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Woody Overton
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Woody Overton
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Legal Rights Officer
Yeah, the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You got to write to an attorney prior to it during any question. If you can't afford one, the court appoint one for you. Do you understand your rights.
Woody Overton
When the.
Real Life, Real Crime Podcast
Wolf is at your close you running over that's for sure Already knows all about you you cut you down no matter by you now you better walk alive.
Woody Overton
Warning this episode of Real Life, Real Crime. The podcast may contain descriptions of acts of violence or that of a sexual nature. It should be for people that are.
Legal Rights Officer
18 years or older.
Woody Overton
He my warning people, I do not.
Legal Rights Officer
Get the facts of these cases off.
Woody Overton
Of the Internet or for some television show. The facts I'm retelling you were presented to me by the victims of the crimes or the perpetrators who committed the crimes against the victims. My descriptions of the crime scenes, what I saw with my own two eyes. If you're going to get offended, please turn this podcast off now. Thank you. Hello everybody, and welcome to this episode of Real Life, Real Crime, the podcast. As always, I'm your host, Woody Overton. And today, continuing scorched the state versus Scott Peterson, part 1 billion and 57. I don't know how long it is. I know it's long, but it is interesting and y'all are keep requesting it and wondering where it's at. So we're almost done, y'all. I think we're on the last couple people that are actually testifying in the death penalty phase. So bear with me. Should be done this week or next. And I love and appreciate each and every one of y'all. Thank you so much for liking and listening and sharing and sticking with us all these years and the cop stories are coming back as soon as we get done with scores. So let's get down to the business at hand and we're going back to court in the death penalty phase for Scott Peterson. He's already been found guilty and the date is December 6, 2004. And the defense is as talking to witnesses or examining witnesses. And we're going back and our attorney is Pat Harris in the witnesses, Ms. Kelly Jean Becton. So let's see if we can get this going. HARRIS Good morning.
Pat Harris
Kelly, you're the next in line in the Latham family, is that right?
Woody Overton
BECKTON that's right.
Pat Harris
HARRIS so Abraham, we just met is your brother back then he is lead is your older sister.
Woody Overton
BECKHAM Yep.
Pat Harris
HARRIS okay. We kind of covered the background. They're going to have the opportunities to see Scott see the Peterson family. So I won't go into that again. I just want to ask you briefly some questions. What you saw in Scott Peterson and what you see to this day. You are you also were a part of the clan and got to see invisible Scott Right back to him, of course. Harris you seen him both as a child and as an adult.
Woody Overton
BECKTON yes. HARRIS how much younger are you than Scott Beckham? I'm about eight years younger. I'm the same age as Rachel, so we're both eight years younger.
Pat Harris
HARRIS Would you characterize him as being generous as both a child and an adult?
Woody Overton
BECKHAM Absolutely. Scott's definitely the kind of person that's although quiet and maybe, you know, in the center of the room, not in the sitting room, yelling and screaming and, you know, causing commotion. It's easy to go over and talk to him.
Pat Harris
HARRIS what do you mean by that? It's easy to go talk to him.
Woody Overton
BECTON he's very engaging once you even though because he's quiet, just like my Uncle Lee is quiet too. And it may be misinterpreted as standoffish or arrogance. Once you do go over there and just one or two words and they're completely engaged, they're reciprocating and it's just kind of like the rest of the room melts away because they're definitely paying attention to you and just very engaging that way and it's a very sincere thing.
Pat Harris
Harris you mentioned a sparkle in his eye when you met him. Did he have that kind of personality.
Woody Overton
That he sort of kept you I.
Pat Harris
Guess the best word kept you sort of engaged, kept you interested?
Woody Overton
BECKHAM Definitely. Because, you know, he's quite bit older than Me. So of course, I was kind of half intimidated and half, you know, looking up to him as being an older cousin. And he's definitely the kind of person that I felt like I could trust or he was a very gentle person. Could always go to him, could always feel safe around him. He was not the type. Even though in our family, as in most families, there's always the teasing and giving each other a hard time.
Pat Harris
But Scott's nature is so gentle and sweet and kind. HARRIS the phrase you used with me was generosity of spirit. That's a phrase I haven't heard before.
Woody Overton
What do you mean by that generosity of spirit? BECTON I think he's really demonstrated, and a lot of people, I think, have said this, that he's truly generous because he's humble with his generosity. He is generous with his time. He's generous with his behavior and his just speaking with you, hanging out with you, whatever it is, even just taking somebody to church or whatever those things are.
Pat Harris
And he does it in a way that's not for recognition. He does it just because, you know, it'll make somebody else feel happy.
Woody Overton
Despite the fact that he's quiet, he's definitely the kind of person, if somebody's.
Pat Harris
More quiet than he is or maybe.
Woody Overton
Like feeling down or whatever, I can definitely see him going over to that person. And despite the fact that he's quiet.
Pat Harris
Pulling that person out of their shell. HARRIS has he had a positive impact on your life?
Woody Overton
BECKTON Definitely.
Pat Harris
HARRIS in what way?
Woody Overton
BECTON he's definitely a good role model.
Pat Harris
Him being eight years older. Like I said, I looked up to.
Woody Overton
Him playing with him. He was always really sweet and had that same sweetness that my Aunt Jackie.
Pat Harris
And Uncle Lee both have. HARRIS Would this have an effect on you if he is put to death?
Woody Overton
BECTON Absolutely.
Pat Harris
HARRIS in what way would it affect you?
Woody Overton
BECTON it would be. It would be death for our family. Harris thank you, Ms. Becton. That's all I have. All right, y'all continuing right again. What the fuck? I don't get it. And just been convicted, murdering your wife and unborn baby, but you could. You could bring people out of their shell, whatever. All right, so now we're going to William Archer, who is Scott's friend in college roommate, can imagine what Mr. Archer has to say. And it's still December 6th, and it's Pat Harris. HARRIS Good afternoon, Bill the relationship you.
Pat Harris
Have with Scott Peterson is one of a friend, is that correct?
Woody Overton
ARCHER yes, sir, it was. Yes, it is.
