Prosecutors Rest Case in Scott Peterson Double Murder Trial
Prosecutors in the Scott
Peterson double murder trial wrapped up their case
Tuesday, putting their last two witnesses on the stand.
Late Tuesday morning session prosecutors called their
174th and final witness, Modesto Police Detective Jon
Buehler. He testified this morning that he was the first
to interview Scott Peterson's mistress and that he was
the one who asked to tape her phone calls with Peterson.
He explained that Amber Frey would routinely call him
after each phone conversation she had with Peterson to
update him. He described the calls as taking place at
"all hours of the day." He finished his testimony during
the afternoon session by discussing Peterson's arrest.
Buehler testified that when Peterson was arrested in
April of 2003, he had a backpack and an overnight bag
stuffed with everything from hunting knives and a water
purifier to snorkeling and fishing equipment. The
detective also said that police recovered two driver's
licenses, one belonging to Peterson and the other his
brother's. He also said Peterson was carrying six credit
cards and nearly $15,000 in cash.
Earlier Tuesday morning officer Kris Buelna of the East
Bay Regional Parks police took the stand. She told
jurors she collected plastic debris and other items on
June 21, 2003, near where Laci Peterson's body turned up
in April 2003 along the Richmond shoreline. Buelna's
testimony appears to be an attempt by the prosecution to
deflect Peterson lawyers' suggestions that someone else
could have dumped Laci's remains on shore.
Prosecutors have argued Peterson killed his wife and
their unborn son just before Christmas 2002 and then
dumped her body in San Francisco Bay on Christmas Eve.
He could face the death penalty if convicted.
Peterson's attorney Mark Geragos is expected to begin
presenting his case when court resumes October 12.
Peterson is not expected to take the stand in his
defense.
Story created 10/5/2004 - 12:47 PM Last updated 10/5/2004 - 10:22 PM