Calif. judge seals anonymous letter claiming to know who killed Laci Peterson

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (AP) _ Defense attorneys in Scott Peterson's murder trial will investigate claims made in an anonymous letter saying that someone else may have killed Peterson's pregnant wife.

Friday, April 23rd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (AP) _ Defense attorneys in Scott Peterson's murder trial will investigate claims made in an anonymous letter saying that someone else may have killed Peterson's pregnant wife.

Judge Alfred A. Delucchi sealed the letter Thursday.

``We received a letter from an anonymous citizen indicating who they feel is responsible for the killing in this case,'' Delucchi said during a break in jury selection.

Defense attorney Mark Geragos said his office would investigate the claims. Citing a gag order in the case, he refused further comment.

Since authorities arrested Peterson a year ago for the December 2002 slaying of Laci Peterson and her unborn child, defense lawyers have offered their own theories of what happened _ including that members of a satanic cult abducted her.

It was not the first time the case touched on what defense lawyers assert could be an exculpatory lead.

Prosecutors last week said they'd conduct DNA tests on blood found inside a van that witnesses reportedly saw in the neighborhood around the time Laci Peterson vanished. Prosecutors said they remain convinced the vehicle was not involved, but are conducting the tests in anticipation of the defense's strategy. Geragos has hinted the van and its occupants may have been linked to Laci Peterson's disappearance.

Jury selection is set to continue Monday. Opening statements are scheduled for May 17.

Scott Peterson could face the death penalty or life without parole if he is convicted on the two murder charges.