Aforethought Murder Laci Denise Peterson example essay topic

Laci Peterson, a 27-year-old wife who was eight months pregnant, disappeared on December 24, 2002. When the body of the California woman and her unborn child were found four months later, her husband, Scott, was charged with two counts of murder. Detective Craig Grogan gave a sworn statement that he had probable cause to believe Mr. Peterson committed two counts of the crime of 187 Penal Code, homicide, on or about December 23, 2002 or December 24, 2002, in the county of Stanislaus. April 17, 2003 at 0658 hours the Judge of the Superior Court in Stanislaus County, California issued a warrant for the arrest of Scott Lee Peterson.

The court found that the District Attorney's office did, in fact, have probable cause to bring Scott Peterson in. The Judge specifically addressed bail in the warrant. No bail was granted. April 18, 2003 at 1110 hours, Scott Peterson was arrested at the Torrey Pines Golf Course, in Sand Diego County, California. At the time of his arrest, Peterson had colored his hair blonde, grown a beard and mustache, and was carrying $15,000.00 in cash.

During his arrest police also discovered that Peterson's car was full of camping and survival equipment. Peterson was arrested less than 20 minutes from the Mexican border. Peterson waived booking in San Mateo County, California, and was transferred back to Stanislaus County, California, where he was formally booked by the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department. Scott Peterson had his preliminary hearing on April 17, 2003. Superior Court Judge Al Girolamo ordered Scott Peterson to stand trial on two counts of murder. Peterson's arraignment quickly followed.

Peterson was arraigned on April 21, 2003. The Prosecution charged him with the following: Count I: On or about and between December 23, 2002 and December 24, 2002, the defendant did commit a felony, Murder, violation of Section 187 of the California Penal Code; the defendant did willfully, unlawfully, and felonious ly and with malice aforethought murder Laci Denise Peterson, a human being. Special Allegation charges were made in conjunction with the felony murder charge of Laci Denise Peterson. It is further alleged as to Count 1, MURDER that the defendant acted intentionally, deliberately and with premeditation. Enhancement: TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY. During the commission of the murder of Laci Denise Peterson, the defendant, with the knowledge that Laci Denise Peterson was pregnant, did inflict injury on Laci Denise Peterson resulting in the termination of her pregnancy, a violation of Section 12022.9 (a) of the California Penal Code.

Count II: On or about and between December 23, 2002 and December 24, 2002, defendant did commit a felony, MURDER, violation of Section 187 of the California Penal Code; in that the defendant did willfully, unlawfully, and felonious ly and with malice aforethought murder Baby Conner Peterson, a fetus. It is further alleged as to Count II, MURDER, that the defendant acted intentionally, deliberately, and with premeditation. It is further alleged as to Counts I & II, MURDER, the defendant committed more than one murder in the 1st or 2nd degree in this proceeding, and is a special circumstance within the meaning of Penal Code section 190.2 (a) (3) The defense filed for a change of venue. Due to the high publicity of the case, and the hostile public opinion, the judge granted a change of venue. The trial was moved to Redwood City, California. The trial began on June 1, 2004.

After eight months of testimony, the jury was handed the case for deliberation on November 3, 2004. November 9, 2004, the Judge removed a juror from the jury panel. Alternate number one assumed his place on the jury. Deliberations continued until November 11, 2004. On November 11, 2004, the Judge removed the jury foreman from the jury panel. Alternate number two assumed her place on the panel.

On November 12, 2004, the jury returned with a verdict of guilty to both counts I and II. They also found that the special circumstances had been met in both counts. After two weeks of penalty phase testimony, the jury began deliberating the sentence to be imposed on Scott Peterson. On December 13, 2004, the jury delivers the recommendation of death to the Judge. On March 16, 2005, the Judge upheld the jury recommendation for the death penalty. The court found that the defendant, Scott Lee Peterson, did willfully and intentionally murder his wife and unborn son.

The Judge further ordered that the defendant be released to the California Department of Corrections, where he will await his execution. Scott Peterson has already begun his appeal process. Several motions have been filed by his attorney in reference to the dismissal of multiple jurors during deliberations. It will now be up to the California Court of Appeals to review the case and determine if there was any misconduct on the part of the Judge during juror dismissal..