Laci Peterson Case Information: Who
The Law
THE MODESTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Lt. Bruce Able (Bruce Alan Able) 50, Modesto Police Department Bicycle
Patrol Officers investigator; led initial searches for Laci Peterson around
Scott and Laci Peterson's home; resident of Modesto
Lt. Joe Aja (Joseph W. Aja) 48, Southeast Area Commander of the Modesto
Police Department; present at autopsy of Laci Peterson;
on June 28, 2004, called out by Al Delucchi in response to Sgt. Ed Steele's
violation of the gag order in Scott Peterson's trial; resident of Modesto
Rick Applegate Modesto Police Department officer; testified on
February 26, 2004; cited in a January 3, 2004, Associated Press report announcing
that five people would split the $50,000 reward money for the recovery of Laci
and Conner Peterson's remains; in a March 13, 2005, Modesto Bee article
concerning how Catherine Crier got her information for A
Deadly Game: The Untold Story of the Scott Peterson Investigation,
stated that the Modesto Police Department "did not release any copies of
those reports"; investigated and reported on the finding of a knife at
523 Covena Avenue in July 2005
Sgt. Rick Armendariz (Ricardo P. Armendariz) 32, Modesto Police Department
investigator for nine years at the time of Scott Peterson's trial; former detective;
participated in searches of San Francisco Bay; testified at Scott Peterson's
trial on July 7 and 12, 2004; erroneously referred to as "Rick Armedariz"
in A Deadly Game: The Untold Story of the Scott Peterson
Investigation; resident of Modesto
Det. Sebron Banks Modesto Police Department investigator
assigned to the Property Crimes Unit; present at search of Tradecorp Warehouse
on December 27, 2002; interviewed Peggy O'Donnell on December 30, 2002;
according to some sources, listed as a defense witness for Scott Peterson, but
not called
Eric Beffa Modesto Police
Department officer; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 7, 2004,
concerning investigation of tip that Laci Peterson was being held in Tracy
Det. Ray Bennett Modesto Police Department investigator;
scheduled to testify November 5, 2003, and November 13, 2003, at Scott
Peterson's preliminary hearing, but never called by prosecutors
Alexander Bettis Modesto Police Department officer; working with the Modesto
Narcotics Enforcement Team when assigned to surveil Scott Peterson beginning
January 3, 2003; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 1, 2004
Det. Tom Blake Modesto Police Department detective; wrote report about Scott
Peterson's purchase of boat from Bruce Peterson
Randy Bolinger (Randy Wayne Bolinger) 34, Modesto Police Department officer;
performed video surveillance of Scott and Laci Peterson's home; testified at
Scott Peterson's trial on September 1, 2004; resident of Turlock
Det. Al Brocchini (Allen R. Brocchini) 44, Modesto Police Department
investigator; came to the Modesto Police Department in August 1993 after 8 years
with the Alameda County Sheriff's Department; assigned to the Crimes Against
Persons unit since November 2000; first detective on the scene after Laci Peterson's
reported disappearance; praised by Sharon Rocha and Ron Grantski as a selfless
detective who drove 2 hours from the Sierra Nevada foothills on Christmas Eve
to investigate the disappearance of Laci Peterson; characterized Laci Peterson's
disappearance as "out of character" for her; left his
own keys on the wheel well of Scott Peterson's truck and left his case notebook
in Scott Peterson's fishing boat; spoke with Amber Frey concerning the investigation
of Scott Peterson; on December 30, 2002, went with Det. Jon Buehler and
Amber Frey to Radio Shack to purchase recording equipment for her to tape conversations
she had with Scott Peterson; testified at preliminary hearing beginning on November
6, 2003; stated that he wrote the bulk of an estimated 800+ police reports he
brought in binders to Scott Peterson's preliminary hearing; stated that he was
dedicated to one purpose: "I'm going to get who got Laci," and therefore
"came to work on Christmas Eve and pretty much didn't go home for four
and a half months"; was in La Jolla on April 18, 2003, for the arrest of
Scott Peterson; according to a March 25, 2004, Modesto Bee article, "at
the center of a defense effort to discredit the police investigation as sloppy
and myopic" and widely presumed to be one of the two investigators whom
Mark Geragos accused of "getting up on that stand and just lying through
their teeth" during the preliminary hearing;
incorrectly listed as "Albro Keeney" on CNN transcript of Connie Chung interview
with Modesto Police Department representatives; incorrectly
listed in court documents as "Alan Brocchini"; testified at Scott
Peterson's trial June 22–29, 2004; had last name consistently mispronounced
as "Bro-SHEE-nee" by Mark Geragos; resident of Manteca
Lt. Joel Broumas Modesto Police Department officer; assigned to the Equestrian
Unit; called Sgt. Ron Cloward to task him with the job of being search incident
commander immediately after Laci Peterson was reported missing; the "Sgt.
Broumas" mentioned in a January 6, 2003, letter from Bob Ford to
Sgt. Ron Cloward; was provided a copy of letter sent by Bob Ford to Duane Frederick,
responding to a complaint made by Laci Peterson about "undesirable activity"
at the Covena Avenue trail entrance to Thousand Oaks Park
Det. Jon Buehler (Jon H. Buehler) 46, Modesto Police Department Homicide
Unit investigator; commented that psychics are used only when other leads have
been exhausted; according to National Enquirer, personally drove Amber
Frey and her daughter to the airport in San Jose for a vacation in Vero Beach,
Florida, in March 2003; on December 30, 2002, went with Det. Al Brocchini and
Amber Frey to Radio Shack to purchase recording equipment for her to tape conversations
she had with Scott Peterson; was in La Jolla on April 18, 2003, for the arrest
of Scott Peterson; testified for the prosecution at Scott Peterson's trial October
5, 2004; testified for the defense at Scott Peterson's trial on October 25,
2004; resident of Modesto
Sgt. Al Carter (Allen W. Carter) 45, Head of the Modesto Police Department
Missing Person's Unit; stated that Scott Peterson asked investigators for a
warrant to search his home; present at autopsy of Laci
Peterson; was in La Jolla on April 18, 2003, for the arrest of
Scott Peterson; according to some sources, listed as a defense witness for Scott
Peterson, but not called; resident of Modesto
Kim Castro Modesto Police Department officer; provided security at Scott
and Laci Peterson's home at the evening break during the December 26–27,
2002, search; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on July 13, 2004; stated that
he saw only a couple of reporters on the morning of December 27, 2002—contrary
to Mark Geragos' assertion that Scott Peterson was being mobbed by the media
at the time
Sgt. Ron Cloward (Ronald Derik Cloward) 48, Modesto Police Department Narcotics
Enforcement Team member, assigned to the supervisor of the Street Narcotics
Unit; supervisor of the Tactical Patrol Unit at the time
of Laci Peterson's disappearance; according to his trial testimony, a
19-year veteran of the force; headed search efforts for Laci Peterson; said
on January 2, 2003: "Each day we become a little more pessimistic";
commented on the finding of a tarp in the San Francisco Bay on January 4, 2003:
"It was nothing significant—it was just a tarp"; said on March
12, 2003: "We still hold the hope of locating her alive"; investigated
the burglary of Rudy and Susan Medina's home; testified at Scott Peterson's
trial on June 16, 2004, saying he had worked for the Modesto Police Department
for nearly 19 years; resident of Modesto
David Corder Modesto Police Department officer; involved in early searches
for Laci Peterson in East La Loma Park and the La Loma neighborhood; testified
at Scott Peterson's trial on June 10, 2004; stated a trial that he was a 10-year
veteran of the Modesto Police Department, assigned to Investigative Services
Division
Det. Ray Coyle (Raymond Coyle) Modesto Police Department
investigator; searched Scott and Laci Peterson's home December 26–27, 2002;
present at search of Tradecorp Warehouse on December 27, 2002; interviewed "The
Atwater Woman" on February 18, 2004; testified for the prosecution at Scott
Peterson's trial on July 12, 19 and 20, 2004; according to some sources, listed