Pat Harris
HARRIS to give a little background on who you are. Could you tell us when did you go to college?
Woody Overton
ARCHER I went to college at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
Pat Harris
In what years were you there?
Woody Overton
I was a student starting in the fall of 87 and graduating in 92.
Pat Harris
Harris you were a scholarship basketball player?
Woody Overton
ARCHER I was a scholarship basketball player there and a math major.
Pat Harris
HARRIS and did you stay in San Luis Obispo after that?
Woody Overton
ARCHER yeah, I did. I want to stay in the area as many students who go to school in that area did.
Pat Harris
HARRIS how long did you stay there?
Woody Overton
ARCHER I stayed there after I graduated from 92 until 1997.
Pat Harris
Harris do you now live in the Bay Area here?
Woody Overton
ARCHER no, I live in the Bay Area. I've been living in San Jose for the past seven years, since 1997. Now I live out in East Bay in Danville. Judge Mr. Archer, could you move up a little bit? ARCHER yes. JUDGE and I think here. HARRIS Bill, what do you do for a living? ARCHER I'm a financial manager for a high tech firm.
Pat Harris
HARRIS now, are you married?
Woody Overton
ARCHER I'm married to my wife Carrie, who I met in San Luis Obispo.
Pat Harris
HARRIS and do you have children?
Woody Overton
ARCER we have two children, one age, three, 15 months old. Cameron and Emma.
Pat Harris
HARRIS now, when you met Scott Peterson, you met him in San Luis Obispo, is that correct?
Woody Overton
ARCHER I met him in San Luis Obispo, but in specifically in Morro Bay when we were both working at the Morro Bay golf course.
Pat Harris
HARRIS had you already graduated from college at the time when you met him?
Woody Overton
ARCHER I graduated from college and was working part time jobs in the area to try and stay in the area.
Pat Harris
HARRIS in the job you were working.
Woody Overton
Morro Bay, what were you doing there? ARCHER I was a clerk in the Morro Bay pro shop clerk or assistant within the Morro Bay golf course pro shop.
Pat Harris
What did your job entail? What were you required to do?
Woody Overton
ARCHER My job entailed selling merchandise along with when customers would come in to pay for the green fees to play golf. I would charge them and run out a card to them as well, work with them, work with the starter in terms of getting them out on the course.
Pat Harris
HARRIS you came to know Scott Peterson because he worked there.
Woody Overton
ARCHER hey, yep, he worked. He worked at.
Pat Harris
HARRIS what was his job at the golf course?
Woody Overton
ARCHER he was a starter that you would work with to make sure that people were getting out on the golf course who wanted to play.
Pat Harris
HARRIS how was it if he worked outside and you were working inside, how did you two interact?
Woody Overton
ARCHER we interacted by intercom a lot from the start because the starter sat in the shack by the first tee and we were in the pro shop. So some of the communications to start off with was via intercom, you know, talking back and forth.
Pat Harris
HARRIS later on, after you struck up a friendship, did you end up living together?
Woody Overton
ARCHER Yep. So specifically, the amount of time, the period of time we both needed roommates.
Pat Harris
And thought it'd be good for us to live together. HARRIS and you lived together?
Woody Overton
It was over a year, is that right? ARCHER it was over a year, yes.
Pat Harris
Harris you actually lived in two different locations with Scott?
Woody Overton
ARCHER yeah. So the first location was, was there were there were three of us that lived there, Scott and myself and another, I guess it was a three bedroom house, but it was pretty tight and that. So we were pretty close.
Pat Harris
HARRIS and then later you moved, two of you moved into another location?
Woody Overton
ARCHER yeah, I'm sorry. The two of us moved to another location and the lease was up on the house we were in. Our other roommate was moving on and.
Pat Harris
We moved into a house with my.
Woody Overton
Girlfriend at the time, who's now my wife.
Pat Harris
HARRIS the job that Scott did as a starter at the golf course, what, what time did it require him to be there?
Woody Overton
ARCHER it would require him to start work at about 5:30am Harris and did.
Pat Harris
He work that job pretty much every day?
Woody Overton
ARCHER it was not every day, but a number of days during the week, yeah.
Pat Harris
Harris, as you came to know him, did you also find he was working other jobs?
Woody Overton
ARCHER yeah, that he was working as a waiter at two restaurants within Morro Bay and he was also working in his dad's crating business doing shipping and.
Pat Harris
Crating you mentioned to me, oftentimes, work wise, he would arrive home about 10:00 or 11:00 at night from work. Is that the memory you have?
Woody Overton
ARCHER Yep. If he worked a full day, I mean you'd have the starter roll at 5:30 in the morning or then balance them with the various restaurant rolls.
Pat Harris
And then at times he would go.
Woody Overton
Back and be doing some of the Creighton late at night.
Pat Harris
HARRIS did he have a pretty crazy schedule?
Woody Overton
ARCHER yeah, he did. No doubt.
Pat Harris
HARRIS we talked a little bit about his job as a starter and what you saw. How did he interact with people at the golf course?
Woody Overton
ARCHER he's very personal, knew people by.
Pat Harris
Name, was very friendly, and I would go in and he was good at diffusing situations at the golf course and.
Woody Overton
Worked well with both the customers and the rest of the team that worked at the golf course.
Pat Harris
HARRIS, what do you mean by diffusing situations? What kind of things?
Woody Overton
ARCHER you know, we worked at a very busy golf course and we had, you know, we were often running behind in terms of people getting out to play. And Scott was good at first, you know, listening to customers complaints and then helping them work through it and resolving it as quickly as it possibly could.
Pat Harris
Harris, as you grew to knew him both as a coworker and as a roommate, did you develop a friendship?
Woody Overton
ARCHER Yep. Yep.
Pat Harris
HARRIS what did you like about him as a friend? What was attractive about him as a friend?
Woody Overton
ARCHER he was, I'm sorry, SCOTT was, he was a good friend to have. He would listen to you and he would quite often go out his way for you in various small ways.
Pat Harris
HARRIS what do you mean?
Woody Overton
ARCHER Scott, you know, we were both working a variety of part time jobs at that time and he'd go out of his way still to if I was working in the golf course and he knew potentially that I didn't have a chance to grab lunch, he would bring lunch in.
