Dr. William Shields, DNA expert

Called by the defense to rebut the value of the states DNA testimony, attacked the science of mitochondrial DNA.
Cited research indicating a frequency false exclusions or false matches.
Estimated the hair compatible with Lacis found on the defendants boat could be matched to as many as one in nine Caucasians.

Det. Jon Evers, Modesto Police Dept.

A patrolman responding to the missing persons investigation on Dec. 24th, outlined Scott Petersons account of his whereabouts that day that included a fishing trip at Berkeley Marina.
Said Peterson could not tell him what type of fish he was trying to catch that day.
Testified about his walk-through of the Peterson home. Said he did not smell bleach, and recalled Peterson fixed a bunched up part of carpet with his foot, though Evers did not see if there was any potential evidence in that spot.

Lee Peterson, Scott Peterson's father

Said he spoke to his son Scott once or twice a week, including one two-minute conversation about Christmas plans on the afternoon of December 24th.
Testified that during that conversation, Scott did not mention fishing in Berkeley Marina.
Said he was unaware Scott had bought a fishing boat, but said that was not unusual since son did not necessarily consult him on big purchases.

Sharon Rocha, Laci Peterson's mother

Said she shared a close relationship with her daughter, whom she spoke to regularly. Last spoke to Laci at 8:30 p.m. on December 23rd about a Christmas get-together planned for the next day.
Testified she received a call at 5:17 p.m. on Dec. 24th from Scott Peterson informing her that Laci was missing.
Thought Scott Petersons behavior in the days following the disappearance was odd.

Amy Rocha, Laci Peterson's sister

The victim's 22-year-old sister and professional hairdresser testified she regularly cut Scott Petersons hair once a month and said Scott and Laci Peterson came into the salon on Dec. 23rd for his haircut.
Said Scott Peterson offered to pick up a gift basket on Dec. 24th at Vella Farms near the Del Rio Country Club because he planned on going golfing, not fishing, that day. Testified the basket was never picked up.
Testified she had no idea her brother-in-law had bought a new boat or that he was having an extramarital affair.

Margarita Nava, the Petersons' housekeeper

Through a translator, testified she last cleaned the Peterson home on Dec. 23, 2002, the last day Laci Peterson was seen alive.
Recalled the blinds were shut in the living room and bedroom when she arrived at 8:30 a.m., and that she used Pine Sol and water, but little bleach, to clean the home.
Said before she left at 2 p.m., she recalled Laci Peterson going to the grocery store, returning and watching television.

Dr. Constance Fisher, FBI forensic mitochondrial DNA analyst

Educated the jury on mitochondrial DNA testing and how it is not as precise as the more typical nuclear DNA testing.
Testified she analyzed a hair sample recovered by the Modesto Police Dept from the boat Scott Peterson was on around the time of Lacis disappearance.
Said the hair was consistent with Laci Petersons, though one in 112 people share the same sequence.