Mass-Media Makes the Case for Scott Peterson

Debra Saunders has written a story on Townhall.com that calls the media to back off of the Laci Peterson story. Her contention is that by giving credence to every little defense maneuver, the media is making it easier for the defense to convince the public of Scott Peterson's innocence.

Fox News' Geraldo Rivera reported "exclusively" that a "defense source" told him that Laci's body had been "carved up" and "there were internal parts missing." (The dissection twist, expert TV panelists argued, supported the Satanic Cult Real Killers theory.)

On Thursday came leaks of the autopsy. MSNBC reported that "plastic tape" was found around the neck of Laci's unborn son. "Finding in Peterson case could be used to bolster defense theory on killings," read the MSNBC website's sub-headline. The story continued, "The finding could be used by the defense team for Scott Peterson, Laci's husband, who is accused in her death, to bolster its theory that Laci and the fetus were killed in a satanic ritual."

Stop the presses -- there may be litter in the bay. In fact, what NBC called "plastic tape" a reporter who read the leaked autopsy described as "nylon and twine."'

Saunders notes that the OJ's defense team used the same tactics successfully throughout his trial. While not saying that Scott Peterson is guilty, she thinks that media sources might make it impossible for the prosecutors to prove their case--essentially robbing the prosecutor of the possibility of a fair trial.

Of course, this contention hinges on the assumption of OJ Simpson's guilt. I think she might just have a point.

Read the story.

Off topic: We can all agree that were we to have been on the jury in that case, OJ would be rotting in jail, right? I mean, c'mon...running for the border with his fake beard, loads of cash, a revolver and a weapon. History of abuse. This guy was just screaming, "Please put me in jail. Please."

Posted by zombyboy at June 2, 2003 12:00 AM | TrackBack