Calif. Police Checking Hubby's Story

MODESTO, Calif., Jan. 3, 2003

(CBS) California police have asked the public to help verify the whereabouts of the husband of a pregnant woman who has been missing for more than a week.

Police on Thursday released pictures of a pickup truck, boat and boat trailer they impounded from Laci Peterson's husband and asked the public to tell them if they saw Scott Peterson before Christmas.

A city police sergeant also said that after nine days of searching, the department is growing more pessimistic about finding Peterson alive.

"The chances of finding her are slim," said Sgt. Ron Cloward. "But you still have to hold onto a small percentage of hope."

At a news conference, Police Lt. Doug Ridenour said the department has still neither declared nor ruled out Scott Peterson as a suspect in the Christmas Eve disappearance of his wife, who was eight months pregnant.

Family members bristled at notions he may be a factor in his wife's disappearance.

"We feel Scott has nothing to do with it, with the disappearance of Laci," her mother, Sharon Rocha, told reporters.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/01/10/national/main535962.shtml