Judge denies Scott Peterson’s bid to overturn murder conviction
Scott Peterson’s bid to overturn his murder convictions was denied, as a San Mateo County judge rejected his habeas corpus petition.
MODESTO, Calif — A San Mateo County Superior Court judge denied Scott Peterson’s latest bid to challenge his conviction in the murders of his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, Conner, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office announced.
District Attorney Jeff Laugero said the judge denied Peterson’s third petition for writ of habeas corpus in its entirety on April 27, rejecting all 14 claims in a 116-page ruling.
Peterson was convicted in 2004. His third petition, filed in August 2025, included a claim of actual innocence and repeated arguments that courts have rejected since his conviction, according to the district attorney’s office.
Following the denial, officials said Peterson withdrew his third motion for post-conviction discovery before a hearing scheduled for May 6. Laugero said the prosecution team was prepared to challenge both the motion and the constitutionality of the recently amended post-conviction discovery statute if the hearing had gone forward.
“As a prosecutor, conviction integrity is critical to me,” Laugero said, “and the appellate process is crucial to the integrity of the criminal justice system. Here, once again, the process worked. Judge Hill recognized the most recent attempt to undo the jury’s verdict for what it was – nothing more than recycled, repackaged and rebranded arguments. No credible “new evidence” was presented, and I found the real bombshell to be the unsealing of a transcript that contradicted the claims Peterson has made for years attempting to discredit law enforcement, the investigation and the prosecution. Peterson’s 2004 conviction has been upheld through two decades of post-conviction litigation and again with this ruling in 2026. Laci, Conner and their family deserve the finality that justice promised them.”
The district attorney’s office said its latest informal response addressing Peterson’s claims was 903 pages.
“The prosecution team has been exceptional in their professionalism, thoroughness, and integrity throughout this process,” Laugero said. “Their analysis reaffirmed the jury’s verdict was correct, as did Judge Hill’s rulings.”
Officials said one matter is still pending before the California Supreme Court: Peterson’s appeal of a 2025 ruling on his second habeas petition concerning a Juror 7 bias claim. His current defense team has also vowed to challenge the judge’s April 27 ruling, according to the DA’s office.