REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov. 30 (UPI) -- Laci Peterson's tearful mother demanded to know Tuesday why her son-in-law, Scott, chose to murder his pregnant wife rather than simply divorce her.
Sharon Rocha asked the question from the witness stand in the California courtroom where a jury has the task of recommending death or a life sentence for the convicted killer.
She was among four members of Laci's family who urged the juror to recommend Peterson be executed. The jury's pending decision is not binding.
The start of the hearing was delayed Tuesday due to a closed-door hearing with the San Mateo County presiding judge.
The subject of the hearing wasn't revealed, although Court TV said it involved a bartender known only as "Gino" and could possibly have focused some sort of conduct by jurors outside the courthouse.
