9 Jul 2003 Evelyn Hernandez

A judge rejected a request from Scott's lawyers to force San Francisco police to open up their files about a pregnant woman, Evelyn Hernandez, whose killing had similarities to that of Laci. 

22 Jul 2003 Closed preliminary request 

Geragos filed the Defense position on cameras in the courtroom for the preliminary hearing, asking for a "closed" hearing. “The evidence, which demonstrates Mr. Peterson’s innocence, also provides evidence of the true killer or killers’ modus operandi and provides clues as to the method of and circumstances surrounding the killings.” 

23 Jul 2003 Amy asked to identify pants Laci was wearing on Dec. 23

After Laci's body was found, MPD obtained a pair of the same style pants she was wearing and also a picture of the pants.  Grogan met with Amy and showed three pictures of pants, including the one Laci was found in.  Amy pointed to two of the pictures and said, definitely not these.  One of the pictures she eliminate was the picture of the pants Laci was found in.  That interview was video-taped and portions of it played at the trial.  Amy said the pants Laci was found in were similar in color to the ones Laci was wearing on the 23rd, but Amy didn't remember the pants Laci wore on the 23rd having cuffs. 

29 Jul 2003 New Life Insurance law

Governor Grey Davis signed legislation, introduced as Assembly Bill 1083, which prohibits an insurer from issuing life insurance with a face value of $50,000 or more unless the spouse has been notified or has signed the application. Previously, California did not demand that a spouse be aware of a policy drawn on his or her life. "This bill would give married couples the assurance that no financial gains are hidden from spouses," Davis said.

29 Jul 2003 Modesto Bee online survey

Fifty-three percent of those responding to an unscientific survey at The Bee's Web site admitted having made up their minds about whether Scott is guilty of killing Laci and Conner. Of those, 96 percent said he is probably guilty or definitely guilty. The prejudgment rates don't vary much among different regions of the United States, noted a professor who wrote the survey. 

30 Jul 2003 Search warrants stay sealed

A three-judge panel of the 5th District Court of Appeal in Fresno ruled to keep the search warrants sealed, reversing Judge Beauchesne's ruling to unseal them. The 10-page ruling cited concern over a media frenzy, the right to a fair trial for both sides, and that disclosing the documents "might compromise the investigation and the search for the perpetrator."

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