It’s a cornerstone of the American legal system and a virtual literary trope that people are presumed innocent until being proven guilty, but it sure was easy to assume the worst about fertilizer salesman Scott Peterson after his wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner, mysteriously disappeared in late 2002.
After all, here was a man who told his mistress that his then-pregnant wife was already deceased, provided conflicting information about what he was doing the day she was reported missing, was spotted laughing at Laci’s candlelight vigil, and sold off her car in the weeks before her lifeless body was discovered. It was hardly the behavior of a devoted family man, and the public’s suspicions were confirmed when a jury found Scott guilty of double homicide in November 2004.
Two decades after his trial and conviction made national news, a pair of docuseries are renewing interest in Scott’s murder case. On Wednesday, Netflix released the three-part docuseries American Murder: Laci Peterson, featuring interviews with Scott’s former mistress, Amber Frey, and Laci’s mother, Sharon Rocha. Meanwhile, Peacock scored interviews with Scott, himself, representing his first on-camera statements since before his arrest.
Amid the extensive layers of the legal system, Scott’s appeals eventually earned a closer look as he waited out years on death row, setting up the once-unthinkable possibility he would get another shot at freedom. Now 51 years old, Scott continues to maintain his innocence, and recent updates offer a faint glimmer of hope he could be released. Here’s a comprehensive timeline of what’s happened in Scott Peterson’s murder case since that tragic December 2002 day when Laci went missing.
Laci Peterson’s Disappearance and Murder
December 24, 2002: Laci is reported missing
On a cold December morning, Scott told police that he last saw Laci at their Modesto, California home around 9:30 AM before he left to go fishing. This sparked a massive manhunt involving both regional and federal authorities, as well as volunteer search teams. Investigators quickly noted Scott's seeming lack of concern over his wife’s disappearance and his refusal to take a polygraph test, raising red flags about his behavior.
January 24, 2003: Amber Frey reveals her relationship with Scott
Amber Frey, a massage therapist, came forward, stating that she had been dating Scott for two months and was unaware of his marriage. Her revelation added a shocking twist to the case, as she disclosed her immediate call to the police upon discovering Scott's involvement in Laci's disappearance.
March 5, 2003: Laci’s case is reclassified as a homicide
Authorities announced that Laci's case was being reclassified from a missing-person investigation to a homicide. They stated that they had “increasingly come to believe that Laci is the victim of a violent crime,” indicating a significant shift in the investigation.
April 13-14, 2003: The remains of a woman and fetus are found
After a fetus was discovered on the shoreline of the San Francisco Bay, the decomposed body of a woman was found nearby. This discovery was a pivotal moment in the case, leading to widespread media coverage and public speculation about Scott's involvement.
April 18, 2003: Scott is arrested, and the bodies are identified as Laci and Conner
Scott was apprehended in La Jolla, California, near the Mexican border. He was found with a dyed-blond hairdo, approximately $15,000 in cash, and multiple cell phones, raising further suspicion. Later that day, authorities confirmed that the bodies found were those of Laci and Conner.
Scott Peterson’s Not Guilty Plea
April 21, 2003: Scott pleads not guilty
During his arraignment, Scott was charged with killing Laci and dumping her body in the San Francisco Bay. He pleaded not guilty to two counts of capital murder, maintaining his innocence and stating he could not afford a lawyer, leading to the appointment of a public defender.
May 2, 2003: Celebrity lawyer Mark Geragos joins Scott’s team
Mark Geragos, known for representing high-profile clients, was hired to defend Scott. His involvement brought additional media attention to the case, with Geragos emphasizing his client’s innocence while navigating the intense public scrutiny surrounding the situation.
December 19, 2003: Laci’s mom files wrongful death claims
Laci’s mother, Sharon Rocha, filed lawsuits against Scott, seeking over $5 million in damages. This added a civil dimension to the case, as the family sought justice through both criminal and civil courts.
Scott’s Murder Trial
June 1, 2004: Scott’s trial begins
The trial began with the prosecution asserting that Scott killed Laci to lead a responsibility-free life. The defense countered that Scott's behavior was not indicative of guilt and presented medical evidence suggesting that Conner was born after Laci's reported disappearance.
August 10, 2004: Amber delivers her crucial testimony
Amber Frey took the stand for several days, detailing her relationship with Scott and the lies he told her. This testimony proved to be a significant turning point for the prosecution, as recorded phone calls were presented to further support her claims.
November 12, 2004: Scott is found guilty
Despite the lack of a murder weapon or physical evidence linking Scott to the crimes, he was found guilty of first-degree murder for Laci and second-degree murder for Conner. The courtroom reacted with gasps, while outside, supporters celebrated the verdict.
Scott’s First Sentence and Appeals
March 16, 2005: The judge sentences Scott to death
Judge Alfred Delucchi sentenced Scott to death by lethal injection, marking a dramatic conclusion to the trial. The emotional response from both families highlighted the ongoing pain and conflict surrounding the case.
July 5, 2012: Scott files an appeal
In a detailed appeal to the California Supreme Court, Scott argued that media coverage had compromised his right to a fair trial. His legal team also raised issues regarding jurors who had been excluded due to their views on the death penalty.
August 24, 2020: Scott’s death sentence is overturned
The California Supreme Court ruled that Scott’s death sentence was improperly imposed due to the dismissal of jurors who were willing to consider the death penalty. However, they upheld the murder conviction, emphasizing the complexity of the case.
Latest News: Scott’s Current Appeal
January 18, 2024: Innocence Project joins Scott’s defense
The Los Angeles Innocence Project began working with Scott's legal team, seeking new evidence to support his claim of innocence. Their efforts included requests for new DNA testing related to a burglary near the Peterson home around the time of Laci’s disappearance.
May 29, 2024: Judge orders limited DNA testing
A California judge ruled that only one piece of evidence, a piece of duct tape found on Laci’s pants, would undergo testing, while other critical evidence was excluded. This limited victory underscores the ongoing challenges faced in proving Scott’s innocence.
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