Laci's clothing under microscope

The day before, Peterson had a manicure and waxing at Sweet Serenity Day Spa, bought more than $90 worth of groceries at Trader Joe's and watched Rocha cut her husband's hair. Although a manicurist recalled a white shirt, black pants and Mary Jane shoes, Rocha said her sister was wearing beige pants and a black maternity top by the time the couple arrived at Salon Salon.

Prosecutor Rick Distaso is promoting the idea Peterson murdered his wife either that evening or early the next morning. He told police that when he left for a fishing trip his wife was wearing a white shirt and black pants. When her body was found April 2003, her body was clad in khaki pants

Rocha testified that the two pairs were similar but conceded under quick questioning by defense attorney Mark Geragos that some details were different.

Laci Peterson described herself as "haggard" at the salon and had previously talked about being tired and sick, Rocha said.

Scott Peterson offered to pick up a gift basket for Rocha the following day because he would be golfing near a fruit stand. On Christmas Eve, Rocha received a call at 3:45 p.m. from the store reporting that the basket was still there. About two hours later, her brother-in-law called and asked if she knew where Laci was at.

Rocha said she never knew that Peterson owned a fishing boat or was having an affair with a Fresno masseuse named Amber Frey.

Geragos had little time to cross-examine Rocha after Distaso. Much like his lengthy, methodical opening statement, Distaso left some court observers feeling that he is bogging down the jury with too many details rather than hammering home a main point.

Distaso is "over-trying the case" by spending an afternoon meticulously having Rocha review clothing and pictures of jewelry and by calling a Trader Joe's clerk to confirm her grocery purchases, said CNN legal analyst Greta Van Susteren who was watching the proceedings yesterday.

The defense was much more succinct and direct in its tactic. Geragos quickly used his cross-examinations to build his theory that the Modesto police considered Scott Peterson the only suspect from the beginning and continually botched its investigation.

Witnesses testified yesterday that police wrote down their statements inaccurately. Spa owner Michelle Buer said that a Modesto police report states that she was suspicious of Scott Peterson as early as Dec. 24 and wouldn't help search for Laci. Buer testified that police misinterpreted her comments; actually she volunteered at the search headquarters beginning the following day. She later stopped because she felt Scott Peterson was acting strangely.

Geragos will complete his cross-examination of Rocha beginning Monday morning.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 104.