REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2004) - A jury decided Monday that Scott Peterson should be executed for murdering his pregnant wife, Laci, whose Christmas Eve disappearance two years ago was the opening act in a legal drama that captivated the nation.

Cheers went up outside the courtroom as the jury announced its decision after 11 1/2 hours of deliberations over three days. The jury had two options in deciding the 32-year-old former fertilizer salesman's fate: life in prison without parole or death by injection.

Judge Alfred A. Delucchi will formally sentence Peterson on Feb. 25. The judge will have the option of reducing the sentence to life, but such a move is highly unlikely.

Peterson clenched his jaw when the verdict was read but showed no other emotion.

In arguing for death, prosecutors called Peterson ''the worst kind of monster'' and said he was undeserving of sympathy. The defense begged jurors to ''go back there and please spare his life.''

The decision came almost two years to the date after the disappearance of Laci Peterson, a 27-year-old substitute teacher who married her college sweetheart and was soon to be the proud mother of a baby boy named Conner. The story set off a tabloid frenzy as suspicion began to swirl around Scott Peterson, who claimed to have been fishing by himself on Christmas Eve and was carrying on an affair with a massage therapist at the time.

The remains of Laci and the fetus washed ashore about four months later, just a few miles from where Peterson claims to have gone fishing in San Francisco Bay. The case went to trial in June, and Peterson was convicted Nov. 12 of two counts of murder.

All the while, the case never stopped making headlines.

The case graced more People magazine covers than any murder investigation in the publication's history. Court TV thrived during the case, providing countless hours of coverage on the investigation and gavel-to-gavel commentary throughout the trial. CNN's Larry King hosted show after show with pundits picking apart legal strategies, testimony and even Scott Peterson's demeanor.

Trial regulars showed up by the hundreds to participate in the daily lottery for the coveted 27 public seats inside the courtroom.

Peterson will now be sent to death row at San Quentin State Prison outside San Francisco, the infamous lockup where prisoners gaze out small cell windows overlooking the same bay where Laci Peterson's body was discarded.

Peterson still might not be executed for decades, if ever. That is because California's death row has grown to house more than 640 condemned men and women since the state brought back capital punishment in 1978. Since then, only 10 executions have been carried out. It can take years for even the first phase of the appeals process to begin.

California's last execution was on Jan. 29, 2002, when Stephen Wayne Anderson - described by supporters as the poet laureate of Death Row - was put to death by lethal injection for the Memorial Day 1980 murder of 81-year-old Elizabeth Lyman during a break-in at her home.

As many as three murderers face possible execution in 2005, said Department of Corrections spokeswoman Margot Bach.

Prosecutors spent months portraying Peterson as a monster, a cheating husband and cold-blooded killer who wooed his lover even as police searched for his missing wife. They said he wanted to murder Laci to escape marriage and fatherhood for the pleasures of the freewheeling bachelor life.

The prosecution put on a short, but emotional case in the penalty phase of the trial, calling just four witnesses.

''Every morning when I get up I cry,'' Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, said during the penalty phase. ''It takes me a long time just to be able to get out of the house ... I miss her. I want to know my grandson. I want Laci to be a mother. I want to hear her called mom.''

Rocha would later rise halfway out of her seat and scream at Scott Peterson, who was seated impassively at the defense table: ''Divorce was always an option,'' she said. ''Not murder!''

Defense attorneys argued during the trial's guilt phase that Peterson was framed and that the real killers dumped Laci's body in the water after learning of Peterson's widely publicized alibi. The defense fought hard to save Peterson's life, calling about 40 witnesses over seven days in the penalty phase.

They seized on anything from Scott Peterson's past in attempt to spare his life, including testimony that he never cheated on the golf course or lost his temper.

They told jurors of the Scott Peterson who was a smiling, snuggling toddler. He was the high school golf captain who tutored younger students. He sang to seniors on Sundays and once broke up a dog fight. He cared for mentally retarded children. He was the highly motivated son who worked his way through college.