as a defense witness for Scott Peterson, but not called; resident
of Modesto
Denise Ducot (Denise Kristine Ducot) 49, Modesto Police Department
identification technician; videotaped and photographed during the search of
the Tradecorp Warehouse on December 27, 2002; removed items from Scott and Laci
Peterson's home in February 18–19, 2003, search; present at December
26–27, 2002 search of Scott and Laci Peterson's home; testified
at Scott Peterson's trial on July 19, 2004; incorrectly referred to as "Denise
Docot" by the Modesto Bee
Sgt. Byron Duerfeldt (Byron K. Duerfeldt) 49, 25-year veteran of the Modesto
Police Department; one of the first officers on the scene after Laci Peterson
was reported missing on December 24, 2002; went to East La Loma Park after receiving
a call around 6:00 p.m. on December 24, 2002; called for a helicopter to begin
searching for Laci Peterson; stated on December 24, 2002, that he believed a
detective should be brought to Scott and Laci Peterson's home; testified at
Scott Peterson's trial on June 10, 2004; resident of Modesto; related web site
with photograph: http://www.timex61.com/transcripts/magicgallery/duerfeldt.htm
Det. James Eichbaum (James Richard Eichbaum) Modesto
Police Department investigator; searched Scott and Laci Peterson's home February
18–19, 2003; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on July 21, 2004
Det. Jon Evers Modesto Police Department investigator; one of the first
officers on the scene after Laci Peterson was reported missing on December 24,
2002; at the time of Laci Peterson's disappearance working a patrol assignment
from 4:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.; met Scott Peterson in East La Loma Park and later
formally interviewed him at Scott and Laci Peterson's home; testified at preliminary
hearing on October 31, 2003; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on June 15,
2004; alternately referred to as "John Evers"; resident of Modesto;
related web site with photograph: http://www.timex61.com/transcripts/magicgallery/evers.htm
Lt. Janelle Flint On June 22, 2004, investigated a report that a dark-haired
woman's body, wearing a torn white shirt, was seen floating in Dry Creek in
Kewin Park—a body that, according to investigators, they determined was
that of a large—and very much alive—beaver; when speaking to reporters
after the June 22, 2004, investigation, noted the obvious reason reporters were
there: "It's a fairly close distance to the Peterson home"
Sgt. Chris Fuzie (Christopher M. Fuzie) 42, Modesto Police Department School
Services Division investigator; resident of Modesto
Det. Craig Grogan (Craig Lee Grogan) 37, Modesto Police Department lead
investigator; commented on second search of Scott and Laci Peterson's home;
announced case was being treated as a homicide; on January
15, 2003, met with Lee Peterson to break the news of Scott Peterson's affair
with Amber Frey; was in La Jolla on April 18, 2003, for the arrest of
Scott Peterson; met with Cory Carroll
to discuss his allegations against Scott Peterson; testified for
the prosecution at Scott Peterson's trial September 20–30, 2004;
testified for the defense at Scott Peterson's trial on October 25, 2004; resident
of Jamestown
Billy Hamilton (William R. Hamilton) 44, Modesto Police Department
officer; responded to Scott Peterson's complaints about media trespassing and
harassment; resident of Modesto
Mike Harden Modesto Police Department assistant chief; in a June 13, 2004,
Modesto Bee article, stated that Det. Al Brocchini was doing "an
excellent job"; on March 30, 2005, responding to
reports that the cost to investigate and convict Scott Peterson had topped $3
million, stated, "You can't put a dollar [amount] on justice"
Det. David Hawn (David Lee Hawn) Modesto Police Department investigator,
searched Scott and Laci Peterson's home February 18–19,
2003; found a pea-sized chunk of concrete in Scott and Laci Peterson's dining
room; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on July 21, 2004
Sgt. Tim Helton (Timothy V. Helton) 42, Modesto Police Department investigator;
supervisor of equestrian unit; assigned to Stanislaus Drug Enforcement Agency;
assigned to Tactical Patrol Unit at the time of Laci Peterson's disapperance;
investigated the burglary of Rudy and Susan Medina's home; testified at Scott
Peterson's trial on June 16–17, 2004; resident of Hughson; related web
site with photograph: http://www.timex61.com/transcripts/magicgallery/helton.htm
Det. Dodge Hendee (Henry Dodge Hendee) 46,
Modesto Police Department investigator; member of the Modesto Police Department
since October 1987; detective since December 1993; search warrant team leader
(scene manager) during search of Tradecorp Warehouse on December 27, 2002; reviewed
hair evidence with Det. Al Brocchini on February 12, 2003; present at 24 San
Francisco Bay searches, 22 of which were conducted after Laci Peterson's body
was recovered; testified at preliminary hearing on November 17, 2003; widely
presumed to be one of the two investigators whom Mark Geragos accused of "getting
up on that stand and just lying through their teeth" during the preliminary
hearing; testified at Scott Peterson's trial July 13–19, 2004; resident
of Modesto
Det. Mike Hermosa (Michael David Hermosa) 46, Modesto Police Department
detective; present at search of Tradecorp Warehouse on
December 27, 2002; worked traffic control at Laci Peterson's public memorial
service on May 4, 2003; investigated Sarah Taberna; testified
at Scott Peterson's trial July 21, 2004, saying that the break-in at mailboxes
near Tradecorp was not uncommon: "Those industrial areas—there's
nobody around on weekends, and the mail thieves just have a field day";
resident of Modesto
Mike Hicks (Michael Hicks) Modesto Police Department
officer; at the request of Sgt. Ron Cloward, took McKenzie for a walk in East
La Loma Park to observe his behavior; testified for the defense at Scott Peterson's
trial October 25–26, 2004
John Hodson Modesto Police Department investigator; searched the East La
Loma Park for Laci Peterson on December 25, 2002; testified at Scott Peterson's
trial on June 10, 2004
Det. Dennis Holmes Modesto Police Department investigator; on January 11,
2003, told reporters that searches of San Francisco Bay would probably be discontinued:
"I don't think we're going back unless we get some information that something
develops there"; on December 30, 2002, interviewed Peggy O'Donnell about
Laci Peterson concerning her use of a restroom in a warehouse neighboring the
Tradecorp Warehouse
Veronica Holmes 45, Modesto Police Department Community Service Officer
(CSO); present at search of Tradecorp Warehouse on December 27, 2002; testified
at Scott Peterson's trial on July 21, 2004, recalling how an interview with
Scott Peterson was flubbed because of a dead battery in a hidden tape recorder;
resident of Modesto
Det. Rick House (Richard House) Modesto Police Department detective; prepared
a report in which he referenced the hair found in the pliers discovered on Scott
Peterson's boat; made diagrams of Tradecorp Warehouse; interviewed Kristen Dempewolf
on January 13, 2003; testified at Scott Peterson's trial July 20–21, 2004;
resident of Modesto
Lt. Dan Inderbitzen (Daniel T. Inderbitzen) 46, head of the Modesto Police
Department Traffic Unit; spoke at October 10, 2003, unveiling of plan to deal
with the media during the preliminary hearing; responding to public criticism
of the plan to curtail traffic and eliminate parking to accommodate the media,
stated in an October 20, 2003, article in the Modesto Bee that the Modesto
Police Department was powerless against the onslaught: "They want to be
in front of the courthouse, they'll be there regardless of what we want—we
can ticket trucks, but they think nothing of a $20 fine"; one day later,
was pressured by Carmen Sabatino and members of the Modesto City Council to
unveil a new plan that moved media trucks to a vacant lot; resident of Modesto
Paul Kirchoff Modesto Police Department officer; the "Officer
Kirchoff" mentioned in a January 6, 2003, letter from Bob Ford to Sgt.
Ron Cloward; was provided a copy of letter sent by Bob Ford to Duane Frederick,
responding to a complaint made by Laci Peterson about "undesirable activity"
at the Covena Avenue trail entrance to Thousand Oaks Park
Mark Larry Modesto Police Department officer; met with Det. Phil Owen, Sgt.
