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(Modesto, California-AP) -- Scott Peterson has pleaded innocent in Modesto, California, to murder charges in the deaths of his wife, Laci, and their unborn son.

During his brief arraignment, he told the Stanislaus County Circuit Court: "I am not guilty."

He's accused of acting "intentionally, deliberately and with premeditation" in the killings. The district attorney says he'll likely seek the death penalty.

The corpses washed ashore last week about three miles from where Peterson said he was fishing in San Francisco Bay on Christmas Eve. That's when Laci Peterson -- eight months pregnant -- disappeared.

Scott Peterson was held without bail three days after police arrested him in San Diego County. They were concerned he might flee to Mexico.

A source says at the time of his arrest, Peterson was carrying nearly $10,000 in cash. His naturally dark hair was reddish-blond and he had grown a beard.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Date published: 4/21/2003

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