Peterson Lawyer Seeks Change of Venue

Scott Peterson’s lawyer filed a motion Monday to move his double-murder trial out of the county, saying that news coverage of the case has unfairly vilified the former fertilizer salesman.

Peterson, 31, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering his wife, Laci Peterson, and unborn son nearly a year ago.

He claims he was fishing in San Francisco Bay on Christmas Eve when his 27-year-old wife vanished from their home.

Defense attorney Mark Geragos said Peterson cannot get a fair trial in Stanislaus County because widespread and negative reports have made it impossible to seat an unbiased jury in the region.