Pat Harris
He would call and let us know where he's working at the restaurant. He would say, you want to come down here and hang out and sit and have a soda and leftover fries? He was just, he was a guy.
Woody Overton
Who thought about what was going on in your life and listened to you.
Pat Harris
HARRIS Would you describe him as selfless?
Woody Overton
ARCHER I would, I would. You know, part of it is, you know, I think back, I probably didn't return the favors as many times as he provided favors, those little favors.
Pat Harris
HARRIS Tell me it was never one grand Os thing, always a little, thousand little things.
Woody Overton
ARCHER and that's the accurate, you know, over the past couple years, you would do a lot of thinking about your friend and some of the things you do and with him and, you know.
Pat Harris
People ask you to describe him, it's.
Woody Overton
Just the little things that you can describe that there is, you know, some people, you know, maybe as a friend doing big, grand awesome things. Some people are just this every day and are always thoughtful.
Pat Harris
Scott was that guy.
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Woody Overton
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Pat Harris
HARRIS Always thoughtful.
Woody Overton
ARCHER yeah.
Pat Harris
HARRIS at one point you were living, I mean when you were living with your girlfriend, that is now your wife, you broke up for a short period of time.
Woody Overton
ARCHER yeah, well, while shortly after Scott and I moved into the house that my girlfriend was living in and that we ended up not being as good as roommates as we were boyfriend and girlfriend and I moved out and we split up for a period of time. Yeah.
Pat Harris
HARRIS Tell me he helped you through that. How did he do that?
Woody Overton
ARCHER Scott would call. He was still living in a house and he would call and see how I was doing. And you know, I can remember one night shooting pool and it was him.
Pat Harris
Just asking questions of how I was.
Woody Overton
Doing and he knew what I was struggling with breaking up with my girlfriend.
Pat Harris
HARRIS so he was there for you?
Woody Overton
ARCHER yes.
Pat Harris
HARRIS did you ever, I know you worked a lot of part time jobs yourself. Did you ever go help him at the crating company?
Woody Overton
ARCHER yeah, yeah, he invited me a couple times to help him out with the Crayton company. I think it was more because, you know, he knew I was cash strapped.
Pat Harris
HARRIS what kind of tasks were involved with the Creighton company? What kind of things was he doing?
Woody Overton
ARCHER it was nailing into wood, it was putting frames together crates. It was, you know, simple building boxes.
Pat Harris
HARRIS did you have a chance to see him interact with his father at all?
Woody Overton
ARCHER yeah, I did quite a bit.
Pat Harris
HARRIS what was that like?
Woody Overton
ARCHER I would describe them as a good father son relationship.
Pat Harris
A lot of where I would see.
Woody Overton
Them together was around the golf course. They kind of palled around some and that, you know, there were, it was, it was good, genuine father son relationship.
Pat Harris
HARRIS There was a time, I believe, that you talked about he had a motorcycle wreck and he struck you as as how he was able to handle that kind of laughing himself. Would you just tell that story?
Woody Overton
ARCHER and SCOTT at one point in time, I think he started going back to school at this point in time.
Pat Harris
And he was riding a motorcycle and.
Woody Overton
He laid it down on the side and had a pretty rough accident and came home and, you know, was pretty scraped up.
Pat Harris
But at the same time he kind.
Woody Overton
Of just laughed at himself and said, well, I shouldn't have been going quite.
Pat Harris
So fast on a gravelly road.
Woody Overton
And you know, he just didn't complain.
Pat Harris
He just kind of laughed. HARRIS did you say that, in general, Scott had a positive impact on your life?
Woody Overton
ARCHER I would. Scott treated people with a lot of respect and was positive with those people that were around him. It was he treated people extremely well and was friendly from the start.
Pat Harris
And some of that rubs off on you.
Woody Overton
You know, as to there there are situations where you should probably, when I would see him, I should probably treat people a little better as well.
Pat Harris
HARRIS you had when you got the phone call from us asking you to testify, you agreed immediately, although you hadn't actually spent a lot of time with him since college.
Woody Overton
Why? ARCHER this is an awful situation and I can't imagine what's going on with the families and how hard it would be. And I can't put myself in a comparative situation. I just know that if I called him and, you know, he would agree to in a heartbeat to.
Pat Harris
HARRIS how would you feel about Scott.
Woody Overton
Being given the death penalty? ARCHER it would hurt. It would hurt.
Pat Harris
Harris, you know him from your time together spent with him. Do you feel like if he's allowed to live, that he could have. Go ahead, take your time.
Woody Overton
ARCHER yeah, I was gonna ask you to repeat that, JUDGE. There's the Kleenex. There's a box of Kleenex there. That's why it's there. ARCHER I didn't see it before.
Pat Harris
HARRIS Given what you know about him, you and your relationship with him, do you feel that if given the opportunity to live, he could have a positive impact in prison?
Woody Overton
ARCHER yeah, I do.
Pat Harris
SCOTT in the time I spent with him, which was, you know, a period of time ago, he made the very best of every situation he was in.
Woody Overton
HARRIS that's all I have. Y'all come on, man. What the fuck you we were college roommates for a year and a half. He treated people nice. He could defuse situations off the golf course. Wish he had defused it before he killed his wife and unborn baby, right? Whatever. Now, believe it or not, the little bit you got out of that, it, I'm gonna call the guy an idiot, but out that testimony, they're actually going to get the testimony from his wife, who was a roommate for a short period of time, and her name is Carrie Archer in December 6, 2004. Pat Harris Good afternoon.
Pat Harris
CARRIE we just met Bill Archer. That is your husband?
Woody Overton
CARRIE yes, it is.
Pat Harris
HARRIS we heard him talk about the fact that you met in college, met in San Luis Obispo. Were you in school there?
Woody Overton
CARRIE Yes, I was. HARRIS what were you majoring in? CARRIE Physical physical education and kinesiology.
Pat Harris
HARRIS and what have you done with basically your career at this point?
Woody Overton
CARRIE I now manage a number of.
