Christmas Eve, the San Francisco Chronicle says.
After 11 days of testimony, Judge Al Girolami of the Stanislaus County Superior Court said that prosecutors had presented enough evidence that the former fertilizer salesman likely committed the crimes, including a hair found in his boat linked to his wife and more than 200 phone calls to a mistress. Peterson, 31, will be arraigned Dec. 3.
Peterson’s attorney, Mark Geragos, said the ruling was a foregone conclusion. “”The standard unfortunately in California . . . is: ‘Is the defendant breathing?’ “” Geragos said. “”Obviously, we’re gratified at least that we’re this much closer to trial and, hopefully at trial, vindication of Scott.”” Geragos will ask for a change of venue.”
Source: San Francisco Chronicle