And finally, he was the young professional who married the woman he fell in love with in college.

''I wish there was a phrase that I could give you that could turn this around and make you believe there is good, there is real, real good in this person,'' defense attorney Pat Harris said during closing arguments. ''But I don't have that phrase ... that's up to you to decide.''

AP-NY-12-13-04 17:02 EST

Copyright 2004 The Associated Press.

December 13, 2004

Character evidence put Peterson to death (Dan Abrams)

The jury has deliberated for 11 hours and 30 minutes. At about 11:30 PT, they announced that they reached an unanimous verdict. Only minutes ago, the jury recommended the death penalty for Scott Peterson.

During the guilt phase of the Peterson case, there were cheers from the crowd of hundreds when Scott Peterson was found guilty of first degree murder. Today, in front of the court house, reactions are more muted. And rightly so… this was a decision about someone’s life.

This judge has the recommendation in his hand — and he still has the discretion to say 'no' and recommend life imprisonment instead. The official sentencing hearing will be in February 2005. But this would be unlikely and unusual. The defense team should not count on having this sentence reduced.

The murder of Laci Peterson and her unborn son Conner got Scott Peterson convicted. But it was the period of 116 days after the murder that got him the death penalty.

Between the time Laci was murdered and her body was found, volunteers were searching, the families were frantic, and everyone was trying to do anything and everything to find Laci.

And Scott? He was on the phone with Amber Frey at Laci’s vigil, he was lying to volunteers, and even laughing at a message from his own mother. The prosecutors successfully argued that this is not a life worth sparing.  What put him to death was character evidence.

We are now expecting to hear from some of the participants of this case. Jurors will be free to speak, and so will family members, the prosecutors, and the defense team. We could hear some very emotional statements from both sides in the minutes and hours to come.

December 13, 2004

Why we covered the Peterson case so much and so often (Dan Abrams)

It is a question I get nearly every day, and my answer will be unsatisfying to some.  News purists would argue that only the most important news should be covered — the news that affects the future of nations or issues that could affect life or death for most people.

The outcome of the Peterson case will not impact international nuclear proliferation nor lead to peace in the Middle East.  Anyone who tells you we are covering one of the more important stories of the day is a liar.

But it is a fascinating story, more newsmagazine than pure news.  This story gives an insight into both our legal system and into the darkest sides of humanity.  So many can see something in themselves in either Laci or even Scott.  They were where so many couples had been, or strive to be: young and relatively successful.

For some women, Scott Peterson represents the epitome of everything wrong with certain men and yet he just seems perfect; a seemingly loving, handsome husband who appeared so normal.  But in reality, he was nothing of the sort

Disgusted by his burgeoning wife, he was out soliciting while she fended for herself and her soon to be baby at home.  Then at the time when so many women feel so vulnerable-seven-and-half-months pregnant — he killed her.

It is at least as intriguing psychologically as it is legally, leading so many who have followed this case to question their own choices.  Could my Harry or Doug be anything like him? It’s led me to wonder whether I could have seen it in him.  I doubt it.  Do I know anyone who is that deceptive?  It’s a study in psychology.  Everyone wants to understand Scott.

When I attend the most intellectual of events and speak about the Middle East or the Supreme Court, people always approach me afterwards. They ask, almost shamefully, questions about the Peterson case. 

But there should be no shame.  There is nothing wrong with following a fascinating story or reading a compelling book for that matter, particularly one that also teaches so much about how our legal system works.  There is a place for it at the news dinner table and, while this is serious stuff as a news matter, maybe it's dessert.  But as long as you don't only eat or serve sweets, I see it as an entirely defensible part of the diet. For some of the time, I have no qualms about being the pastry chef.

Your rebuttal
I’ve said what I needed to, now it’s your turn…

Thursday night, one of my guests, Geoffrey Fieger, tried to suggest Scott Peterson was involved in a disappearance of another woman before Laci.  I cut him off because there is no evidence to suggest this claim... Many of you were upset. 