Pat Harris
Corporate fitness facilities for a high tech company. HARRIS My understanding of the living arrangements here at one point is that Scott and Bill moved in together.
Woody Overton
And at that point were you dating Bill? CARRIE Yes, I was.
Pat Harris
HARRIS what was your first opportunity to.
Woody Overton
Get to meet to get to know and meet Scott? CARRIE yes, it was a first the first time.
Pat Harris
HARRIS and after time period, Bill moved into your house and Scott did as well?
Woody Overton
CARRIE Correct.
Pat Harris
HARRIS Is that a fair assessment of.
Woody Overton
How CARRIE Fair, yes.
Pat Harris
HARRIS and it and at some point Bill moved out briefly and Scott stayed?
Woody Overton
CARRIE Correct.
Pat Harris
Then Bill moved back.
Woody Overton
CARRIE well.
Pat Harris
HARRIS did you guys move out?
Woody Overton
CARRIE eventually we moved out. I'm sorry. Scott and Lacey eventually moved out a couple of months later while I maintained the residence at the initial home.
Pat Harris
HARRIS so try to get these living arrangements right after.
Woody Overton
Scott after Scott and Bill moved into your house. Yes.
Pat Harris
HARRIS eventually, shortly thereafter, Lacey moved in with Scott, correct. HARRIS so that was short of all.
Woody Overton
HARRY yes, correct.
Pat Harris
HARRIS okay, when you met Scott for the first time in he was now starting to be Bill's roommate. What is your first sort of impressions of Scott?
Woody Overton
HARRY Scott was definitely a very personable, friendly guy, very easy to talk to you just immediately, I think felt comfortable in front of him and speaking with him in the very beginning. Just friendly from the very beginning, always asking questions about me initially and then.
Pat Harris
Again also that was consistent throughout, but always concerned with others but wanted to know a little bit more about me.
Woody Overton
We fell very easy in the conversation.
Pat Harris
HARRIS did he sing genuine Tea ARCHER Definitely very genuine. Just sits.
Woody Overton
I think Bill said it accurately and that, you know, it's hard to just say in general, people ask you about him. Just a friendly, great guy, would do.
Pat Harris
Anything for anyone type of guy.
Woody Overton
Just I couldn't say enough about him.
Pat Harris
PARIS did you at some point get to see how he actually worked, work.
Woody Overton
Habits carry in general? Scott was always very busy going to school and holding down multiple jobs. So he he was in and out of the house. Just the reason he was out most.
Pat Harris
Of the time because he was working.
Woody Overton
Or going to school, very busy, busy schedule.
Pat Harris
HARRIS did he still have time for his friends?
Woody Overton
CARRIE Definitely, you know, I definitely can mainly speak for his relationship with my husband Bill at the time, playing golf and shooting pool, those sort of things.
Pat Harris
But definitely he had a busy schedule, but he somehow made room for those sort of things. HARRIS did you consider him trustworthy.
Woody Overton
CARRIE yeah, Scott was, as I mentioned.
Pat Harris
Very easy to talk to, but he was someone I quickly felt I could.
Woody Overton
Call a friend, very trustworthy.
Pat Harris
I knew Scott for, I would say.
Woody Overton
Approximately a year while he lived with my husband, Bill.
Pat Harris
And again at that point is when we had an opening room, the lease went up.
Woody Overton
I would have never asked someone to do move over my room in my house to someone I didn't trust. I mean, definitely very trustworthy. I had other roommates at the time, so I definitely would want to have someone that was trustworthy and worthy of that spot.
Pat Harris
HARRIS did you feel comfortable around him?
Woody Overton
CARRIE yeah, very comfortable.
Pat Harris
There's at some point he brought Lacey.
Woody Overton
Into the house, right? HARRY Correct.
Pat Harris
HARRIS and how did you how did that arrangement work?
Woody Overton
CARRIE he was again, we were in a tight room at one point. Bill had moved out by that time and they had Lacey and Scott moved into one of our spare rooms. It worked out well. She was going to school at the time, he was going to school, and everybody in the house was pretty busy at the time. But, you know, they would come and go and they had a great relationship. I'm sorry, do you want me to be more specific?
Pat Harris
HARRIS I was going to ask you, you observed the relationship, especially there in San Luis Obispo?
Woody Overton
Yep.
Pat Harris
HARRIS what did you observe?
Woody Overton
CARRIE Relationship, they were always very close. This was I mean, I had mentioned not here, but there was a time where Scott was so busy, honestly didn't remember him dating a whole lot. He was too busy with work and school.
Pat Harris
But I do remember when he started.
Woody Overton
Dating Lacey, very special girl in his life. He would talk about her quite a.
Pat Harris
Bit, and when she came to the.
Woody Overton
House, my or other roommate would joke. You don't see couples that are that close that often. They were always together, laughing, just having a great time together. They would plan fun trips together. I remember them joking one time they were going to go away to get married in Mexico to the point where one point we thought they were serious. Obviously they didn't. They were very close, very serious at the time, but always so happy around each other. HARRIS did you see Scott when I.
Pat Harris
Mean, how he dealt with other people?
Woody Overton
CARRIE I did. Scott was very respectful of other people, always putting other people first, always wanted.
Pat Harris
He was he was the type of.
Woody Overton
Person that if you were to see him, he would generally say, how are you? And a lot of times with somebody some people when you run into them, they'll ask you the same thing. It's more of a conversation starter. Whereas with him, I I mean With Scott, he was genuinely concerned about how.
Pat Harris
Are you, what have you been up.
Woody Overton
To, what have you been doing in your life, those sort of things. And again, that goes back to him being so genuine and such a good friend. He was that type of person that he was very kind and considerate and respectful of his friends and was the.
Pat Harris
Type of person that you want to be a little bit more light because you felt so good, how he made you feel and being so concerned with your well being, you know how good that felt, that you want to be.
Woody Overton
That way and you want to be able to treat people that way. That's what I deserved from him.
Pat Harris
HARRIS so you felt like he had a positive impact, he had a positive.
