PETERSON CASE 'I think verdict was a mistake'

Two uncles say they think Scott Peterson is innocent.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (AP) -- Scott and Laci Peterson were an "average couple," a friend of Scott Peterson's testified Tuesday, describing the defendant as generous, caring and a problem-solver.
On the sixth day of the penalty phase of Peterson's murder trial, the friend recalled an incident on the San Luis Obispo ranch where the couple was living, when Peterson broke up a dog fight that led Laci Peterson to begin hitting one of the animals.
"Scotty kind of mellowed everything out and we got the dogs apart," Eric Sherar told jurors. The Petersons lived for about two years on the ranch, which Sherar managed.
He said the Petersons' relationship was that of "an average couple," adding: "I don't ever remember any real bad arguments."
Sherar also testified to Peterson's generosity, saying he often gave Sherar "lots of clothing, probably three or four sweatshirts. He gave my wife this pink ball cap that she liked."
Ten witnesses were planned for Tuesday, with four more set to testify today before closing arguments. Jurors were expected to begin deliberating Thursday whether to sentence Peterson to life without parole or the death penalty.
Testimony
In tearful testimony Monday, Peterson's family and friends pleaded with jurors to spare his life.
Defense witnesses have already testified Peterson sang to seniors on Sundays, distributed food and clothes in Tijuana and that he was a good friend and loving son.
"I don't believe he's guilty," said his uncle, John Latham. "I would not like to see him die. It would tear our family apart."
Jurors showed no expression, some even looking away or toward the ground as Latham spoke.
Added another uncle, Robert Latham: "I think the verdict was a mistake ... I wouldn't want that mistake to be on other people."
Conviction
Peterson was convicted Nov. 12 of one count of first-degree murder in the death of his pregnant wife, Laci, and one count of second-degree murder for the killing of her fetus.
Prosecutors say he smothered or strangled Laci in their Modesto home on or around Christmas Eve 2002, then dumped her body into San Francisco Bay. The remains of the victims were discovered about four months later a few miles from where Peterson claims to have been fishing alone the day his wife vanished.
Judge Alfred A. Delucchi tentatively scheduled a Feb. 25 sentencing date for Peterson.