Judge Delays Peterson Trial Again

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. —  A judge Wednesday delayed Scott Peterson’s double-murder trial again because the jury selection process was behind schedule.

Judge Alfred A. Delucchi said he would summon 300 new juror candidates to court next week, postponing opening statements for a second time. Opening statements are set to begin June 1.

More than 1,200 potential panelists have already been summoned to court. Of that number, 71 had been selected as potential jurors as of Wednesday. Selection was scheduled to continue today.

Delucchi said he wanted at least 70 potential jurors before attorneys began whittling down the final panel to 12 members, plus six alternates. He has indicated that some of those already selected as potential jurors might be excused for such hardships as work conflicts.

Since the jury selection process began two months ago, many potential panelists have been dismissed for hardships or opinions that the former fertilizer salesman accused of killing his pregnant wife is guilty.

The trial was moved from Modesto after a judge there ruled that an impartial panel could not be found in Peterson’s hometown -- the alleged crime scene.

Peterson could face the death penalty or life without parole if he is convicted of murdering his wife, Laci, and their unborn child.