Ron Cloward and Greg Lattice on January 20, 2003, at Richmond Harbor Master
Pier during searches of the San Francisco Bay
Greg Lattice Modesto Police Department officer; met with Det. Phil Owen,
Sgt. Ron Cloward and Mark Larry on January 20, 2003, at Richmond Harbor Master
Pier during searches of the San Francisco Bay
Matt Lengel (Matthew T. Lengel) 30, Modesto
Police Department officer; worked the police tips line; was quoted in the Modesto
Bee on January 5, 2003, as saying that, of the 1,400 tips received, at least
100 have been from people holding themselves out as psychics; resident of Modesto
Derrick Letsinger (Derrick A. Letsinger) 32, Modesto Police Department
officer; stated at trial that he had been with the Modesto Police Department
for 6 years; one of the first officers on the scene after Laci Peterson was
reported missing on December 24, 2002; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on
June 14, 2004; on February 26, 2005, called to the former residence of Scott
and Laci Peterson after Sharon Rocha angrily confronts Jackie and John Peterson,
who are moving furniture and other belongings from the residence; alternately
referred to as "Derek Letsinger"; resident of Salida; related web
site with photograph: http://www.timex61.com/transcripts/magicgallery/letsinger.htm
Dale Lingerfelt Modesto Police Department officer; working with the Modesto
Narcotics Enforcement Team when assigned to surveil Scott Peterson beginning
January 3, 2003; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 1, 2004
Jared Lewis Modesto Police Department officer; told Catherine Crier that
the La Loma neighborhood had a high crime rate because it was close to the airport
and a large park, making it a "hub" for transient methamphetamine
users
John Locke Modesto Police Department
officer; investigated tip that Laci Peterson was being
held in Tracy; mentioned by Eric Beffa during
his testimony at Scott Peterson's trial on September 7, 2004
Doug Lovell Modesto Police Department Community Service Officer (CSO) and
identification technician; took evidence photographs of Scott and Laci Peterson's
home on December 24, 2002; used a special vacuum to collect cement residue from
the bottom of Scott Peterson's boat; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on
July 12–13, 2004; resident of Modesto
Adam McGill Modesto
Police Department officer; searched Scott and Laci Peterson's home December
26–27, 2002; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on July 12, 2004; narrated
a video that was taken of the exterior of Scott and Laci Peterson's home; stated
that Scott Peterson's boat cover reeked of gasoline during the first search
of his home
Det. Phil Owen (Philip L. Owen) 46, Modesto
Police Department investigator; on January 15, 2003, met with Lee Peterson to
break the news of Scott Peterson's affair with Amber Frey; tracked down Laci
Peterson's pap smear from Unilabs; flew to Richmond to observe the recovery
of Laci Peterson's body; met with prosecutors from the district attorney's office
in the chamber of Judge Wray Ladine; observed the autopsies of Laci and Conner
Peterson; spoke with Amber Frey and Ann Hardinger concerning the investigation
of Scott Peterson; testified November 13, 2003, at Scott Peterson's preliminary
hearing; resident of Modesto
G.E. Paglione (Gordon E. Paglione) 49, Modesto
Police Department officer; responded to Scott Peterson's complaints about media
trespassing and harassment; resident of Manteca
David Ramirez Modesto Police Department officer; on December 30, 2002, went
to Woodward Reservoir to interview Mary Ann Renfrow and members of her family,
following up on a lead given by sexual assault counselor Jill Smith based on
a conversation with a rape victim who reported that her attackers made promises
of a death on Christmas Day, 2002
Tom Rhea Modesto Police Department officer; on December 26, 2002, told by
Det. Craig Grogan to identify any transients with violent backgrounds in the
La Loma neighborhood
Doug Ridenour (Douglas Michael Ridenour Jr.) 30, Modesto Police Department
officer; supplied 35mm camera to Det. Al Brocchini to take photographs of Scott
Peterson's boat at the Tradecorp Warehouse on December 24, 2002; resident of
Modesto
Det. Doug Ridenour (Douglas Michael Ridenour Sr.) 52, Modesto Police
Department detective and media relations coordinator; frequent spokesperson
for department; member of board of directors of Carole Sund/Carrington Memorial
Reward Foundation; called Laci Peterson's disappearance "a frustrating case";
resident of Modesto
Linda Rodriguez Modesto Police Department permit coordinator; outlined
plan to deal with the media onslaught during Scott Peterson's preliminary hearing
Det. Darren Ruskamp (Darren Jude Ruskamp) 36, Modesto Police Department
investigator; took measurements of Scott and Laci Peterson's home; found a fishing
license during a search on December 27, 2002; testified at Scott Peterson's
trial on July 20, 2004; resident of Ceres
Capt. Greg Savelli (Gregory John Savelli) 44, Modesto Police
Department Investigative Services Division investigator; stated police were
listening to experts in the media and calling on other agencies as needed, but
were doing an "outstanding job"; later said detectives' conclusions would be
"relatively accurate"; commented on Rocha family members taking items
from Scott and Laci Peterson's home on May 30, 2003; former resident of Cathedral
City, hired and promoted to captain by Modesto Police Department in 2002
Sgt. Andy Schlenker Modesto Police Department
investigator; interviewed Mike Ilvesta
Det. Wayne Schmierer (Wayne E. Schmierer) 56, Modesto Police Department
investigator; interviewed Kristen Dempewolf on January 9, 2003; resident
of Modesto
Det. Rudy Skultety (Rudy F. Skultety) 48, Modesto Police Department
detective; scene manager at search of Scott and Laci Peterson's home December
26–27, 2002; responsible for providing all evidence photographs
to the district attorney's office; cited by Mark Geragos during the preliminary
hearing on November 12, 2003, as someone who provided a supplemental report
on the surveillance of Scott Peterson; testified at Scott Peterson's trial July
12 and September 13, 2004; resident of Modesto
Gail Smith 42, Modesto Police Department spokesperson; resident of Modesto
Joyce Smith Modesto Police Department Community Service Officer (CSO);
videotaped search of Tradecorp Warehouse on December 27, 2002
Matt Spurlock (Matthew Spurlock) Modesto Police Department officer;
one of the first officers on the scene after Laci Peterson was reported missing
on December 24, 2002; according to preliminary hearing testimony, asked Scott
Peterson what he was fishing for on December 24, 2002—a question for which
he had no answer; noted that on December 24, 2002, the telephone book at Scott
and Laci Peterson's home had its pages turned to an ad for a criminal defense
attorney; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on June 14, 2004; related web
site with photograph: http://www.timex61.com/transcripts/magicgallery/spurlock.htm
Sgt. Ed Steele (Edward P. Steele) 41, Modesto Police Department Animal Control
Officers investigator; commented on January 2, 2003, concerning credibility
of tips: "They're not the type of things that are going to break the case
open"; stated on June 30, 2003, that the city's general
fund will receive the revenue generated by passes required as of that date to
park on 11th Street across from the Stanislaus County courthouse; in
a June 25, 2004, AP report, called the revelation that Det. Al Brocchini had
excised from a police report the account of a witness nothing more than "Geragos'
spin" and added that he hoped the prosecution would clear up the matter
on redirect examination; later admonished for violating the gag order in the
Scott Peterson case; resident of Modesto
Kirk Stockham (Kirk Wesley Stockham) 50, Former computer
forensic investigator with the Modesto Police Department who retired in May
2003; analyzed computers seized from Scott and Laci Peterson's home; present
at search of Tradecorp Warehouse on December 27, 2002; testified November
17, 2003, at Scott Peterson's preliminary hearing; testified at Scott Peterson's
trial August 2–3, 2004; on June 14, 2005, honored with the Timothy
Fidel Memorial Award for use of computer forensics on the Scott Peterson case;
resident of Modesto
Det. George Stough (George Elton Stough) 44, Modesto Police Department
investigator; worked the case of the Rudy and Susan Medina home burglary; interviewed
Diane Jackson by phone; stated witnesses reported that they saw three suspicious-looking
people in front of Scott and Laci Peterson's home at about 11:40 a.m. on December
24, 2002; offered burglary suspects a "deal" if they could provide
information about Laci Peterson's disappearance; later commented on arrest and
cooperation of Glen Pearce and Steven Todd; according to some sources, listed
as a defense witness for Scott Peterson, but not called; resident of Modesto
Oscar Suazo Parole officer with the Modesto Police Department; sent message
to Sgt. Ron Cloward concerning information about the burglary of Rudy and Susan
Medina's home
Roy Wasden (Roy W. Wasden) 48, Modesto Police Department chief; gave interviews,
concerning the Laci Peterson case, on Good Morning America, Today, and
The Early Show; according to some sources, listed as a defense witness
for Scott Peterson, but not called; openly questioned how Catherine Crier received
information for A Deadly Game: The Untold Story of
the Scott Peterson Investigation; resident of Modesto
Mark Weiglein (Mark A. Weiglein) 35, Modesto Police Department officer;
working with the Modesto Narcotics Enforcement Team when assigned to surveil
Scott Peterson beginning January 3, 2003; cited by Mark Geragos during the preliminary
hearing on November 12, 2003, as someone who provided a supplemental report
on the surveillance of Scott Peterson; testified at Scott Peterson's trial September
1–2, 2004; resident of Modesto
Sgt. Craig Wend Modesto Police Department investigator; worked the case
of the Rudy and Susan Medina home burglary; took the initial report from the
Medinas and found valuables had been taken from their bedroom; testified at
Scott Peterson's trial on June 10, 2004
Dave Young Modesto Police Department assistant chief; notified Roy Wasden
when the body of Laci Peterson was discovered
Sgt. Michael Zahr (Michael J. Zahr) 44, Modesto Police Department Investigations
