New Character Emerges in Peterson's Disappearance Case
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: We go now to Modesto, California and the Laci Peterson case. A new character has emerged in the disturbing drama surrounding Laci Peterson and her mysterious disappearance. CNN's David Mattingly has more on today's bizarre twist in this month long case.</s>DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): The city of Modesto still buzzing after the latest turn of events in the case of the disappearance of Laci Peterson. Police were worried that reporters were close to exposing the identity of Scott Peterson's girlfriend. So they did it themselves. A 28-year old single mother named Amber Frey walked out before the cameras Friday night at police headquarters and claimed she and Scott had been romantically involved since a month before Laci Peterson's disappearance. She said Scott told her he wasn't married, and she called authorities when Laci's story hit the news.</s>AMBER FREY, SCOTT PETERSON'S FORMER GIRLFRIEND: I am very sorry for Laci's family and the pain that this has caused them.</s>MATTINGLY: A spokesperson for Laci Peterson's family says they were watching as Amber spoke to reporters and that they felt sorry for her. They say that she was an innocent victim in this case and they appreciate her coming forward. They had no idea that that was going to happen the same night after they held their own emotional press conference in which Laci's older brother also revealed Scott's affair, and openly wondered what else he might be hiding.</s>BRENT ROCHA, LACI PETERSON'S BROTHER: Scott has not been forthcoming with information regarding my sister's disappearance, and I'm only left to question what else he may be hiding. Since Scott is no longer communicating with anyone in Laci's family, and because we have so many questions that he has not answered, I am not -- no longer supporting him.</s>MATTINGLY: Police say they have ruled out Amber Frey as a potential suspect in this case. They have not, however, ruled out Scott Peterson. Friends close to Laci Peterson say they continue to hold out hope for her safe return. One friend telling us that even though it's now been a month, the porch light is still on. David Mattingly, CNN, Modesto, California.