REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — In Scott Peterson's first public appearance since a jury determined his crimes worthy of the death penalty, a judge delayed his formal sentencing until March 16, 2005.

The sentencing, which was originally scheduled for Friday, had already been moved once to March 11.

"The 16^th is in cement," Judge Alfred Delucchi sternly informed lawyers. "I am not going to change that date."

The 32-year-old fertilizer salesman, who was convicted of the double murder of his pregnant wife, Laci, and her fetus, looked fit and healthy in a well-tailored black suit and yellow tie. As he walked into court, Peterson smiled at his mother, Jackie, and sister-in-law Janey, sitting in the front row.

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Although the jury recommended a death sentence for Peterson, Delucchi could decide to give him life in prison. The judge is widely expected to adhere to the jury's recommendation, however.

The new sentencing date was set to accommodate defense scheduling problems, Delucchi said. He ruled that a defense motion for a new trial filed by the defense would remain under seal until the prosecution files its response March 9.

Former juror Richelle Nice arrives at court Friday.

Also under seal are more than 150 letters Delucchi has received from the public. Delucchi said the letters ran the gamut from praise to criticism for all parties in the case, but decided their publication could "enflame the public against the defendant" and decided to seal them pending Peterson's appeal.

Delucchi also said he had received a letter from Peterson's father, Lee, but declined to make public the substance.

Laci Peterson's family was not present in court Friday, but three jurors, including Richelle Nice — who earned the sobriquet "Strawberry Shortcake" for her magenta-colored hair — were in the gallery. The full sitting jury is expected to attend the sentencing.

After court, Senior Deputy District Attorneys Rick Distaso and Dave Harris gave their first public statements in a live interview with Court TV.

Distaso praised his star witness, Amber Frey. "I think Amber's testimony was very important for the case," he said. "I think everyone saw that it was obviously a big part of the case. I thank her for coming forward. I think that she did a good job."

Senior Deputy District Attorney Dave Harris, left, and Rick Distaso spoke with Court TV Friday.

Since the trial ended in December, the Fresno masseuse has published a book about her relationship with Peterson. Her testimony, which included many hours of phone conversations with Peterson that she secretly recorded, was one of the most widely publicized portions of the trial.

Dave Harris spoke movingly about the personal difficulties of building the two-year case against Peterson, saying, "We really didn't get to go home for a year and we have families at home. It was hard."