Division investigator; supervisor of detectives and investigation supervisor;
commented in January 2003 about break-in at Scott and Laci Peterson's home;
according to Det. Al Brocchini, involved in the decision to put in a surveillance
camera aimed at Scott and Laci Peterson's home; resident of Modesto
THE STANISLAUS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Mark Cardoza (Mark A. Cardoza) 36, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department
deputy; 7-year veteran of the Stanislaus County Sheriff's
Department Underwater Search and Rescue Team; suffered a ruptured left
eardrum at a depth of about 100 feet in Laci Peterson search efforts at Tulloch
Lake, and was subsequently taken to Memorial Medical Center, where he was treated
and released; quoted in the Modesto Bee as saying that divers were inspecting
an area of the San Joaquin River about one-half mile north of the Old Fishermen's
Club on Highway 132 because a specially trained bloodhound had made a beeline
down Maze Boulevard (Highway 132): "We are looking at all the areas where
people could pull off the side of the road and not be seen"; resident of
Waterford
David Frost Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department deputy; in a June
15, 2003, article in the Modesto Bee, shown in photograph walking through
a maximum security area at the Stanislaus County Jail
Lt. Marvin Harper Head range master; concerning Lee Peterson keeping
a shotgun by his bedside, stated in July 11, 2003, article in the Modesto
Bee that many shotgun owners keep their firearms in protective cases, which
are not required by law
Jill Henry Agent with the Stanislaus Drug Enforcement
Agency; involved in the surveillance of Scott Peterson in January 2003; testified
at Scott Peterson's trial on September 2, 2004, concerning his January 11, 2003,
travels
Sgt. Bill Heyne (William Keith Heyne) 40, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department
investigator; stated in January 2003 that homicide victims are usually soon
found: "If we don't find a body, it usually means someone has gone to some
lengths to conceal it for some reason"; resident of Modesto
Steve Hoek (Steven D. Hoek) 52, Agent with the Stanislaus Drug Enforcement
Agency; monitored calls by Scott Peterson, including 41 seconds of a call with
Kirk McAllister; met with Al Delucchi on February 23, 2004, to discuss wiretaps;
resident of Modesto
Kelly Huston (Kelly B. Huston) 32, Stanislaus County Sheriff's
Department manager of media relations; made statement concerning vandalism of
warehouse that Scott Peterson used for work with Tradecorp; commented on the
use of psychics in the case, stating, "Psychics essentially have about
a 50 percent chance of being right...a good detective can often come up with
the same accuracy of a psychic"; decided which media representatives would
be allowed in the courtroom for Scott Peterson's arraignment;
stated that media preparations for Scott Peterson's preliminary hearing were
akin to a "mini Super Bowl"; resident of Modesto
Rob Jackson (Rob A. Jackson) 35, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department
diver; participated in searches of San Joaquin River in December 2002; resident
of Ceres
Patrick Kelly 45, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department diver; commented
on lack of findings during Laci Peterson search efforts at Tulloch Lake; stated
he did not know what pointed investigators in the direction of Tulloch Lake;
resident of Modesto
Joe Knittel (Joseph Gerard Knittel) 35, Stanislaus County Sheriff's
Department diver; commented on clarity of water during Laci Peterson search
efforts at Tulloch Lake January 5–7, 2003: "The
visibility was pretty good...there didn't appear to be anything that could possibly
be a body"; resident of Modesto
Debra Lamela (Debra Jane Lamela) Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department
clerk; gave controlled booking photos to Scott Bernstein, mistaking him for
a federal law enforcement officer: "I thought he was an FBI agent";
on April 29, 2005, testified against Bernstein at his preliminary hearing on
felony charges, saying she complied with Bernstein's request after being told
to by her supervisor
Myron Larson (Myron C. Larson) 52, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department
assistant sheriff in charge of adult detention facilities; spokesperson at April
18, 2003, news conference; resident of Turlock
Tom Letras (Thomas J. Letras) 30, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department
deputy and spokesperson; made statement on injury of Mark Cardoza; made statement
in reply to Lee Peterson's claim that his son could not breathe in jail: "It's
the same as any other building down here: It gets kind of warm in the summer
and kind of cold in the winter, but you can breathe fine"; stated in June
2003 that Scott Peterson got more mail than most inmates, but refused to comment
on the senders; stated on October 24, 2003, that Scott Peterson's 31st birthday
would be like "just another day" in the cell: "They don't have
cake and ice cream...there are no special visits"; stated in January 2004
that the transfer of Scott Peterson to San Mateo County would be a "very
hush-hush" affair: "We probably won't let anybody know about his transportation
until he's already there"; resident of Modesto
Steve Macedo (Steven D. Macedo) 35, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department
diver; participated in searches of San Joaquin River in December 2002; resident
of Modesto
Chris Perry (Christopher
Perry) Agent with the Stanislaus Drug Enforcement
Agency; involved in the surveillance of Scott Peterson in January 2003; testified
at Scott Peterson's trial on September 2, 2004, concerning his trips to the
Berkeley Marina
Bill Pooley (William J. Pooley) 34, Officer cited by Mark Geragos during
the preliminary hearing on November 12, 2003, as someone who had surveillance
videotapes of Scott Peterson placed on his desk by an unknown source; gave surveillance
tapes to Craig Grogan (according to some early accounts, to Steve Jacobson);
present on January 15, 2003, when Jesse Tovar, intercepted call to Scott Peterson
from Kirk McAllister; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 2, 2004;
resident of Oakdale
Lt. Janet Rasmussen Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department officer and men's
jail commander at Stanislaus County Jail; featured in November 16, 2003, Modesto
Bee article about the Stanislaus County Jail
Lt. Jim Silva Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department commander of the Investigations
Bureau and supervisor of search and rescue operations; stated on January 2,
2003, that the Laci Peterson case had resulted in $20,000 in overtime costs
for the department; stated on January 7, 2003, that the Laci Peterson case had
resulted in $35,000 in overtime costs for the department, but that "you
just can't budget for something like this"
Richard Smith Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department deputy; featured in
November 16, 2003, Modesto Bee article about the Stanislaus County Jail
Jesse Tovar (Jesse A. Tovar) 36, Agent with Stanislaus Drug Enforcement
Agency; monitored calls by Scott Peterson; met with Al Delucchi on February
23, 2004, to discuss wiretaps; on January 15, 2003, intercepted call to Scott
Peterson from Kirk McAllister; resident of Modesto
Denise Truffa Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department officer; 18-year veteran
assigned to Stanislaus County Jail in 2003; featured in November 16, 2003, Modesto
Bee article about the Stanislaus County Jail
Det. Lydell Wall Investigator with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department;
computer examiner assigned to the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force;
testified at Scott Peterson's trial August 3, 4, 26 and 30, 2004
Jerry Waymier Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department deputy; featured in
November 16, 2003, Modesto Bee article about the Stanislaus County Jail
Les Weidman (Les P. Weidman) 55, Stanislaus County sheriff and coroner;
worked as a jailer in the early 1970s; reportedly had the last word on whether
or not Scott Peterson would be released for his wife's memorial service; went
to Sacramento to lobby the California legislature to help pay expenses related
to the Scott Peterson case; featured in a November 25, 2004, Modesto
Bee article about famous cases in the area, saying, "We all have zones
of safety, and it's when those are violated that a crime becomes personal";
in an April 11, 2005, Modesto Bee article concerning the relatively short
case of Scott Peterson, stated that judges should do more to push cases forward
because "the longer the case hangs out there, the weaker the case becomes";
resident of Modesto
Mike White Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department deputy; 20-year veteran
as a jailer; featured in November 16, 2003, Modesto Bee article about
the Stanislaus County Jail
THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Eloise Anderson 52, Graphic artist; Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department
Volunteer Services Department Reserve Deputy dog handler; evaluator for the
California Office of Emergency Services cadaver dog program since 1998; aided
in early searches for Laci Peterson, including search of Tradecorp Warehouse
on December 27, 2002, with dogs Twist and Trimble; stated in February
25, 2004, testimony that Laci Peterson's scent was picked up at the Berkeley
Marina just four days after she was reported missing; was the only dog handler
whose findings were allowed at trial by Al Delucchi; testified at Scott Peterson's
trial August 31–September 1, 2004, stating that
trailing dog Trimble indicated Laci Peterson entered the Berkeley Marina from
a parking lot entrance but did not leave; later sparred with Mark Geragos, who
questioned Trimble's abilities
Capt. Christopher Boyer (Christopher J. Boyer) Reserve officer with the
Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department Emergency Services Search and Rescue
Team; aided in early searches for Laci Peterson, including search of Tradecorp
Warehouse on December 27, 2002; according to an article in the
March 1, 2004, issue of the Globe, and confirmed by trial testimony,
asked Scott Peterson to use three of Laci Peterson's items, a pink slipper,
