Get ready, true crime enthusiasts — Netflix is about to drop a new docuseries titled ‘American Murder: Laci Peterson.’ This three-part series is set to revisit the heart-wrenching case of Laci Peterson, whose disappearance and murder in 2002 turned into a national obsession.
Now, if you’re thinking, “Why should I care about another true crime story?” Trust me, the Laci Peterson case is not just any other crime story. It has all the elements of a Hollywood thriller — love, betrayal, deceit, and a quest for justice that has spanned over 20 years.
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What Actually Happened To Laci Peterson?
On December 24, 2002, Scott and Laci Peterson began their Christmas Eve in Modesto, California, like any other day. After a morning of breakfast and television, Scott headed out for a fishing trip, while Laci took their dog for a walk. Later that day, their dog was found alone, still leashed and wandering outside the home.
Scott Peterson reported to police that he had gone to his warehouse to handle some emails and then took his boat to Berkeley Marina. His story was somewhat corroborated by timestamped emails and a marina receipt.
After about 90 minutes of fishing, Scott claimed he returned his boat to the warehouse and went home to an empty house. He thought Laci might have gone to her mother’s house and called his mother-in-law when he couldn’t find her. Within half an hour, Laci’s stepfather had reported her missing.
Scott Peterson: A Suspicious Figure From The Start
Let’s talk about Scott Peterson’s first interaction with the police. On the day Laci went missing, he met investigators at a park where she was known to walk their dog. This initial meeting was just the beginning of a series of tests and evaluations that placed Scott squarely in the spotlight. As Laci’s husband, he was an obvious suspect, and his every move was under scrutiny.
Despite opportunities to clear his name, Scott struggled with the police’s demands. For instance, he declined a polygraph test, and his reluctance to answer questions or engage in the investigation raised eyebrows.
“His major concerns were not Laci,” one detective told People in 2005. “His major concerns were his car door hitting his other car door in the driveway, or me taking a picture of this boat in his shop, or getting a receipt for the pink slipper and sunglasses the tracking-dog people used for Laci’s scent.”
Scott’s hesitance continued when police executed a search warrant at his home the day after Christmas. His lack of cooperation and focus on personal concerns only fueled suspicions.
Scott Peterson’s Missteps And Media Backlash
During the initial days following Laci’s disappearance, the Rocha family—Laci’s immediate family—expressed their grief publicly while defending Scott. However, Scott’s behavior was scrutinized and criticized heavily.
On December 31, 2002, Modesto held a vigil for Laci and Connor (the son she was 8 months pregnant with). Scott attended but did not speak, which, coupled with photographs of him smiling and laughing, sparked controversy. This behavior seemed out of place and led to public outrage. Some defended him as merely aloof, but media scrutiny, particularly from Nancy Grace, intensified the backlash.
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Scott Peterson’s Secret Affair: A Game-Changer In The Investigation
Adding fuel to the fire, Scott Peterson was revealed to be having an affair with Amber Frey, a massage therapist. In early December 2002, Scott had misled Amber into believing his wife was already dead. When Laci went missing, Amber cooperated with the police, recording over 29 hours of conversations with Scott. Her revelations, including his lies about being single, further cemented his role as a prime suspect.
In January 2003, as the media uncovered photographs and details about Scott’s affair, public and legal opinions shifted dramatically against him. Scott’s disastrous Good Morning America interview with Diane Sawyer only worsened his standing, particularly his false claims about informing police about the affair. And most damningly, Scott referred to his missing wife in the past tense, saying Laci “was” amazing.
The Arrest And Trial: Justice Served?
By January 5, 2003, divers searched Berkeley Marina, where Scott had been fishing, but found no evidence. Then, in April, two bodies—matching Laci and Connor—were discovered.
Scott Peterson was arrested on April 18, 2003, in San Diego. He was found with cash, camping gear, and a new look—blonde hair and a beard. All these details made it look like he might have been planning to flee.
Scott was charged with two counts of murder on April 21, 2003, and eventually convicted on November 12, 2004, for the murders of Laci and Connor. Despite his claims of innocence, he was sentenced to death in March 2005 and remains on death row at San Quentin State Prison.
Where Is Scott Peterson Now?
So, where is Scott Peterson now? The Los Angeles Innocence Project has taken up Scott Peterson’s case, pushing for a re-evaluation of the evidence. According to the project’s court filings, Scott’s constitutional rights may have been violated, and there’s new evidence supporting his claims of innocence.
“New evidence now supports Mr. Peterson’s longstanding claim of innocence and raises many questions into who abducted and killed Laci and Connor Peterson,” the filings state. They are digging into various pieces of evidence, including a burglary near the Petersons’ home and Laci’s missing Croton watch.
Paula Mitchell, the director of the LA Innocence Project, highlighted “deficiencies” in the original case, and the team is now seeking new documents and witness statements. Scott’s attorney, Pat Harris, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s involvement, saying, “we are thrilled to have the incredibly skilled attorneys at the LA Innocence project and their expertise becoming involved in the efforts to prove Scott’s innocence.“
Interestingly, even a juror from Scott’s trial, Mike Belmessieri, supports the re-investigation. He told ABC News, “If they think they’re going to find something different, that sheds light on something new, I fully support it.”
‘American Murder: Laci Peterson‘ premieres on Netflix on Wednesday, August 14.
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