Journey to Justice

Our parents have been married 40 years today.  We gathered together to honor them and of all the photos we looked through today, we thought we’d share this one.  It was taken at their 25^th anniversary party in 1996.  Looking back at that time, none of us would have ever imagined what our family would face.  Their marriage has truly withstood a testing of their vows; for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health.  We are very blessed to have such a loving and caring example of marriage!

The Peterson Kids

It’s been over nine months since our last update, and while we had hoped Scott’s appeal would have been filed at this point, that is not the case.  The over 30,000 page trial record is still being completed by superior court clerks; every pre-trial hearing through Scott’s sentencing has to be reviewed and all exhibits accounted for.  Once finished, the Stanislaus County Superior Court will send the trial record to the Supreme Court of California as fully certified.  At that point, the Supreme Court will review the record and if no changes are necessary, the court will file the record.  Once the record is filed, our attorneys can file Scott’s brief.  The brief will then be public record and we’ll be able to share it with you.

After Scott’s appellate brief is filed, the State Attorney General’s office will file a response brief.  Then Scott’s attorneys will respond to the response brief.  Scott’s appeal will then wait to be scheduled for oral arguments.  While it’s difficult to exact a timeline, it will most likely be a few more years before the Supreme Court of California (pictured) hears oral arguments on Scott’s appeal.

We sometimes get overwhelmed with the length of the process, especially when every day of it for Scott is spent on death row.  The sting of injustice is a heavy burden, so we are very thankful that you bear it with us!

The Peterson Family

Galatians 6:9

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

With 2011 underway, we are eager for what this New Year brings.  Scott's direct appeal is due to be filed by his attorneys with the State of California.  There's a hearing at the end of February which will hopefully complete, settle and correct the trial record.  This is the final step that must take place before the opening brief of Scott's appeal can be filed. 

This opening brief will outline the reasons Scott's conviction should be overturned based on the legal errors that occurred during the trial.  Once the opening brief is submitted, we then wait for the Office of the Attorney General to submit a responsive brief.  It is a long slow process but we are encouraged that it will finally begin this year.  When the opening brief is filed it will become a public document and we look very forward to sharing it with you.

We thank you again for your continued and unwavering support of Scott and our family.  May you have a blessed year!

The Peterson Family

Dear Friends,

It's been awhile since we posted new content to the website, so be sure to check out the two new Featured Facts we just put up.  One article outlines Scott's contact with Amber Frey and the other is a list of trial quotes.  Thank you for taking the time to read what we have to say!

Sex, Lies and Audiotapes

Trial Quotes

The Peterson Family

Cliff addressing the Supreme Court

Dear Friends, Family & Supporters,

We have some GOOD NEWS we want to share with you. The California Supreme Court has appointed Cliff Gardner as Scott’s appellate attorney. As you may recall, our family retained attorneys Cliff Gardner and Larry Gibbs in March of 2005 to begin work on the habeas (investigation) petition for Scott’s case. All aspects of Scott’s appeal can now move forward.

Along with the appointment, the state will provide some funds to cover investigative costs. As Scott mentioned in his June blog, we need to complete forensic testing that the prosecution ignored, we need to hire experts to review evidence, and we need to hire investigators to speak with key witnesses. These items are vital and necessary to the appeal process. Even with the state’s help, there is approximately $95,000 more needed to cover the expenses of the investigation.

We have been very blessed in that our parents have been able to pay for Scott’s defense and appellate attorneys for the past 6 years. But the reality of today is that they have exhausted their resources.

We want to lift the burden of these investigative costs off their shoulders. This is where we need your help. As the saying goes “Many hands make light work,”. If each of you can make a donation between $5 and $50, we will be well on our way to making up this deficit. With your contribution to the Peterson Family fund, the investigation will be able to move forward uninterrupted, the burden to pay for it will be lifted from our parents, and we will be one step closer to the priceless freedom of our innocent brother.

Without your help, it would take our family years to come up with the funds needed, time we do not have. If you have ever thought about donating in the past and were waiting for a time that your gift would make the biggest impact, then this is that time. Your help today will bring us one step closer to getting Scott granted a new trial and finding justice for Laci and Conner.

Please know that we would not be where we are today without the love and support of each and every one of you, and we thank God everyday for that. Thank you for the sacrifice you are willing to make for our family, we will be sure to keep you updated!

The Peterson Family Children

Click the “Make A Donation” button at the top right
or you can mail a check to:
Peterson Family Fund
PO Box 853
Solana Beach, CA 92075