the escort had been revealed in a search that was deemed illegal. >> the search warrant that resulted in the seizure of the computer was found to be invalid. >> reporter: furthermore, that dramatic trial within a trial about michael's long-dead friend in germany? well, a change in north carolina state law regarding the admissibility of evidence meant a second jury might not hear that story either. >> the male escort is gone, the death in germany is gone, the expert blood testimony is gone. you're left with the autopsy pictures. >> reporter: yeah? >> the medical examiner's testimony. and maybe the prosecution's theory for motive. is that enough? >> reporter: the stars seemed to be aligning for michael peterson. perhaps vindication was at hand. but one final twist was on the way. >> i said, "well, that's just not going to happen. i would go back to prison before that happens. i won't do it. coming up, michael makes a