Defense attorney Mark Geragos says that so many potential jurors have prejudged Scott Peterson guilty of murder, the San Jose Mercury News says. The trial already was moved from Stanislaus County, Ca., to San Mateo County. Peterson, a fertilizer salesman, is accused of killed his pregnant wife, Laci, and dumping her body in San Francisco Bay.
About 500 San Mateo County potential jurors have filled out questionnaires. Geragos said the “prejudgement rate” is at a level where the court needs to take some action. He will seek one of three remedies: a change of venue, a separate jury for the penalty phase should Peterson be found guilty, or more peremptory challenges in jury selection. A judge will consider the issue on March 22.
Link: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/special_packages/laci_peterson/8143721.htm