Jon Buehler Defends Scott Peterson Conviction Amid New Evidence Claims

Retired Homicide Detective Jon Buehler, who once worked on the Laci Peterson case, stood by Scott Peterson’s murder conviction during an appearance on Fox & Friends. He challenged the new documentary’s claims, including theories about Laci interrupting a burglary and supposed sightings of her with her dog after Scott left home. Buehler also dismissed recent analyses questioning the site where Laci’s body was allegedly thrown into the water, arguing these defense ideas lack credibility.

Nearly 22 years after Scott Peterson’s conviction for the murder of his pregnant wife, his legal team asserts that “new evidence” may lead to overturning the judgment. The 53-year-old’s attorneys from the Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP) claim to have found evidence they believe could undermine one of the country’s most notorious murder convictions, as detailed in A&E’s new docuseries “Scott Peterson: The New Evidence.”

Ninette Toosbuy, a retired LAPD detective featured in the documentary, explained to Fox News Digital the importance of following protocols in missing persons cases and ensuring all leads are investigated. She stated that Scott Peterson deserves a new trial if he did not receive a fair one, as mandated by the U.S. justice system. However, Laci Peterson’s mother, Sharon Rocha, remains firm in her belief of Peterson’s guilt, dismissing the documentary’s claims of new evidence.

Prosecutors accused Peterson of murdering Laci, who was eight months pregnant, on Christmas Eve 2002 before disposing of her body in San Francisco Bay. Months later, the remains of Laci and their unborn son, Conner, washed ashore. Peterson was found guilty and sentenced to death, though the sentence was later changed to life without parole.

New Documentary Claims

The docuseries features 15 individuals who alleged they saw Laci walking her dog, McKenzie, on the morning of Dec. 24, after Peterson reportedly left for a fishing trip. Toosbuy highlighted investigators’ failure to thoroughly examine these sightings, which could have impacted the case. Modesto police’s focus on Peterson is criticized, and the defense team argues that conflicting witness accounts were largely ignored.

Chris Pixley, an Atlanta defense attorney in the docuseries, noted that the Modesto police disregarded varying statements, and the defense did not call these witnesses to testify. Peterson’s legal team has also brought up a burglary at the Medina residence and a nearby burned-out van on the day of Laci’s disappearance. These elements, they argue, were not adequately investigated.

The Investigation Process

Toosbuy expressed concern over the Modesto Police’s focus on Peterson as a suspect, leading to potentially ignoring significant evidence like the Medina burglary. While two men were convicted for the burglary, they denied any connection to Laci’s disappearance, and prosecutors found no link. The docuseries features LAIP experts using advanced modeling techniques to simulate wind and water currents, questioning the original assumptions of how Laci’s body entered the water.

Peterson’s attorneys argued only a small portion of a mattress from the van was DNA tested. They claim testing was inadequate. DNA from Laci or Conner was not found on the tested fabric, but LAIP continues to push for more comprehensive testing. They turn to the courts for permission to proceed with further investigation.

The docuseries also delves into Peterson’s affair with Amber Frey, a point of scrutiny during the trial. Toosbuy acknowledged Peterson’s errors in judgment but emphasized affairs do not equate to murder. In April, Judge Elizabeth Hill denied Peterson’s petition to overturn the conviction, describing it as a reaffirmation of previous arguments.

Peterson’s attorneys are planning to appeal to a higher California court. Despite ongoing attempts to challenge the conviction, many involved, including Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero, believe closure is deserved for Laci and Conner’s family.

Stephanie Nolasco from Fox News Digital contributed to this report on the ongoing debate and latest developments in the Scott Peterson case.