In 2004, a jury found Scott Peterson guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of murdering his wife, Lacey Peterson, and their unborn son, Conner Peterson. This week A&E gives reason(s) to doubt Scott Peterson’s conviction. Be the judge.
Mark Geragos, Scott Peterson’s former lead defense attorney, has long believed in his client’s innocence. in Scott Peterson: The New EvidencePractically shouting it from the rooftops. That’s kind of the thing though.
Geragos, who has done his best to defend controversial celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, Diddy and Jussie Smollett, knows better than most how popular television content can impact legal matters. He recently witnessed just such an effect with another famous (really infamous) client — well, a pair of clients.
Written drama by Ryan Murphy Monsters: The Lyle and Eric Menendez story “The Netflix Effect” is a huge hit in 2024. The “Netflix Effect” practically led to the two brothers convicted of killing their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in 1989, straight out of prison. the Menendez season Monsters It reinforced the brothers’ accusations that Jose had sexually abused his sons for years.
“A documentary or action film can make people take a look at something they thought or concluded before it was set in stone,” Geragos said. Hollywood Reporter. “in MenendezWe have evolved based on our understanding of child sexual abuse. in PetersonI think we’ve evolved, you know, just because someone has an affair doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a murderer.
(Interestingly, the Netflix docuseries American Murder: Lacey Petersonwhich takes the opposite stance on A&E’s anti-programming, dropped out of the top 10 TV shows list just two weeks ago Monsters: The Lyle and Eric Menendez story entered.)
After release Monsters: The Lyle and Eric Menendez storyLos Angeles County District Attorney (at the time) George Gascón said his office received a “flood of calls” about the case. And then review A Habeas corpus order In the petition filed the previous year, Gascón formally recommended that the brothers be re-sentenced. Their sentences were revised from “life without parole” to “50 years to life,” which could allow them to be released on parole.
In fact, Geragos believes that if the Menendez case had been televised, the outcome might have been different. It’s a 180 degree turn from his opinion at the time. At the time, Geragos and the prosecution agreed to keep cameras out of the courtroom.
“My thinking at the time was that it would reduce the interest, and I could have a less disruptive atmosphere,” he said. “He did just the opposite.”
Although Geragos is no longer a member of Peterson’s legal team, he says he “will occasionally file an affidavit or declaration when they need it.” Geragos says he would consider rejoining as a consultant if Peterson asked. The Los Angeles Innocence Project took on Peterson’s defense, which Geragos says is as strong an endorsement as they come.
“New Evidence” presented in Scott Peterson: The New Evidence Very convincing. Instead of reviewing each piece, I asked Geragos to point out a new finding or theory that he thought would give Peterson a new experience. He says the burned-out truck found in the vicinity of the Peterson family’s home in Modesto, California, “obviously” needs more attention. Geragos says the defense team was unaware of the truck’s discovery at the time.
A similar truck was involved in a burglary at a home across the street from Peterson’s home around the same time Lacey was last seen alive. The exact day of the robbery remains disputed. An eyewitness says they saw Lacey in what appeared to be a mid-crime confrontation with two men. Another says they saw a pregnant woman being pushed into a truck not far from the scene.
The burned-out truck was found with a blood-stained mattress inside. To this day, the mattress has not been properly DNA tested, Geragos says. Geragos says in the documentary that he will pay for it personally. I asked him how much money we’re talking about here.
“It’s going to be tens of thousands of dollars,” Geragos said. “And by the way, I would like to add to that – if the prosecution is so sure of this conviction, what are they afraid of? Why don’t they want to arrest me? [on it]Are you making me put my money where my mouth is and put this to bed once and for all? What are you afraid of?”
Geragos says he has a strong theory about what happened to Lacey Peterson, though he declines to share it with producers. I asked him why.
“I’m not going to get in the way of any of this. One day I will,” he said. “I’m not representing him right now. He has good lawyers representing him, and I don’t want to be a distraction to them or anyone. I want them to do what they need to do. The last thing I wanted when I represented someone was to have another lawyer interfering with my strategy. So I’m not going there.”
Scott Peterson: The New Evidence airs on A&E in two parts: Thursday, July 16 at 9pm ET/PT and Friday, July 17 at 8pm ET/PT.