Sheila P. Burlson in Charlotte, North Carolina writes: "You know, I have thought from the beginning that Laci was not Scott's first murder. Just a creepy feeling I had... wish you had let Geoffrey tell the viewing audience about that."

And from Virginia Beach, Virginia, Grace writes: "Thank you Geoffrey Fieger.  I definitely agree that this is not Scott's first offense."

I cut him off because police investigated and found no evidence, zero that Scott may have been connected to another murder and I do not want to discuss non-issues on the program.

Trish Good in Pasadena, Texas: ”I was impressed how you strongly objected to this ridiculous, inflammatory statement and applaud you."

Finally, in Thursday night's edition of "Legal Lite", we told you about a fast-food worker who was jailed for spitting in a police officer's hamburger, the officer noticing only after he started eating it! 

Many of you were eating dinner during that segment…  Sorry about that...

But Kathy Carlson in Anderson, Indiana didn't mind: "The topic of the Legal Lite today was some guy hocking up a loogie on some police officer's hamburger. It's kind of bad because I eat my dinner while watching your show, but it's also kind of good because I'm on a diet. Could you possibly find a case where someone hocked a loogie on a plate of fries or a big bowl of chocolate ice cream."

Good one, Kathy.

The Peterson sentencing verdict will be announced at 4:30 p.m. ET today and we will be live in Redwood City, Calif. with the latest news.  So stay tuned to MSNBC and Abramsreport.msnbc.com for the details.

December 13, 2004

All's quiet on the western front (Amy Harmon, Abrams Report Peterson trial producer in Redwood City)

Official word from the courthouse: The jury arrived shortly before 8 and started deliberating at 8:00 on the dot.

Our booker/producer Brian Cohen watched jurors come in this morning and reports they were slightly more dressed up than they were Friday, noting that juror #12 has her hair done.  Brian's thought?  Juror #12 thinks she could end up on TV today after the jury makes its recommendation.  My thought?  The weekend was long and boring, and she had plenty of time to do her hair this morning.

The buzz around here?  There really isn't one.  At least not compared to Friday afternoon.  Could this be the calm before the storm?  We'll keep you posted.

E-mail us at Sidebar@MSNBC.com

• December 10, 2004 | 7:16 p.m. ET

Peterson jurors take the weekend to think (Jamie Rubin, Abrams Report producer)

The jurors called it a day.  They will resume deliberations on Monday to decide between life in prison or the death penalty for Peterson.  But there's a good chance that even if they do vote for death, it's going to be a long time before Scott Peterson is strapped into to the death chamber — if he ever makes it there at all.

California has the largest number of inmates on death row in the country.  People are waiting to be executed there, 15 women, and 626 men.  Only 10 people sentenced to death in California have actually been executed there since the state reinstated the death penalty in 1978. 

The last execution was held in 2002 and that inmate had been on death row for over 20 years.  Even if jurors decide to give Scott Peterson a death sentence, there is a chance the judge in this case can overrule their verdict when the sentence is finalized in February. 

Even so, it matters whether he gets the death penalty or not; it’s not irrelevant as some suggest.  The decision will inevitably change where he lives and the appellate process.  So this life or death sentence from the jury is not something to be taken lightly.

What are your thoughts on this case as final deliberations in the penalty phase near an end?
E-mail us at Sidebar@msnbc.com .

• December 10, 2004 | 2:26 p.m. ET

Abrams and staff on high alert (Jamie Rubin, Abrams Report producer)

Dan is back in Redwood City, Calif. on high alert as we wait for a verdict in the Scott Peterson sentencing phase.  The decision could come at any moment, even during our show, so you won't want to miss Dan and his crack legal team for expert analysis.  Tune in at 6 p.m. Eastern for the latest on the sentencing phase, the reality of the death penalty in California (more people are on death row there than in any other state, but no one has been executed in nearly three years), what Scott's life will be like in the California prison system, and reaction from Redwood City if Peterson's fate is decided tonight.  And if word of a verdict comes before 6 p.m., Dan will be live on MSNBC with the news.  Don't miss it!

