Geragos to Challenge Lead Detective's Testimony

As the 17th week of the Scott Peterson murder trial begins, defense attorney Mark Geragos will attempt to undo the damage to his client from the testimony of the prosecution's most effective witness yet, Modesto Detective Craig Grogan.

Grogan spent most of last week on the stand outlining the prosecution's case against Peterson, and setting up the time-line of the prosecution's theory of what happened to Laci Peterson. His testimony ended with the showing of a video of Laci, apparently taken by Scott in the kitchen of their home in July. IN a bikini top with a towel wrapped around her waist, she waved and smiled at the person that the prosecution believe later killed her.

Geragos began his cross-examination of the detective last week, beginning by attacking his testimony regarding concrete residue found in the warehouse where Peterson kept his newly-purchased boat. He produced a receipt showing that Peterson bought fence-post concrete on Nov. 1, 2002 and other documents that indicated he bought a 60-pound bag of concrete and fence posts.

The prosecution claims that Peterson bought the concrete to make anchors to weigh down Laci's body in the San Francisco Bay. Geragos is expected to counter that and other evidence supporting prosecution claims as his cross-examination resumes this week.

See Modesto Bee: Jurors See Tape of Living Victim

Background: The Scott Peterson Trial
See Also: More Headline Cases