a hairbrush and a pair of sunglasses, to give her scent to the trailing dogs,
but was "left speechless" when asked to provide a receipt for the
belongings; cited in court documents filed by Kirk McAllister on August 18,
2003, asking for additional information about trailing dogs and their handlers;
testified on February 26, 2004, concerning the search for Laci Peterson at the
Berkeley Marina involving dog handlers Eloise Anderson and Ron Seitz; testified
at Scott Peterson's trial August 30–31, 2004, suggesting that
Scott Peterson lied when saying he did not know the location of Laci Peterson's
Louis Vuitton wallet after her disappearance, when in fact he had already discussed
its contents with Det. Al Brocchini; alternately referred to as "Deputy
Chris Boyer"
Capt. Christine Dean 53, Officer with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's
Department coroner's division; first female jail commander
for the Marsh Creek Detention Facility; first female chief of a police department
in Contra Costa County; oversaw the autopsies of Laci and Conner Peterson; in
an October 10, 2005, Contra Costa Times profile, spoke about Conner Peterson
and recalled his features, such as "little blondish eyelashes," fingenails
and toenails: "Here was a little human being out on this table"; stated
that she was offered as much as $20,000 by reporters for access to the autopsy
room; alternately referred to as "Catherine Dean" in Det. Phil Owen's
preliminary hearing testimony; resident of Martinez
Sgt. Daryl England (Daryl B. England) 43, Officer with the Contra Costa
County Sheriff's Department; present at autopsy of Laci
Peterson; resident of Martinez
Sandy Jagoda
(Sandra G. Jagoda) 57, Contra Costa County coroner's assistant; pathologist's
assistant at autopsy of Laci Peterson; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on
July 21, 2004; resident of Martinez
Jimmy Lee Spokesperson for the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department;
stated shortly after the discovery of Laci Peterson's body that it was "way
too early" to tell if the body had been in the water the same amount of
time as the body of the baby found earlier; stated adult body was not wearing
maternity clothes; on October 2, 2003, announced that bones found by Lori
Krestian were not human
Leo Martin (Leo E. Martin) 40, Deputy coroner for the Contra Costa County
Sheriff's Department; present at autopsy of Laci Peterson;
testified at Scott Peterson's trial on July 7, 2004, saying that there was "a
lot of debris" around Laci Peterson's body; resident of Martinez
Chris Martinez Deputy with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department;
coroner investigator for Contra Costa County; collected the remains of Conner
Peterson from the marshy shoreline along the San Francisco Bay; testified at
Scott Peterson's trial on July 7, 2004
Det. Jeff Moule 42, Detective with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department;
present at autopsy of Laci Peterson
John Nelson Criminalist with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department
crime lab; present at autopsy of Laci Peterson; testified
at Scott Peterson's trial on July 21, 2004, answering prosecution questions
about the plastic labeled "Target," recovered from the San Francisco
Bay; testified that items recovered near Laci Peterson's remains were not forensically
tested, resulting in an August 5, 2004, trial delay for testing
Warren Rupf (Warren E. Rupf) 60, Sheriff and coroner for the Contra Costa
County Sheriff's Department; sent samples from Laci and Conner Peterson's bodies
to a DNA lab; resident of Martinez; web site: http://www.cocosheriff.org/sheriff_rupf/welcome_msg.htm
Lt. Kevin Ryan Officer with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department;
present at autopsy of Laci Peterson
Lt. Peter Slaviero Officer with Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department;
mentioned by Cindee Valentin as having called her on December 26, 2002, at about
1:00 a.m. to coordinate a response to the Modesto Police Department to search
for Laci Peterson
David Stockwell Criminalist with Contra Costa County; made regional news
in using DNA to solve the case of 8-year-old Cannie Bullock, raped and killed
outside her San Pablo home in 1979; commented on the time it would take for
proper DNA analysis of badly decomposed bodies
Lt. Cindee Valentin (Cynthia Ann Valentin) 41, Deputy with Contra Costa
County Emergency Services Division Search and Rescue Team (according to some
reports, a volunteer trainer and dog handler in the Contra Costa County Sheriff's
Department Reserve Division; according to court documents, a reserve lieutenant);
certified dog handler for more than 10 years and a "Master Trainer"
since 1993; featured presenter at the 31st International Search and Rescue Conference
and Exhibition; aided in early searches with dog Merlin, about which she later
stated, "What he displayed in his body language was that the person left
the residence in a vehicle"; cited in court documents filed by Kirk McAllister
on August 18, 2003, asking for additional information about trailing dogs and
their handlers; stated in February 24, 2004, testimony that she was taken aback
by what she perceived as the confrontational manner with which Scott Peterson
responded to her when she asked for items belonging to Laci Peterson for the
bloodhounds to use: "My impression was that I'm looking for his lost wife,
so his tone threw me...it wasn't a tone that seemed like he wanted to do everything
to find Laci"; alternately referred to as "Cindee Balentin";
erroneously referred to as "Linda Valentin" in A Deadly Game: The
Untold Story of the Scott Peterson Investigation;
resident of Concord
Det. Jose Villalobos Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department investigator;
officer mentioned by Mark Geragos during preliminary hearing questioning as
possibly attending the autopsy of Conner Peterson
Sgt. Steve Warne Officer with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department;
present at autopsy of Laci Peterson
THE SAN MATEO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Geoff Baehr (Geoffrey Baehr) Volunteer head diver with the San Mateo County
Sheriff's Department Marine Dive Cliff Recue Unit; participated in water searches
for Laci Peterson; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 7, 2004
Capt. Mark Hanlon San Mateo County Sheriff's officer; commented in a March
18, 2005, MSNBC report about observers at the Scott Peterson trial: "After
a while, they were on a first-name basis with each other"; stated that,
during the verdict, the office "implemented the security plan usually reserved
for disasters"; noted that the verdict was watched even by U.S. military
members serving in Iraq
Bronwyn Hogan 39, Spokesperson for the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office;
stated in a January 20, 2004, San Mateo County Times article that the
courthouse there has never had to deal with as many visitors as those expected
during Scott Peterson's trial: "It's tough to visualize right now";
stated in a January 22, 2004, Modesto Bee article concerning the enormity
of the Scott Peterson trial, "We've had other high-profile trials, but
nothing that can equal this"; stated in a January 29, 2004, San Mateo
County Times article, "I'm married to my phone," because the Scott
Peterson trial was keeping her so busy: "I'm not living right now, I'm
working"; stated in a February 21, 2004, Boston Globe article that
it was exciting to have the initial influx of media for Scott Peterson's trial,
but that "you get sick and tired of chocolate, too—if you have too
much of it"
Don Horsley San Mateo County sheriff; stated on January 10, 2004, that his
department would have no trouble handling security for Scott Peterson's trial,
but that the San Mateo County Jail is more than 150 inmates over capacity, a
possible safety problem that should be and probably will be considered by California's
Administrative Office of the Courts and Al Girolami:
"I think that will weigh into the decision"; stated on January 10,
2004, that San Mateo County residents are, as a whole, well educated—a
fact that "bodes well for moving" Scott Peterson's trial there; stated
on January 20, 2004, that he was sending some of his staff members to Stanislaus
County to study the way they handled the case; on December 16, 2004, held a
news conference in which he stated that Scott Peterson had been his "normal
self" and "not suicidal" following his death sentence: "He
is very cheerful...very compliant and very helpful"; commented on the amount
of mail received by Scott Peterson: "He does have
a fan club"; remarked that Scott Peterson, even though he lost weight,
told him the food was better in San Mateo County Jail than it was in
Stanislaus County
Lee Lazaro Director of finance for the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office;
in a February 2, 2005, Associated Press article, stated that San Mateo County
spent roughly $500,000—excluding court costs—to help prosecute Scott
Peterson
Greg Munks San Mateo County undersheriff; stated that, although the media
outlets could eliminate a $14,851 bill for a sheriff’s deputy to patrol
40 hours each week ($371.28 per hour) if they did not have security, it would
also mean they could not have cabling and, therefore, no live reporting
Bill Padrini San Mateo County assistant sheriff; stated in a January 23,
2004, news conference that Scott Peterson could be allowed to play chess with
another inmate if the situation did not pose a security risk
Det. William Pickens Investigator with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department;
stated concerning Redwood City native John Goold, "He looks good,"
upon Goold's return to his hometown for Scott Peterson's first court appearance
there
Milan Radojevich San Mateo County sheriff's deputy; caught in the crossfire
when media representatives were unable to receive an audio feed from the courtroom
on February 2, 2004, stated the dead speakers were a "good test of the
system" and referred all complaints to the unavailable Bronwyn Hogan even
as reporters were about to go live with reports; pictured in an August 12, 2004,
Modesto Bee article, shaking the hand of Selim Shinkay, who had won the
August 11, 2004, seat lottery to hear Amber Frey's testimony; on August 16,
2004, when one lottery winner did not claim their courthouse seat, yelled, "Going,
going, gone!"