December 9, 2004

All mothers’ pain is not created equal (Dan Abrams) 

On the witness stand, Scott Peterson's mother, Jackie, repeatedly compared her anguish to that of Laci's mother, Sharon.  But the comparison doesn’t quite work.

Yes, both are angry: Sharon’s beautiful daughter was brutally murdered and Jackie’s son has been convicted of that murder.

If Scott Peterson gets the death penalty, both will have lost a cherished child, through no fault of their own. But Jackie suggests both will have also lost a loved in-law as well.

Jackie Peterson testified that she loved Laci as much as Sharon Rocha loved Scott.  That may have been true. In fact, Sharon initially defended Scott.  But while Jackie still loves Laci, Sharon does not share those sentiments about Scott anymore.

Jackie's statement ignores that reality.

Jackie's pain is based in helplessness; Sharon's in sadness and fury. Sharon's rational is supported by love and facts; Jackie's is just based on love alone. 

Jackie has directed her anger towards the media and, ultimately, the jurors. 

Sharon's anger is directed straight at Jackie's son.  Jackie's effort to deflect blame from Scott is ultimately an insult to the Rochas.

If Scott were innocent, it would be fair to talk about everyone's pain.  But when everyone else, the Rochas and the jurors, are convinced otherwise, it just adds insult to injury to lump them together. Talking about all of them as one family is only fair when she speaks for the family.

But no matter what anyone says, I feel for Jackie Peterson— she is a sweet loving mother.  But that should also lead her to better understand that her pain is not Sharon's.  She has not lost her son yet. Even if he gets the death penalty, it would take at least ten years on death row before he is executed. That is not anything for her to celebrate but she and Sharon are just not battling the same demons.

Your rebuttal
The other night, I whined about wine on the show.  The states claim that the 21st Amendment, which ended prohibition, gives them the power to regulate alcohol sales any way they want.

On Monday, the Supreme Court heard arguments that some state laws, namely New York and Michigan, discriminate against consumers and wine makers because those states allow consumers to buy wine directly from wineries in their state, but prohibit them from buying from wineries in another state.

I said this issue revolves around distributors trying to protect their monopoly and it's time for the court to say no to this discrimination.  Ken Starr joined me on the program to discuss the issue.

Law student Aaron Power in Los Angeles, California writes: "The show made me admit, for the first and hopefully the last time, that I actually agreed with Ken Starr on something."

On the Peterson trial— Scott Peterson's family and friends are still on the stand pleading for his life to be spared in the penalty phase of his murder trial.

Greg Allan in Indiana: "The only point this gibberish from the friends of Scott brigade establishes is that he had the ability to charm strangers and acquaintances, which is a trait common to sociopaths."

But Brenda Moore has a different sentiment: "This man and his family are fighting tooth and nail for his life. I don't care if they call 1,000 people.  Let them talk. If you don't like it, bring yourself back from Redwood City."

I have said they should be allowed to do it.  I just don't think it is helping the cause.  But thanks for the tip.

Jury recommends execution for Peterson

Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 07:31 JST
REDWOOD CITY, Calif — A jury decided Monday that Scott Peterson should be executed for murdering his pregnant wife, Laci, whose Christmas Eve disappearance two years ago was the opening act in a legal drama that captivated the nation.

A cheer went up outside the courtroom as the jury announced its decision after 11 1/2 hours of deliberations over three days. The jury had two options in deciding the 32-year-old former fertilizer salesman's fate: life in prison without parole or death by injection.

A crowd of several hundred gathered outside the courthouse to hear the verdict — a scene reminiscent of when about 1,000 people showed up last month for the conviction. The San Francisco Examiner came out with a special edition within minutes of the sentence, with the giant headline "DEATH."

Judge

Alfred A Delucchi will formally sentence Peterson on Feb 25. The judge will have the option of reducing the sentence to life, but such a move is highly unlikely.

