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DSA In the News

Plea delayed in Woodside murder case

Published on 7/30/2010


The Woodside man accused of staging his wife’s fatal shooting to look like a suicide in an attempt to cash in on a life insurance policy did not make a plea in San Mateo County Superior Court yesterday and will return to court Aug. 10, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Pooroushasb “Peter” Parineh, 64, could face the death penalty if convicted of murder for financial gain in the April 13 death of his 56-year-old wife, Parima.

Yesterday, he came to court with attorney Richard Mazer but did not make a plea.

Parineh has appeared in court several times since his arrest last month, but three separate attorneys had stated they were only making special appearances on his behalf while financing was solidified.

Peter Parineh called 911 April 13 to report finding his wife dead in a bedroom of their multi-million home on Fox Hill Road. He told authorities he believed his wife had killed herself. Within days, however, authorities say they questioned the story — doubt compounded by multiple shots to Parima Parineh, substantial debt including the home being in foreclosure and life insurance policies rumored to be $20 million.

The insurance policy’s suicide exclusion period had passed, making Parineh eligible for a payout if his wife was found to have indeed killed herself.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Parineh June 17 in Sunnyvale and he is being held without bail.