Lt. Lisa Williams Officer with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department
and spokesperson for San Mateo County Court; on June 17, 2004, announced that
Al Delucchi and attorneys from both sides had been informed of a conversation
between Justin Falconer and Brent Rocha; notified Peter Shaplen that the court
was going to subpoena a videotape of Falconer and Brent Rocha; on November 5,
2004, commented on a woman who was caught trying to photograph jurors as they
entered the courthouse: "She wasn't arrested; she wasn't charged with anything"
THE ALAMEDA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Capt. Gene Battaglia (Eugene Joseph Battaglia) 46, Alameda County Sheriff's
Department dive team leader; directed searches of San Francisco Bay
Charles Plummer (Charles C. Plummer) Alameda County Sheriff since 1987;
participated in searches of San Francisco Bay; appeared on "Who Killed
Laci Peterson?" television special, stating that 52 persons, including
30 divers, and 6 cadaver dogs were involved in the search on January 11, 2003;
resident of Oakland
THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Chris Saunders Female spokesperson for San Diego County Sheriff's Department;
asked to comment on Scott Peterson's arrest but referred all questions to the
Modesto Police Department, saying, "It's not our case"
Ronald Schweitzer (Ronald
J. Schweitzer) Deputy with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department;
performed surveillance on Scott Peterson; when accused by Scott Peterson of
following him, replied, "I don't know what you're talking about";
testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 29, 2004
THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Lt. Steve Bolts (Steven A. Bolts) 49, San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department
investigator; commented on link between Scott Peterson and Kristin Smart; resident
of Paso Robles
Pat Hedges (Patrick Hedges) San Luis Obispo sheriff-coroner since 1998;
stated Scott Peterson was not being looked at in disappearance of Kristin Smart,
a fellow student of his at college there
THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT POLICE DEPARTMENT
Capt. Tim Anderson Officer with the East Bay Regional
Park District Police Department; told the Modesto
Bee that Det. Ian Frazer was in Redwood City on August 4, 2004, but declined
to comment on his reasons for being there, although speculation was his
visit involved the failure to test duct tape found on or near the remains of
Laci Peterson
Kris Buelna (Kristi Buelna) Officer with the East
Bay Regional Park District Police Department; collected debris evidence;
testified at Scott Peterson's trial on October 5, 2004
Sgt. David Dubowy (David
R. Dubowy) 42, Officer with the East Bay Regional Park District Police
Department; present at autopsy of Laci Peterson; resident of Livermore
Det. Ian Frazer (Ian
B. Frazer) 39, Detective with the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department;
detective on the scene at the recovery of Laci Peterson's body; present at autopsy
of Laci Peterson; reported that material with "Target" printed on
it smelled like a dead body, prompting a halt of Scott Peterson's trial on August
5, 2004, for forensic testing; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September
20, 2004; also referred to as "Ian Frazier"; resident of Livermore
Norm Lapera (Norman Anthony Lapera Jr.) 51, Since 1998, chief of the
East Bay Regional Park District Police Department, who patrol the area where
Laci Peterson's body was found; stated that material found near body was "heavy
gauge black plastic"; alternately referred to as "Norm LaPera";
resident of Castro Valley; web page: http://www.ebparks.org/Police/chief.htm
Tim Phillips (Timothy Phillips) Officer with the East
Bay Regional Park District Police Department; testified for the defense
at Scott Peterson's trial October 19–20, 2004; stated that plastic found
near the recovery site of Laci Peterson's body had a similar scent to her remains;
referred to by the Modesto Bee as "Timothy Philipps"; also
referred to as "Tim Philips"
THE RICHMOND POLICE DEPARTMENT
Brian Gard (Timothy Brian Gard) 34, 5-year veteran of the Richmond Police
Department; evidence technician at the recovery of Conner Peterson's body; testified
at Scott Peterson's trial on July 6, 2004; stated that there was a lot of debris
on the shore the day Conner Peterson's remains were found, but admitted there
was nothing found similar to the tape around Conner Peterson's neck: "I
searched the entire debris field for any evidence—I did not find any";
said that Conner Peterson's body was found 24 feet from the shoreline on a footpath
above a line of debris apparently left by the receding tide; also referred to
as "Timothy Gard" and "Tim Gard"
Sgt. Enos Johnson (Enos H. Johnson) 48, Richmond Police Department officer;
commented on the finding of Laci Peterson's body; on October 2, 2003, announced
that bones found by Lori Krestian were not human;
resident of Vallejo
Saeda Larse Richmond Police Department dispatcher; stated that an
anonymous caller said that a person on the jogging trail noticed what appeared
to be the remains of a baby
Tod Opdyke (Tod J.
Opdyke) 49, 26-year veteran of the Richmond Police Department; first officer
on the scene at the finding of Conner Peterson's body; stated body looked to
be that of a baby a few days old; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on July
6, 2004; referred to in trial transcripts as "Todd Opdyke"; resident
of Martinez
Joseph Samuels (Joseph Samuels Jr.) Chief of the Richmond Police Department
since 1999; president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police;
commented on the finding of Conner Peterson's body; stated his department's
dispatch center received call in the mid-afternoon of April 13, 2003; referred
to in CNN transcript of April 18, 2003, news conference as "Joel Samuels";
referred to on "Who Killed Laci Peterson?" television special as "Joseph
Samuel Jr."; resident of Richmond; web sites: http://www.rpdonline.net/main/messagefromthechief.htm
and http://www.theiacp.org/leadership/gov_body2002.htm
Jeff Soler (Jeffrey S. Soler) 50, Criminalist with Richmond Police Department;
according to preliminary hearing testimony by Brian Peterson, present at the
autopsy of Conner Peterson; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September
20, 2004; resident of Moraga
THE REDWOOD CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Carlos Bolanos Chief of the Redwood City Police Department; stated in
a January 20, 2004, San Mateo County Times article that it will be hard
to manage the media traffic around the courthouse, but that, "I think eventually
we'll make it run smoothly"; noting the tremendous amound of public interest
in the case, stated, "All eyes are going to be focused here in San Mateo
County"
Capt. Ron Matuszak Redwood City Police Department officer; stated in
a February 5, 2004, meeting with media representatives that the city would be
cutting its proposed fee for services by reducing the number of security officers
on duty
Sgt. Dan Mulholland Redwood City Police Department officer; spoke at
January 22, 2004, news conference, explaining plans parking and traffic logistics
for the Scott Peterson trial; stated concerning the traffic: "I think at
some point it's going to plateau...people will get used to the changes in the
roadway"
Capt. Scott Warner Officer with the Redwood City Police Department; attended
February 23, 2004, meeting between the Redwood City Council and media representatives,
stating that early high cost estimates of $7,500 per media vehicle were inaccurate
because the "anticipated crush hasn't materialized," and that the
true monthly costs could be as low as $728
THE SAN FRANCISCO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Holly Pera (Holly C. Pera) 49, San Francisco Police Department investigator;
stated there was no connection between the deaths of Laci Peterson and Evelyn
Hernández; resident of Burlingame
Joe Toomey (Joseph James Toomey) 56, San Francisco Police Department
inspector assigned to the Evelyn Hernández case; resident of South San
Francisco
THE SAN QUENTIN STATE PRISON OFFICIALS
Jim Allen Associate warden at San
Quentin State Prison; manager of the medical facility; in a May
18, 2005, Reuters report, discussed the facility's problems, insisting that
progress was being made: "Do we have problems at San Quentin? I'm not going
to argue with that"
Lt. Vernell Crittendon
(Vernell
M. Crittendon Jr.) 51, Senior public information officer for San
Quentin State Prison; on April 16, 2005, appeared on The Abrams Report
to discuss Scott Peterson's transfer; on March 17, 2005, appeared on Today,
Good Morning America and On the Record With Greta Van Susteren to
discuss Scott Peterson's transfer and first day at San Quentin State Prison;
on March 18, 2005, appeared on The Early Show, noting that Scott Peterson
had already received proposals from women; in an April 4, 2005, CNN report,
stated that Scott Peterson was receiving offers to help him write a book detailing
his side of the case; in the same article, stated that, in the highly unlikely
event Scott Peterson would be required to attend a civil hearing related to
the Rocha family's suit against him, San Quentin State Prison would allow him
to go to Modesto: "I have not heard of that occurring in my 28 years here";
on April 26, 2005, appeared on The O'Reilly Factor to discuss Scott Peterson's
first weeks in prison; concerning Scott Peterson, stated, "In jail, he
had a ray of hope; inside our prison, it's all over"; on November 11, 2005,
appeared on The Abrams Report to discuss Scott
Peterson's first year after being convicted; alternately referred to