Woody Overton
Impact on your life. CARING I do. Again, a lot of it has to do if you treat others as you would like to be treated. And Scott was one of those people that treated you, again, with respect, very genuine, very caring, do anything for you, would go out of his way if you asked him a favor, whether it would be more furniture or, you know, pick you up from school out of his way.
Pat Harris
He would always do that for you.
Woody Overton
And that type of friend is hard to find sometimes.
Pat Harris
And when you have someone like that.
Woody Overton
You realize how good they make you feel. You want to be more like that. You want to become that type of person and be a person for someone like that.
Pat Harris
And that's when I think, and that's what I think of Scott.
Woody Overton
That's the type of person I think of him to be. HARRIS we all know the harsh realities.
Pat Harris
Of JILL do you think he could have an impact even in that kind of environment?
Woody Overton
CARRIE I do. I don't know what it's like, but I do know Scott and as Bill has mentioned, he's the type of person that would make any situation best he could in any way.
Pat Harris
He, he wrote find a way to do what he needed to do to make a difference or to be or.
Woody Overton
To make a better situation. But he's a great person and I.
Pat Harris
Think he has a lot to offer.
Woody Overton
So again, I don't know what it's like to be in a place like.
Pat Harris
That, but I do believe wherever he is, he's going to find what he can to contribute or to be the best person he knows how to be. HARRIS how would you feel about him being executed?
Woody Overton
CARRIE it's obviously something that I never.
Pat Harris
Want to think of.
Woody Overton
I don't want to think about it because it's to me, I knew Lacey for a short period of time and.
Pat Harris
Every picture you see of hers so accurate.
Woody Overton
She was so bubbly and friendly.
Pat Harris
She's just. To lose a person like that that.
Woody Overton
I knew and then lose her baby, and then to think about losing another great person that I consider Scott to be is.
Pat Harris
It's just beyond imagination. I just can't imagine what it would be like.
Woody Overton
It doesn't seem right. It doesn't seem fair. And I don't think that. I can't imagine. I just can't go there with that decision. Harris, thank you. That's all I have. Y'all, let's try to get another one so we can get out of this day into Tuesday, December 7th. But the last witness for this day is Julie Galloway. She's the hostess of the Pacific Cafe. And There's a couple pictures. 92, which is a red Jeep, and picture of Scott and Lee. 93, Scott at a restaurant with a group, and 94, Scott and Mr. And Mrs. Warren. So state of testimony, and this is a Julie Galloway. Now, Garagos, our good friend Mr. Garrigus is back at the mic. Gargoyles. Good afternoon, Ms. Galloway. Galloway. Good afternoon. Garrigas, you met Scott in 1992, is that correct? Galloway Correct.
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Yeah. Guys.
Woody Overton
And at the time, you were a hostess at the Pacific Cafe. The jury heard a place called Abbas.
Avocado Green Mattress Advertisement
Galloway.
Woody Overton
Correct.
Avocado Green Mattress Advertisement
Gary goes.
Woody Overton
What do you do now? Galloway I'm a partner with my brother in a company called the Central Coast Coffee in the San Luis Obispo area. Garagos, you're married now? Galloway Correct. Garrigos, when you met Scott, you were single, I take it? Single, not married. Galloway Correct. Yes.
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Garagais.
Woody Overton
And when you met him was at the cafe itself? Galloway. Yes.
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GARE. Guys.
Woody Overton
And was that you had been working there for. When I talked to you for a number of years before that? Galloway that's correct.
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Garrett goes.
Woody Overton
Do you remember meeting Scott for the first time? Galloway. Yep. I was working and he came there. He'd come there for his first shift for that night, and I was a hostess, and I'd been working there for many, many years before Scott had come in. And I remember him coming in and his, you know, crisp white shirt and his tie and his. He. He walked in and very eager and very willing to work. Women. Have you ever had one of those.
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Woody Overton
You'Re stuck in the middle of a.
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Woody Overton
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Woody Overton
Gary Guys what was his job? You say his first shift was that as a waiter? Galloway A waiter attired as a waiter.
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There it goes.
Woody Overton
So the jury understands, how big of a place is this Pacific cafe? Galloway maybe 500 square feet, 600 square feet. Gary Guys seats how many people? Galloway 28. Gary Guys in the. I guess the number of employees that you could have are not a whole bunch, right? Galloway no, we had, we had two waiters on duty and a hostess on duty here.
Avocado Green Mattress Advertisement
Guys.
Woody Overton
And is it fair to say that you two work in a pretty kind of close environment and become either friendly or not so friendly? Pretty Quick. Galloway yeah, GARGIS I take it you wouldn't be here today unless you became friendly? GALLOWAY yes, that's correct.
Avocado Green Mattress Advertisement
Yeah.
Woody Overton
Guys, would you consider yourself a pretty close friend? Galloway yeah. GARAGOS did you guys become close friends? GALLOWAY yes. Garagos was that, I mean, you were not involved sexually or intimately or anything like that? KELLY Absolutely not. Absolutely not. GARRIGOS I've got a picture, I think, of what looks like avos. Is this there? Galloway yes, that's the restaurant Garrigos. There's two. I've actually got three pictures, judge, that I'd like to mark. GARY Guys, when you were working together there, you said you would be called friends. Could you describe that relationship? GALLOWAY I would consider Scott at the.
Pat Harris
Time my best male friend that I.
Woody Overton
Had GARGOYLES Okay, Would you confide in him? Galloway yeah, I told Scott things that.
Pat Harris
I probably would have not told any female girlfriend.
Woody Overton
It was just so easy to tell Scott things here. GUYS, did he have, at least initially, a positive impact on you in terms of a relationship that you were involved in then got in the way? Yeah, I was dating somebody at the time to where I was just not absolutely not happy at all and confided.
Pat Harris
In Scott and it was, you know.
Woody Overton
He was just better. I talked with him through it, and he helped me make some proper decisions and better choices.
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Gary goes.
Woody Overton
Did you learn things from him? Galloway A lot of things, especially seeing how his relationship was with Lee and Jackie and see how he was and how he interacted with them at the time to where I met Scott at the Pacific Cafe. I was having a lot of troubles with my mom at the time. We weren't speaking. My mother and I didn't speak for a lot of years when I moved out on my own to see him and how he interacted with his mom and how they showed love for one another, it helped me a lot. We talked about that a lot.
