The inmate who allegedly attacked convicted killer Scott Peterson at a California prison last week said the altercation stemmed from a misunderstanding.
Prisoner Charles Miles, 39, told the San Francisco Chronicle that Peterson was playing pickleball when he mistakingly believed Peterson was approaching him with a weapon. Peterson was holding a pickleball paddle and was retrieving a ball when Miles, who was walking on a nearby recreation path, reportedly began pummeling him in the face.
Miles said he did not know Peterson famously killed his pregnant wife and unborn son in 2002. Miles said he told Peterson to give him some space before the attack
“It was God’s plan for sure,” Miles told the San Francisco Chronicle.
READ: Wife Killer Scott Peterson ‘Beat Up’ During Game of Prison Pickle Ball
Miles said he did not see the ball Peterson was chasing after. As Peterson chased after the ball, Miles said he overheard another inmate say, “Hey, that’s the baby killer.”
“It just triggered a primal urge in me,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle. “That’s when I just took fight on him, and I just beat the living f**k out of him.”
Peterson and Miles reportedly suffered minor injuries in the March 9 attack which unfolded at Mule Creek State Prison, where Peterson is serving a life sentence.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Miles was convicted of murder for a 2007 gang-related shooting at a Halloween party in Pinole. He is eligible for parole in 2031.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed to the news outlet that Miles was the inmate who attacked Peterson. Reports indicated that Miles is facing serious disciplinary action for last week’s altercation.
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[Feature Photo: Scott Peterson/Andy Alfaro/The Modesto Bee via AP, PoolCaleb Harris/CCPD]