as "Vernell Crittenden"
Sgt. Eric Messick Spokesperson for San Quentin State Prison;
quoted in a March 31, 2005, National Enquirer report on a plot to kill
Scott Peterson in prison; stated, "It would be shortsighted not to think
an assault is possible...the gangsters might just kill Scott for kicks"
Charles Stone Dentist at San Quentin State Prison; in a May 18, 2005,
Reuters report, took exception to complaints issed by Thelton
Henderson in a May 10, 2005, report; explained that, during a tour, Henderson
had confused a screening room with the main dental area—the difference
being that, in the former, staff members do not put their hands in the mouths
of patients and, therefore, do not change gloves as Henderson
contended they should: "We see 50 guys a day; we're not going to change
gloves 50 times a day"; concerning the malaigned dental facility, proclaimed,
"I'm proud of this operation"
THE OTHER CALIFORNIA COPS
Lt. Xavier Aponte (Xavier H. Aponte) 40, Watch commander at the California
Rehabilitation Center; spoke with Carl Jensen concerning an audiotape recording
of a conversation between Shawn Tenbrink and Adam Tenbrink that Scott Peterson's
defense team believed could be presented as potentially exculpatory evidence;
contacted the Modesto Police Department concerning the conversation between
Shawn Tenbrink and Adam Tenbrink
Sgt. Guy Craig Berkeley Police officer; stated on January 2, 2003: "We're
checking all of the shoreline, we're checking the breakwaters, we're checking
all the harbors and the inlets and anyplace that somebody may have seen something
or where an individual may come to the surface"
Det. Scott Dover 35, Investigator with
Merced County Sheriff's Department; stated to the Globe that the rape
victim who potentially held the key to Scott Peterson's release was probably
of little actual value to the defense team: "Its difficult to believe that
she could ever be a credible witness in the Peterson case"
Claude Jubran California
Highway Patrol officer; in 2003, worked with a task force aligned with the California
Department of Justice; made arrest of Scott Peterson on April 18, 2003; testified
at Scott Peterson's trial on September 30, 2004; resident of San Diego
Det. Kipp Loving (Kipp A. Loving) 41, Turlock Police Department
investigator; searched Scott and Laci Peterson's home February 18–19, 2003,
with the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force; testified at Scott Peterson's
trial on August 3, 2004, stating that, during the search, the cable signal cut
out; alternately referred to as "Kip Loving"
Paul Mears San Joaquin
County Sheriff's Department deputy; assigned to the Patrol Division as
a training officer; assisted Modesto Police Department officers in investigation
based on tip that Laci Peterson was being held in Tracy;
testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 7, 2004
Ken O'Gara (Kenneth F. O'Gara) 44, Technician with the San Francisco
DEA; cited by Steve Jacobson as an expert concerning the surveillance camera
posted to watch Scott Peterson
Ron Seitz (Robert Ronald Seitz) Dog handler assigned from the California
Rescue Dog Association to look for Laci Peterson at the Berkeley Marina on December
28, 2002; took scent from pink slipper; according to February 26, 2004, testimony
by Capt. Christopher Boyer, searched the marina for about 10 or 15 minutes but
found no trace of Laci Peterson; filed a report on January 3, 2003, stating,
“We had no workable/desirable scent trail from the article provided at
the launch ramp area asked to be checked"; testified for the defense at
Scott Peterson's trial on October 20, 2004
Julie Terry Member of the Fremont Police Department's missing-persons unit;
quoted in a March 3, 2003, Modesto Bee story about Laci Peterson; commented
on the case of Michelle Chan, a case that Jackie Peterson suggested had possible
connections to the Laci Peterson case
THE OUT-OF-STATE COPS
Bob Burgreen (Robert William Burgreen) 64, Longview (Washington) Police
Department chief; investigated reports that Laci Peterson was seen at convenience
store there; stated on January 31, 2003, after review of surveillance tapes
showed no sign of the missing woman: "Our hearts go out to the family of
Laci Peterson...we had hoped that this could possibly be a breakthrough lead,
but we now believe that is not the case"; resident of Longview, Washington
Det. Tim Deisher
(Timothy S. Deisher) Longview (Washington) Police Department investigator;
interviewed Sinnett's Market Place convenience store clerk who claimed to have
spotted Laci Peterson; resident of Longview, Washington
Det. Dan Jacobs (Danny D. Jacobs) 51, Longview (Washington) Police Department
investigator; investigated reports that Laci Peterson was seen at convenience
store there; resident of Longview, Washington
Det. Cindi Johansen (Cynthia Lynn Johansen)
35, Longview (Washington) Police Department investigator; stated regarding the
woman there who said she saw Laci Peterson: "My impression of it was that
she believed that it quite possibly was her...she was pretty sure that it was
her"; resident of Longview, Washington
Det. Sgt. John Lynch Ramapo (New York) Police Department detective; reported
on Scott Bernstein's multiple run-ins with the law in New York
Sgt. Dan Masters Tempe (Arizona) Police Department Public Information Office
spokesperson; first entered the national spotlight with the Rick Chance murder
investigation; stated that officer Jon Rennerfeldt followed up on tip that Laci
Peterson had been seen but was unable to locate her or anyone matching her description;
resident of Tempe
Lt. Tom Monahan Las Vegas (Nevada) Metro police officer; stated on June
30, 2003, that suspect Perry Monroe was awaiting an extradition hearing for
the murder of Ladonna Milam, a case linked to the Laci Peterson murder because
of the proximity of the suspect's home to where her body was discovered and
because of the similarity of the victims' remains; stated concerning Perry Monroe's
possible link to other crimes: "I think there was a general consensus that
we need to do a lot more research because nobody in my office has ever seen
anything like this, and these guys, collectively, are very, very experienced"
Jon Rennerfeldt Tempe (Arizona) Police Department investigator; followed
up on anonymous tip to the Peterson family tip line that a woman resembling
Laci Peterson was seen in or around a vehicle parked in front of a house; conducted
interviews but was unable to locate woman
THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Nathan Barankin (Nathan Robert Barankin) 32,
Spokesperson for California Department of Justice; stated on April 17, 2003:
"We've determined that we can yield a usable DNA profile from the fetus
sample...we're doing a little more work on the adult sample to finally determine
whether we will be able to get a usable DNA profile"; resident of Sacramento
Brian Cardwell Agent with the California Department of Justice; involved
in the surveillance of Scott Peterson in January 2003; testified at Scott Peterson's
trial on September 2, 2004, concerning his trips to the Berkeley Marina
Thomas Chaplin Agent with the California Department of Justice; involved
in the surveillance of Scott Peterson in January 2003; testified at Scott Peterson's
trial on September 2, 2004, concerning his January 11, 2003, travels
Katy Ciula (Kathleen M. Ciula) 41, Assistant lab director at the Central
Valley Regional Laboratory in Ripon; commented on tests being done in Laci Peterson
case; resident of Ripon
Dean De Young Criminologist with the California Department of Justice;
determined that the chicken wire found in Scott Peterson's truck had not be
cut by either the needle-nosed pliers or a pair of wire cutters found in the
Tradecorp Warehouse
Tera Faris (Tera L. Mackey Faris) 33, Agent with the
California Department of Justice; involved in the surveillance of Scott Peterson
in January 2003; at one point, confronted by Scott Peterson, who apparently
realized he was being followed by her; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on
September 2, 2004, concerning his January 11, 2003, travels; also referred to
as "Tera Farris"; resident of Sacramento
Jack Hagan Special agent with the California Department of Justice; involved
in the surveillance of Scott Peterson in January 2003; on September 2, 2004,
mentioned by Thomas Chaplin during his testimony concerning Scott Peterson's
January 11, 2003, trip to the Medeiros Reservoir area
Bill Hudlow (William R. Hudlow) Senior criminalist at the Central
Valley Regional Laboratory in Ripon; testified at preliminary hearing on November
14, 2003; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 14, 2004
Kevin Kolbe Special agent with the California Department
of Justice at the San Diego office; involved in the surveillance of Scott Peterson
on January 29, February 3 and April 16–18, 2003; challenged by Scott Peterson,
who suspected him of being a law enforcement agent; testified at Scott Peterson's
trial on September 30, 2004
Pin Kyo Criminalist with the California Department of Justice lab in Ripon;
testified at Scott Peterson's trial September 13–14, 2004; disputed one
of the recurring defense themes, saying the plastic twine found around Conner
Peterson's neck was tied in a loose bow that was easily undone; stated that
the only things she examined that tested positive for blood were from Scott
and Laci Peterson's comforter and the door of Scott Peterson's truck
Ernie Limon California Department of Justice (California Bureau of Investigation)
special agent supervisor; former supervisor of the California Department of
Justice Sexual Predator Apprehension Team in San Diego; made arrest of Scott
Peterson on April 18, 2003; involved in the search warrant served to pluck hairs