Pat Harris
And I got to know the Petersons very well.
Woody Overton
Just see how Scott, how much Scott loved Jackie. It's just absolutely amazing. GARY Guys, you and I talked about this. One of the things that inspired you to have a better relationship or to kind of rehabilitate the relationship you had with your own mother the other way, 100%. That made me work through everything, all of my issues.
Avocado Green Mattress Advertisement
Yeah, guys.
Woody Overton
Also, we talked about that relationship that you were in that you did not feel when you didn't feel it was productive, I guess, or abusive or whatever you wanted to characterize it as. He helped you to get out of that relationship is that right? GALLOWAY Correct. GARRISON has he also helped you get into a different relationship, didn't he? GALLOWAY Correct. GARAGUYS that was, that's what the gentleman who is sitting in the courtroom, who is your husband. Galloway Correct.
Pat Harris
Garriguist Tell the jury about that.
Woody Overton
GALLOWAY yeah. Scott, my current husband, and Scott worked together at the Moore Bay Golf Course. And after I was, I mean, after I worked through my issues with my boyfriend, it was a year between the time and I, I finished my relationship with Scott and I finished my relationship and had some time to myself, worked through all my issues.
Pat Harris
Scott said, you know, I think I.
Woody Overton
Have somebody that I could possibly, I think, be perfect for you. And Scott set us up for a date. Gary goes, would he do things to encourage you in that relationship? Yeah, he would. I mean, there used to be a.
Pat Harris
Flower lady that would come through the.
Woody Overton
Restaurant and she would go through every single restaurant on in Morro Bay selling flowers to everybody.
Pat Harris
As God would say that the flowers.
Woody Overton
Were for my husband or my boyfriend at the time or future boyfriend at the time to encourage me to go out on dates with him. Gary goes, you told me that he had a Jeep that he had, and I think I got this marked as D92. Is that the Jeep that he had at the time? GALLOWAY yeah. Scott bought a used Jeep.
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Yeah. Guys.
Woody Overton
And did you have an either a need or liking for this particular automobile? GALLOWAY yeah. Scott gave me unlimited access to that whenever I want it. I have an absolute love for Jeeps, Gargoyles. Would that, I mean, doing that, would that cause him any problems? GALLOWAY Yep, it would leave him without a car. GARAGUS Would he do that more than one occasion? Galloway yeah, very much so. GARRIGOS how would you describe him in terms of whether or not he was giving or generous? Those were words you would use about him? GALLOWAY I would use, he was the most generous. Yes, he was the most generous man I ever met, ever. GARY Guys, do you have any examples of that that stick out in your mind as you sit here today? Told me a story about going to an art gallery with him one time. GALLOWAY Scott and I used to go, we would spend time together and we actually had time in between his three jobs and my three jobs and us both going to college at the time when we would make our little expeditions. Scott would, I mean, we used to love to go to art galleries just.
Pat Harris
For fun or do any little fun thing that we had time to do together.
Woody Overton
We would go to art galleries. We both love one in particular, art gallery in Cambria we would just go there and look for fun. And I would say, I love something as little as a candle. And somehow he snuck it, bought it when I was turned around and the next day it was on my doorstep, you know, a note that says, thanks, thanks for being my friend. Gary goes do you ever act inappropriate with you? No, never. Come on, are you sexually or anything like that? GALLOWAY no, never. GARGO the friendship that you had with him, it extended also to the family at a certain point, as you indicated, is that right? GALLOWAY yes. Did you observe how he and his father would get along, how they interacted? GALLOWAY yeah, it was wonderful how they interact, how they joke and how they play with one another and how they go camping and fishing and they're not like father and son. I think they're more like brothers. Yes, I put on the screen there a picture. That's a picture of the restaurant. Is that correct? GALLOWAY yes, that's correct. GARRIGOES Was he a hard working waiter when he was there? I mean he would go out of his way. GALLOWAY yeah, sometimes he had to cover the whole entire floor by himself. Again, that's 28 people at one time. And you have to spread yourself.
Pat Harris
That's, that's pretty, that's a lot of people at one time wanting food.
Avocado Green Mattress Advertisement
Yeah.
Woody Overton
GUYS how did he interact with the customers? GALLOWAY he always greets.
Pat Harris
I mean some people came in on.
Woody Overton
His nights when they knew he was.
Pat Harris
Working just to see him. They know that he was working on those nights.
Woody Overton
And I don't think I had any people that came on nights that I was working. GARY Guys, would that be something that, I mean, why would customers want to have him as their waiter? GALLOWAY Just the way Scott interact with those people, the way he cared about them as people, the way he genuinely cared about them, cared about their family, cared about their children, cared about grandparents. If they came with elderly people. Garrigos D94 do you recognize those two? Galloway yes, here it goes. Who are they? Galloway they are Mr. And Mrs. Warren.
Pat Harris
They are people that used to come.
Woody Overton
In the restaurant all the time.
Avocado Green Mattress Advertisement
GARY Guys.
Woody Overton
And specifically asked for Scott? GALLOWAY Yes, 100%. GARGAS how long did you two work together at the restaurant?
Pat Harris
Galloway from 1992 to 1996.
Woody Overton
Gary Guess was he somebody who you could count on that would always be at work early? Galloway 100%. We weren't scheduled to work until 4:30, but he showed up every single time of the shift. He was scheduled to work at 4pm Garrigous and what was his demeanor like Galloway always walked in ready to work, never walked in late, never had an excuse, showed up on time, ready to go to work here, I guess. Were you were you familiar with other jobs he was working at the time? GALLOWAY I know he was working at the golf course early in the morning at the starter shack, and then also.
Pat Harris
Working with his father at the crate.
Woody Overton
Company in San Luis. Garriga's also going to college at the time, at the same time as you were? GALLOWAY that's correct. GARGOYLES Were you aware whether or not he was the one who was working himself through school? GALLOWAY yes. GARAGOS how did you know that? GALLOWAY because that's the one thing we both had in common. We wanted to both of us, both of us wanted to make sure that we were putting both of us putting ourselves through school.
