Police in California town of missing woman seek public's help in case

MODESTO, Calif. (AP) _ Police asked the public to help verify the whereabouts of the husband of a pregnant woman who has been missing for more than a week. <br><br>Police on Thursday released pictures

Friday, January 3rd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

MODESTO, Calif. (AP) _ Police 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.