Possible Burglary Link to Missing Modesto Woman

Investigators said they were hopeful in the search for a missing Modesto woman, but there was still no sign of Laci Peterson Monday.

"We are continually keeping everything open, every possibility," said Detective Doug Ridenour. "We'd like to see her home. But at this point it's been difficult. It's been frustrating."

Police are examining a possible connection between Peterson's disappearance and a burglary across the street from her home. Susan Medina was burglarized sometime between Christmas Eve morning and late on December 26, and she thinks that maybe Peterson saw something that put her in danger.

"It's just too much of a coincidence," said Medina.

Some of the items taken from the Medina home included a safe containing $50,000 in jewelry.

Police were also looking at surveillance videotape from a sporting goods store on the north end of Modesto. There were reports that Peterson may have been seen there on Christmas Eve. But investigators said that was still unconfirmed.

In addition, investigators returned to the Berkeley Marina for the third time Monday. Scott Peterson, the missing woman's husband, said he went fishing on his boat out of Berkeley on the morning that Laci was last seen. Police have found a boat launch slip and a gasoline receipt, and Peterson has not been named as suspect in his wife's disappearance.

Laci Peterson was last seen six days ago. She is eight months pregnant.

» 12-30-2002      

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