Peterson Penalty Phase Starts Tomorrow
Scott Peterson´s life now rests in the hands of the jurors who found him guilty of murdering his pregnant wife.
They are scheduled to begin hearing the emotional testimony tomorrow.
The penalty phase in Peterson´s case comes 10 days after he was found guilty of first-degree murder for killing Laci Peterson and second-degree murder for killing her fetus.
Jurors must choose between a life sentence or execution.
A delay is possible because defense lawyers are seeking to have a new jury seated in another county to decide the sentence.
Peterson´s lawyers claim San Mateo County is too prejudiced against him for this jury to be impartial.
The judge plans to review the motion tomorrow morning.
The penalty phase is like a miniature trial but lacks many of the typical rules of evidence.
It allows jurors to hear pleas for leniency and heartfelt recollections of the victim.
