Wrongful-death trial ordered for Peterson

MODESTO, Calif., June 7 (UPI) -- Convicted killer Scott Peterson will face a wrongful-death trial prompted by the family of his slain wife, a judge has ruled in California.

Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Roger Beauchesne ruled that when Peterson faces a civil trial sought by his former in-laws, his conviction on homicide charges and ensuing death sentence will not speak for themselves, The Modesto (Calif.) Bee reported Saturday.

Dennis and Sharon Rocha, parents of Peterson's slain wife Laci, are seeking a multimillion-dollar ruling against the convicted killer.

Meanwhile, Beauchesne decided to stay Friday's ruling until June 23 in order to allow Peterson's attorneys a chance to appeal.

Los Angeles defense attorney Nareg Gourjian has been attempting to prove his client's innocence in the death of his wife and their unborn son. The remains of both were discovered in 2003 after Laci went missing in December 2002.

Gourjian has alleged Peterson was convicted of the killings in 2005 due primarily to an insufficient investigation by police in Modesto, the Bee reported.