Pat Harris
Both of us had parents willing to.
Woody Overton
Put us through school, but I guess we were kind of stubborn and we.
Pat Harris
Wanted to do it ourselves.
Woody Overton
We could have I mean, had we could have had them pay for everything, but we wanted to do it for ourselves. We were paying for our own rents, paying our own colleges, paying it everything.
Pat Harris
We needed to survive.
Woody Overton
We wanted to do it ourselves. GARY Guys, does the did you ever see Scott violent in any way? GALLOWAY no, absolutely not.
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Here.
Woody Overton
GUYS did you ever see him lose his temper, get into arguments? GALLOWAY no, never. Gary goes, you told me yesterday that when he would work on, I guess on sometimes you would you consider yourself to have somewhat of a short fuse, is that right? GALLOWAY yes, very much so. GARY Guys and I assume haven't worked in a restaurant myself, if you tell people their table is going to be ready in 20 minutes and it's been 40 minutes, people are generally not going to be happy with you. GALLOWAY yes, here it goes. And you would have that experience on occasion? GALLOWAY yes, very much so.
Avocado Green Mattress Advertisement
Here it goes.
Woody Overton
And you were telling me what would happen some of those instances with Scott. Can you tell the jury that? GALLOWAY yes, typical Friday, Saturday night, we were very busy. We were a real hot restaurant where we were working there in the early 90s, and we overbooked ourselves like every other restaurant would. And the hostess, since it's my responsibility to set people down at certain times.
Pat Harris
A lot of times it didn't happen.
Woody Overton
And people come at me and where's my table? Start overreacting. And I didn't handle it too well when Scott and Scott knew right away he could see that I got to a certain point and was ready to, I guess, fight back or bite back. He would, whenever he was in the Restaurant.
Pat Harris
He would come right over and take.
Woody Overton
Right over and say, julie, this table needs you. And he'd come over and handle situation.
Pat Harris
Take the people outside.
Woody Overton
GARY Guys told me about another told me about another continuing kind of issue with another waiter. Their. Their name? Sean Galloway Yes, 100%. Gargas were those things important to you? GALLOWAY yes.
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Yeah.
Woody Overton
Guys, did they, what did they tell you about or show you about Scott? Galloway he was that he was able to mediate and able to handle situations before they got out of control. Garagos, in the time you knew him, did you know him to be somebody who would wear his emotions on his sleeve, so to speak? GALLOWAY Absolutely not. Never once, never. Gargoyles did he appear to you in the years that you knew him there and you two, I mean, were you considered him your best friend? Yahweh 100%, yes.
Avocado Green Mattress Advertisement
Garag okay.
Woody Overton
Galloway Very proudly, I would say he was my best friend. GARY Guess when you would be with him and do things with him, did you get the sense that he was caring about you or caring about you, what you wanted or your thoughts? Galloway that's all. That's always how it was. Very much so. I was just not anyone that he knew, Anyone he knew was always first. And it was never, it was never about Scott. Scott never came up. I mean, it was never, it was never, ever about Scott, you know, hi, how are you? And that was the ends of the conversations about Scott. It went right to, you know, he always, he was so caring about you, the other person. It was never turned around about him.
Avocado Green Mattress Advertisement
Care.
Woody Overton
Guys, now, you obviously know why we're here. I assume you have followed the case and know that he's been convicted and that this jury's task now is to decide whether to impose the death penalty and kill him or let him survive the rest of whatever years he's got in prison with no chance of parole. What is your opinion about that choice that this jury has to face? GALLOWAY My opinion.
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Here it goes.
Woody Overton
I assume, am I correct, that you do not want him to be put to death? GALLOWAY no, absolutely not. No. GARAGOS Tell me, why? GALWAY Because, I mean, because I absolutely here, guys, I know when I talked to you yesterday that you were extremely emotional about this, and I'm not trying to pick at that or anything else. Is it a fair way to represent your feelings that you think it would be a tremendous waste for him to be put to death? GALLOWAY yes. Scott has great things left to do. Garagos even locked in a cage somewhere for the rest of his Life Galloway. Yes.
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Garagos.
Woody Overton
Thank you. I have no further questions. All right, y'all, that said, we actually completed that day of testimony, so we have two days left. Wow. And then we are going. The defense will actually rest. So hang in there. Probably two more episodes. Maybe one. And I love and appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for liking and listening and sharing. Hey, go get your tickets for me live on stage, Saturday, July 19 at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, taking a stage in the Student Union Theater. And it's a big concert. Hard haul, y'all. And we got general admission tickets on sale for 50 bucks. And the VIP experience is a hundred dollars. And that gets you early seating and the party afterwards where the first drinks on me and shuttle service and the cops and all that good stuff. The it's gonna be a great time. It will be an original old school Woody Overton raw, an unscripted story. Looking forward to seeing you all there. Hashtag JusticeForHey. Please, please keep calling in. It's working. We got the DA's reached out. We got news media interviews being done. But this is not the time to let up. Keep the pressure on so they will follow through and do what they said they're going to do. And I got to get out of here. But Lopa, Louisiana, Oregon Procurement Agency, you know, it's my jam. And this past Tuesday night, I got to guess bar or what I guess they call a guest bartending celebrity bartender, whatever with Kevin Kool Aid Garrick. And we rocked it and it was an awesome time. And all the tips went to Lopa and I'll get y'all that that amount as soon as I have it. So that's it. You don't be a organ donor. Sign up, give the gift of life. You don't have to be a life from Louisiana. You could be a lifer from Kentucky. Go to lopa.org take two minutes, fill out the questionnaire and become a hero. And I'm Woody Overton. You host a Real life, Real Crime, the podcast. And until next time or ever, don't let me catch you down on murder by you. Peace.