from McKenzie; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 30, 2004
Bill Lockyer (William
Westwood Lockyer) 61, During the time of Scott Peterson's arrest, Democratic
California attorney general; on April 18, 2003, called case against Scott Peterson
a "slam dunk" after reviewing DNA evidence showing discovered bodies
were those of Laci and Conner Peterson; according to suggestions made by Mark
Geragos, claims were made to further political ambitions; resident of Sacramento;
web site: http://caag.state.ca.us/ag/lockyer.htm
Jeff MacKanin Special agent with the California Department of Justice;
involved in the surveillance of Scott Peterson in January 2003; testified at
Scott Peterson's trial on September 1, 2004, concerning his trips to the Berkeley
Marina
Doug Mansfield (Douglas Kent Mansfield) 57, Polygraph examiner with the
California Department of Justice bureau of investigation; at the request of
Det. Craig Grogan, interviewed Scott Peterson on December 25, 2002; testified
at Scott Peterson's trial on July 6, 2004; resident of Modesto
Angelynn Moore (Angelynn R. Moore) California Department of Justice employee;
worker at the Richmond DNA laboratory in the Missing Persons DNA Program; testified
at Scott Peterson's trial July 21–22, 2004, concerning the DNA testing
of Laci and Conner Peterson
Galen Nickey Latent print analyst with the California Department of Justice;
testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 14, 2004; stated during trial
testimony that he had more than 30 years' experience with the California Department
of Justice, more than 25 years' experience as a fingerprint expert, and had
testified as an expert witness more than 40 times
Rod Oswalt (Rodney D. Oswalt) 47, Criminalist with the California Department
of Justice; employed by the Central Valley Regional Laboratory in Ripon; testified
for the prosecution at the preliminary hearing on November 14, 2003, concerning
examination of hair found in the pliers recovered from Scott Peterson's boat
and compared to those found in Laci Peterson's hairbrush; gave hair to Frederic
Hrusa to have him investigate the vegetative material attached
Sharon Pagaling-Hagan (Sharon Muns Pagaling-Hagan) 52, Chief criminal
investigative profiler and special agent supervisor for the California Department
of Justice; worked with Modesto Police Department investigators involved in
the recording of Scott Peterson's conversations with Amber Frey; according to
an article in the March 8, 2004, National Enquirer, suggested to Modesto
Police Department investigators that they send videotapes of Scott Peterson
to John Yarborough; interviewed for Inside the Mind of Scott Peterson;
also referred to as "Sharon Hagan"; alternately referred to as "Sharon
Hagen"; resident of Orangevale
David Perez Employee of the California Department of Justice; roommate
of Det. Richard Byrd; helped Amber Frey and Byrd dig up information about Scott
Peterson
Alex Quick Special agent with the California Department of Justice, assigned
to the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Task Force; performed surveillance
on Scott Peterson; was the recipient of an obscene gesture from Scott Peterson;
testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 22, 2004
Sonia Ramos Special agent with the California Department of Justice at
the San Diego office; involved in the surveillance
of Scott Peterson; wrote report concerning the blown surveillance of
Scott Peterson; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 30, 2004
Peter Shear Special agent with the California Department of Justice at
the San Diego office; involved in the surveillance
of Scott Peterson; made arrest of Scott Peterson on April 18, 2003;
testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 30, 2004
Gary Sims (Gary Alan Sims) California Department of Justice employee;
worker at the Richmond DNA laboratory; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on
July 21, 2004
Eva Steinberger (Eva M. Steinberger) 53, Assistant bureau chief with the
Bureau of Forensic Services; stated following the discovery of bodies in April
2003 that the attorney general's office had received a tibia of the female and
the femur of the infant as well as muscle tissue from both bodies; stated, "We
are fully aware that the families are very anxious to get results"; resident
of Davis
Jennie Thomas Criminalist and serology lab worker at the Central Valley
Regional Laboratory in Ripon; photographed for January 8, 2003, edition of the
Modesto Bee
John Tonkyn (John Campbell Tonkyn) 40, Missing Persons DNA Program supervisor;
spoke at news conferences to explain the identifying of the bodies of Laci and
Conner Peterson; resident of Albany
Manuel Valencia Public information officer for California Department
of Justice, which runs the Central Valley Regional Laboratory in Ripon and
the state DNA lab
Ron Welsh (Ronald Welsh) Criminalist with
the California Department of Justice, specializing in firearms examination;
testified for the prosecution at Scott Peterson's trial on June 29, 2004; confirmed
the gun found in Scott Peterson's vehicle on December 24, 2002, had not been
fired recently
Mike Van Winkle (Michael Van Winkle) 48, Information
officer for the California Department of Justice's Division of Law Enforcement;
stated that more than 63 percent of the people who were arrested in California
on homicide charges in 2001 knew their victims, the reason why
investigators usually look at family members when they suspect a homicide; in
a March 3, 2003, Modesto Bee article, stated that it was impossible to
know how many missing persons were pregnant because the form that California
uses does not have a special field to indicate pregnancy;
resident of Sacramento
John Yoshida (John S. Yoshida) 47, Crime lab manager
at the Central Valley Regional Laboratory in Ripon; commented on tests being
done in Laci Peterson case; resident of Ripon
Sarah Yoshida (Sarah L. Yoshida) 42, Senior criminalist at the Central Valley
Regional Laboratory in Ripon; tested pliers found on Scott Peterson's boat twice,
on February 24, 2003, and March 19, 2003; reported that pliers revealed no recent
use; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 7, 2004; resident of Ripon
THE FEDERAL INVESTIGATORS AND EMPLOYEES
Bruce Budowle FBI senior scientist from Quantico, Virginia; described
as one of the "principal architects" of the FBI's DNA typing program;
expert witness for the state during November 12, 2003, preliminary hearing testimony
regarding mitochondrial DNA; supported Connie Fisher's findings; stated that
mitochondrial DNA contamination rates of 10 percent or less do not affect the
outcome of tests; concerning defense expert DNA witness William Shields, stated:
"He doesn't walk in our circles"
Connie Fisher (Constance
L. Fisher) Biologist forensic examiner with the DNA 2 Unit (performing Mitochondrial
DNA analysis) at FBI's Trace Evidence Unit in Quantico, Virginia; on June 6,
2003, received from Terry Scott two bags of evidence; testified about mitochondrial
DNA analysis on October 29, 2003, at Scott Peterson's preliminary hearing; testified
at Scott Peterson's trial on September 8, 2004; earned doctorate in biochemistry
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; incorrectly referred to
by the Modesto Bee and San Jose Mercury News as "Candace
Fisher"
Donald Hines
Spokesperson
for the U.S. Marshal Service in Washington, D.C., which oversees the New York
Fugitive Task Force; commented concerning private investigator Scott Bernstein,
who allegedly wore a leather holder with a metal star badge reading "New
York Fugitive Task Force" as he was investigating the Laci Peterson case:
"If they're doing that and get caught, we want them prosecuted"
Todd Irieaga FBI
supervisor, served with a subpoena duces tecum by the defense for all video
and audio recordings and associated information from the closed-circuit television
surveillance of Scott Peterson
Karen Korsberg Physical
forensic examiner with the FBI's Trace Evidence Unit in Quantico, Virginia;
received from Connie Fisher three envelopes with
evidence related to the Laci Peterson case; on June 9, 2003, examined hair evidence;
testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September 8, 2004
Jamie Nevus
Employee at FBI's Trace Evidence Unit in Quantico, Virginia; on June 6, 2003,
received from Terry Scott two bags of evidence
Kim Reubush (Kimberly Reubush) Physical forensic
examiner with the FBI's Trace Evidence Unit in Quantico, Virginia; on June 10,
2003, examined hair evidence; testified at Scott Peterson's trial on September
8, 2004
Terry Scott FBI
agent that Mark Geragos claimed would have transcripts of grand jury testimony
taken in the Scott Peterson case; former resident agent of Modesto, who Dave
Harris claimed was "either promoted or transferred"; spoke with Det.
Al Brocchini regarding Tradecorp financial records showing what investigators
portrayed as "suspicious" expenditures; went with Det. Phil Owen to
track down insurance policies for Laci Peterson; on June 4, 2003, received from
Bill Hudlow two bags of evidence for testing at the FBI's Trace Evidence Unit
in Quantico, Virginia; according to some sources, listed as a defense witness
for Scott Peterson, but not called
Erin Sherry Employee at FBI's Trace Evidence Unit in Quantico,
Virginia; received from Karen Korsberg three envelopes
with evidence related to the Laci Peterson case, and prepared hair evidence
for examination
Who:
The Families
Who: The Friends, Lovers and Associates
Who: The Attorneys, Judges and Court
Employees
Who: The Politicians and Government Employees
Who: The Jury, Helpers and Victims
Who: The Anonymous and Unidentified
Who: The Rest
This page was last updated on December 27, 2005. ©2003–2005 The Lifeboat Party.