If the judge upholds the sentence, Peterson will be sent to death row at San Quentin State Prison outside San Francisco, the infamous lockup where prisoners gaze out small cell windows overlooking the same bay where Laci Peterson's body was discarded.

But Peterson still might not be executed for decades — if ever — and it can take years for even the first phase of the appeals process to begin. Since California brought back capital punishment in 1978, only 10 executions have been carried out; the last execution, in 2002, was for a murder committed in 1980. The state's death row houses about 650 people.

The death sentence came almost two years to the date after the disappearance of Laci Peterson, a 27-year-old substitute teacher who married her college sweetheart and was soon to be the proud mother of a baby boy named Conner. The story set off a tabloid frenzy as suspicion began to swirl around Scott Peterson, who claimed to have been fishing by himself on Christmas Eve and was carrying on an affair with a massage therapist at the time.

The remains of Laci and the fetus washed ashore about four months later, just a few miles from where Peterson said he was fishing in the San Francisco Bay. The case went to trial in June, and the jury of six men and six women convicted Peterson last month of two counts of murder.

The case graced more People magazine covers than any murder investigation in the publication's history. Court TV thrived on the case, providing countless hours of coverage on the investigation and gavel-to-gavel commentary throughout the trial. CNN's Larry King hosted show after show with pundits picking apart legal strategies, testimony and even Scott Peterson's demeanor.

Trial regulars showed up by the hundreds to participate in the daily lottery for the coveted 27 public seats inside the courtroom.

Prosecutors spent months portraying Peterson as a cheating husband and cold-blooded killer who wooed his lover even as police searched for his missing wife. They said he wanted to murder Laci to escape marriage and fatherhood for the pleasures of the freewheeling bachelor life. (Wire reports)

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
December 14, 2004

Redwood City, CA (LifeNews.com) -- In interviews held after announcing that convicted double murderer Scott Peterson should receive the death penalty for the deaths of his wife and unborn child, jurors said they wished the California man would have shown some remorse over their brutal deaths.

Peterson reacted to the jury's announcement with the same tight-jawed look that he has had throughout the trial. His only other reaction was to lean over to speak to one of his attorneys.

The lack of emotion then, and throughout the trial, was a turnoff, jurors said.

"I still would have liked to see, I don't know if remorse is the right word," jury foreman Steve Cardosi said at a news conference following the sentence. "He lost his wife and his child -- it didn't seem to faze him. While that was going on ... he is romancing a girlfriend."

Juror Richelle Nice, the mother of four children, also mentioned Peterson's demeanor.

"No emotion, no anything. That spoke a thousand words," Nice said. "Scott Peterson was Laci's husband, Conner's daddy -- the one person that should have protected them."

"Scott Peterson is a cold blooded killer. He has no remorse," juror Michael Belmessieri told CBS News. He said Peterson had a loving family but he threw it away, "treated it like garbage."

Speaking about the death penalty sentence, Cardosi said, "It just seemed to be the appropriate justice for the crime, given the nature and how personal it really was, against his wife and his child."

When the jury gave her son-in-law the death penalty for killing her daughter and future grandson, Laci Peterson's mother, Sharon Rocha, cried quietly.

Laci Peterson's stepfather, Ron Grantski was the only member of Laci's family to speak to the media after the sentence was pronounced. He said the family has many holidays ahead that will be tough to endure.

"They had no reason to doubt it was Scott who did what he did," he said.

Grantski said Peterson "got what he deserved" for killing his 27-year-old pregnant wife.

"It's still a nightmare. It should never have happened. It's hurt too many people for no reason," Ron Grantski said. "But justice was served."

Members of Scott Peterson's family, many of whom had taken the stand to ask jurors for mercy, did not comment on the sentence.

Meanwhile, in a brief news conference after the sentence, Peterson's lead attorney Mark Geragos said he and his defense team plan to appeal the verdict and sentence.

"Obviously, we plan on pursuing every and all appeals, motions for a new trial and everything else," he said.