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SUV returned to missing woman's family
MODESTO, California (CNN) -- Laci Peterson's family had more criticism Wednesday for her husband Scott -- this time, because he sold his missing wife's Land Rover and has reportedly considered selling their home. Peterson, who disappeared Christmas Eve, is due to deliver a baby boy next week. Her husband recently sold her SUV because the police impounded his Ford F-150 and 14-foot aluminum boat. In an afternoon press conference, Laci Peterson's family announced that the car dealership that bought the Land Rover from Scott Peterson sold it back to Laci's family for $1. Laci's stepfather, Ron Grantski, said they will keep her vehicle until "she comes home." Grantski also said it may be difficult for Scott Peterson to sell the home he shares with his missing wife. The Modesto house is in both their names. "I find it hard to believe he thought he could sell it without Laci's signature," Grantski said. "Of course, I find it hard to understand a lot of things Scott has done. So why should this be any different?" Police have said that Scott Peterson has not been eliminated from the investigation into the disappearance of his wife Laci, 27. Modesto police have said that a woman who said she was having a romantic relationship with Scott Peterson was cooperating and is not a suspect. Grantski reiterated the family's plea for Scott Peterson to cooperate with authorities. The family demanded his cooperation once it was discovered he was having an affair. "He said since the first night he wanted the focus to be on finding Laci, not on him," Grantski said of Scott Peterson. "But with things he's been doing and saying, the focus has all been on him. "If you want to change the focus, Scott, talk to the Modesto police -- end this circus," Grantski demanded. Grantski said the family routinely drives past the Petersons' house and knew something was wrong when Laci's SUV was missing and a new pickup truck was in its place. Scott Peterson's sister, Susan Caudillo, said her brother sold the vehicle because he needed money to pay bills, including the use of a rental car. "I'm sure he didn't want to sell Laci's car," Caudillo said. Meanwhile, this coming Monday was supposed to be one of the happiest for Laci Peterson's family. Doctors had said she would give birth to a baby boy February 10. The Petersons were planning to name the child Connor. But now, Laci Peterson's family is dreading Monday's arrival. Her stepfather said he wasn't sure how the family would spend the day. He hesitated just a moment before walking away from the microphone, looked out at reporters, and said, "Please understand, this is not the easiest time for us." Laci Peterson's older brother, Brent Rocha, then announced full-scale searches for his sister every Saturday in February. Rocha said the first search this Saturday will cover the Delta-Mendota Canal. The following searches will likely cover Lake Don Pedro and possibly Lake Pardee. Rocha said volunteers will scour the area on horseback, boat, bike and foot. All three waterways are within an hour of Modesto. Rocha also asked ranchers, farmers and sprawling property owners to search their acreage and any body of water nearby. CNN producer Chuck Afflerbach contributed to this report.
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