Jury Agrees on Sentence for Scott Peterson
The jurors deciding whether Scott Peterson should be executed or spend life in prison for killing his pregnant wife reached a verdict in the trial’s sentencing phase Monday, a court official said. The decision came on the third day of deliberations and after the jury requested autopsy photos and other evidence that had been presented during the guilt phase of the trial.
After the jury broke for lunch, a court administrator told The Associated Press to “tell everyone we’re having a verdict at 1:30.” [California time, i.e., 4:30 Eastern. -ed.]
Update: Jury Recommends Execution for Peterson (AP)
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.
The jury returned its verdict on the third day of deliberations and after seven days of tearful testimony in the penalty phase of the trial. The jury had two options in deciding the 32-year-old fertilizer salesman’s fate: life in prison without parole or death by injection.
Hardly a surprise, really. There was not anything that I’m aware of that pointed toward leniency.