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Real Life Real Crime - "Scorched: State v Peterson Part 35" Summary
Real Life Real Crime remains a beacon in the true crime podcast sphere, delving deep into complex cases with the nuanced storytelling of host Woody Overton. In the 35th installment of the Scorched series titled "State v Peterson Part 35," released on April 12, 2025, Overton continues his exhaustive exploration of the high-profile Scott Peterson case. This episode meticulously covers the death penalty phase, featuring pivotal testimonies from individuals who knew Peterson personally. The episode is structured around courtroom proceedings, providing listeners with an intimate glance into the defense's strategy and the personal dimensions of Peterson's character.
In "State v Peterson Part 35," Woody Overton revisits the legal saga surrounding Scott Peterson, who was convicted on December 6, 2004, for the murder of his wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn child. Having already secured a guilty verdict, the focus shifts to the death penalty phase of the trial. Overton methodically walks listeners through the courtroom dynamics, introducing key witnesses whose testimonies aim to shed light on Peterson's character and potential for rehabilitation.
Kelly Jean Becton, a member of the Latham family and Scott Peterson’s cousin, takes the stand to depict Peterson’s character from childhood into adulthood. Under the questioning of Attorney Pat Harris, Becton emphasizes Peterson’s generosity and sincerity:
Generosity of Spirit: "He is generous with his time. He's generous with his behavior and just speaking with you, hanging out with you..." (07:19)
Impact of his Potential Execution: Becton states, "It would be death for our family," conveying the profound personal loss the family would endure if Peterson were to be executed (08:55).
Becton’s testimony paints Peterson as a gentle, trustworthy individual who had a significant positive impact on her life, suggesting that his execution would not only harm the family but also overlook the person she knew.
William Archer, Scott Peterson’s college roommate and friend, provides a comprehensive account of his relationship with Peterson. Archer details Peterson’s work ethic, generosity, and interpersonal skills:
Work Ethic and Responsibility: Archer explains Peterson’s rigorous schedule, balancing multiple jobs while attending college, exemplifying his dedication and reliability (16:19).
Interpersonal Skills: "He treated people extremely well and was friendly from the start," Archer remarks, highlighting Peterson’s ability to diffuse conflicts and maintain positive relationships (16:37).
Generosity and Support: Archer recounts instances where Peterson supported him personally, such as bringing lunch when Archer was busy (17:43), and assisting him during personal hardships, indicating Peterson’s selflessness ([23:28]).
Potential for Rehabilitation: When questioned about Peterson’s suitability for the death penalty, Archer expresses deep emotional distress, stating, "I just can't imagine what it would be like," and believes Peterson could positively impact prison life (27:35).
Archer’s testimony seeks to humanize Peterson, presenting him as a compassionate and hardworking individual whose execution would be a profound loss.
Carrie Archer, William Archer’s wife and a coworker of Scott Peterson, offers insights into Peterson’s character and their interactions:
Personal Relationship: Carrie discusses how Peterson helped her navigate personal challenges, including ending an unhappy relationship and fostering better familial relationships (48:36).
Generosity and Kindness: She shares anecdotes of Peterson’s thoughtfulness, such as gifting candles and supporting her emotionally during tough times (51:46), reinforcing the image of Peterson as an exceptionally generous individual.
Positive Influence: Carrie emphasizes Peterson’s positive demeanor and his ability to uplift those around him, stating, "He treated you with respect, very genuine, very caring," indicating Peterson’s enduring positive influence (37:48).
Impact of Execution: Reflecting on Peterson’s potential execution, Carrie expresses unimaginable grief, highlighting the extensive personal loss it would entail (40:16).
Carrie’s testimony further builds on the narrative of Peterson as a kind-hearted and supportive individual, challenging the notion of his deserving of the death penalty.
Julie Galloway, a former hostess at the Pacific Cafe where Peterson worked, provides a professional perspective on his work ethic and interpersonal interactions:
Work Ethic: Galloway praises Peterson's punctuality and dedication, noting, "He always greets... always showed up on time, ready to go to work," which underscores his reliability (51:10).
Customer Service: She describes Peterson’s exceptional ability to manage stressful situations, often stepping in to handle irate customers and ensure a smooth operation (60:14).
Generosity and Support: Galloway recounts Peterson’s generosity, including lending her his Jeep and organizing thoughtful gestures like leaving candles on her doorstep (51:46, 53:17).
Emotional Stability: She attests to Peterson’s calm demeanor, stating, "He never once, never," witnessing any sign of violence or anger (58:26), thereby countering any portrayal of him as volatile.
Impact of Execution: Galloway voices her opposition to the death penalty for Peterson, emphasizing his potential contributions and the loss his execution would represent (62:53).
Galloway’s testimony reinforces the portrayal of Peterson as a dependable, generous, and emotionally stable individual, adding a workplace dimension to his character assessment.
Through these testimonies, the defense aims to present Scott Peterson as a multifaceted individual with redeeming qualities and a capacity for positive change. By highlighting his generosity, strong work ethic, and supportive nature, the defense seeks to argue against the imposition of the death penalty, advocating for leniency and recognizing Peterson’s potential for rehabilitation.
As Real Life Real Crime progresses through the Peterson case, this episode underscores the defense’s focus on Peterson’s character through personal testimonies. Overton effectively balances courtroom proceedings with personal narratives, crafting a compelling argument for reconsidering the death penalty. Listeners are left anticipating the ensuing testimonies and the ultimate resolution of the legal battle.
Kelly Jean Becton on Peterson's Generosity:
"He is generous with his time. He's generous with his behavior and just speaking with you, hanging out with you..." (07:19)
Becton on the Impact of Execution:
"It would be death for our family." (08:55)
Archer on Peterson’s Work Ethic and Friendliness:
"He treated people extremely well and was friendly from the start." (16:37)
Carrie Archer on Peterson’s Support:
"He was so caring about you, the other person. It was never turned around about him." (61:22)
Galloway on Peterson’s Generosity:
"He was the most generous man I ever met, ever." (57:25)
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of "Scorched: State v Peterson Part 35," providing listeners with a detailed understanding of the defense's approach in portraying Scott Peterson as a compassionate and rehabilitable individual. Through heartfelt testimonies and strategic courtroom narratives, Real Life Real Crime continues to offer an engaging and thought-provoking examination of one of true crime's most enduring cases.