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'''Scott Peterson''' or '''Petersen''' may refer to:
{{short description|American murderer}}
{{distinguish|text=], an individual with a similar name and criminal case}}
{{other people|Scott Peterson}}
{{Infobox criminal
| birth_name = Scott Lee Peterson<ref name=StoneColdGuilty>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WVv-KsbjFjQC |year=2005 |title=Stone Cold Guilty: The People V. Scott Lee Peterson |isbn=9781411634534 |last1=Dillon |first1=Loretta |access-date=February 27, 2018}}<br>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5J5-lwEACAAJ |title=Still Stone Cold Guilty: The Murder Case Against Scott Lee Peterson |year=2013 |isbn=9781482043686 |last1=Dillon |first1=Loretta |access-date=February 27, 2018}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|10|24}}
| birth_place = ], ], U.S.
| occupation = Fertilizer salesman
| spouse = {{marriage|]|1997|2002|end=died}}
| children = Conner (])
| conviction = First-degree ] in the death of Laci; second-degree murder in the death of Conner
| apprehended = April 18, 2003
| image_name = Scott_Lee_Peterson_mugshot_2011.jpg
| image_caption = 2011 mugshot of Peterson by<br />California Department of Corrections
| conviction_status = ] in ]
| conviction_penalty = ] (overturned)
|imprisoned = ]
}}
'''Scott Lee Peterson'''<ref name=StoneColdGuilty/> (born October 24, 1972) is an ] convicted murderer who is currently incarcerated in ]. In 2004, he was convicted of the first-degree murder of his pregnant wife, ], and the second-degree murder of their unborn son, Conner, in ], ]. In 2005, he was sentenced to death by ]. His case was on automatic appeal to the ]. On August 24, 2020, the death penalty for Peterson was overturned, though his conviction was upheld.<ref name=SFChronicle>{{cite web|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Death-penalty-overturned-for-Scott-Peterson-15510628.php|author=Egelko, Bob|title=Death penalty overturned for Scott Peterson, convicted of murdering wife and unborn child|newspaper=]|date=August 24, 2020|access-date=August 24, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824224905/https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Death-penalty-overturned-for-Scott-Peterson-15510628.php}}</ref>


* ] (born c. 1966), American journalist; staff writer for ''The Christian Science Monitor''
==Early life and marriage==
* ] (born 1968), American comic book writer and editor
Scott Lee Peterson was born October 24, 1972, at ] in ], ], to Lee Arthur Peterson, a businessman who owned a crate-packaging company, and Jacqueline "Jackie" Helen Latham,<ref name=SFChronicle3.7.04>St. John, Kelly (March 7, 2004). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913043807/http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/A-PORTRAIT-OF-THE-ACCUSED-In-a-rare-interview-2812780.php |date=September 13, 2017}}. '']''.</ref><ref name=LATimes>{{cite web|author=Sahagun, Louis; Arax, Mark|date=November 12, 2004|url=https://latimes.com/la-111204peterson_lat-story.html|title=Scott Peterson Convicted in Murder of Wife Laci|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914125013/http://www.latimes.com/la-111204peterson_lat-story.html |archive-date=September 14, 2017|newspaper=]|access-date=August 27, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Biography.com"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914125135/https://www.biography.com/people/scott-peterson-12353513 |date=September 14, 2017}}. ]. Retrieved September 13, 2017.</ref> who owned a boutique in ] called The Put On.<ref name=SFChronicle3.7.04/> Though Lee and Jackie had six children from previous relationships, Scott was their only child together.<ref name="LATimes"/><ref name="Biography.com"/> As a child, Peterson shared a bedroom with his half-brother John in the family's two-bedroom apartment in La Jolla.<ref name=SFChronicle3.7.04/>
* Scott Peterson (1963–1994), American professional wrestler; a founding member of the ] tag team
Peterson began playing golf at an early age, a result of time he spent with his father. By age 14, he could beat his father at the game. For a time, he had dreams of becoming a professional golfer like ], his teammate at the ].<ref name=LATimes/> By the end of high school, he was one of the top junior golfers in San Diego.<ref name=SFChronicle3.7.04/>
* Scott Lee Peterson (born 1972), American salesman convicted of the ]
*], American former police officer
*] (born 1970), American professional golfer
*Scott Petersen, runner in the ]


{{hndis|Peterson, Scott}}
In 1990, Peterson enrolled at ] (where Mickelson had also enrolled) on a partial golf scholarship.<ref name=PhoenixNewTimes>Harris, Ashley (May 10, 2016). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914125219/http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/arts/9-famous-people-who-went-to-arizona-state-university-8267708/2 |date=September 14, 2017}}. '']''.</ref> Mickelson would go on to become a highly successful ] golfer,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://i.pga.com/pga/images/events/2005/pgachamp/pdf/totalpurse.pdf |title=The 87th PGA Championship |publisher=] |date=August 15, 2005 |access-date=October 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809100419/http://i.pga.com/pga/images/events/2005/pgachamp/pdf/totalpurse.pdf |archive-date=August 9, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Peterson's father Lee later testified that the considerable competition that Mickelson presented while they were at Arizona State discouraged Peterson. Randall Mell of the ] '']'' reported that Chip Couch, the father of another Arizona State golfer, ], told Mell that he got Peterson kicked off the golf team. Couch stated that Peterson had taken Chris out drinking and to meet girls, resulting in a hangover for Chris. As Chris was the No. 1 junior in the country, Chip did not want Peterson to threaten his son's future, and complained to the golf coach, who kicked Peterson off the team. Peterson transferred to ] in ], and later, ].<ref>{{cite web|author=Stapley, Garth|date=March 6, 2007|url=https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/peterson-after-the-trial/article3097028.html|title=Man claims he got Scott Peterson thrown off the golf team|newspaper=]|location=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226023035/https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/peterson-after-the-trial/article3097028.html|archive-date=February 26, 2018|access-date=February 28, 2019}}</ref> He initially planned to major in international business, but changed his major to agricultural business. Professors who taught Peterson described him as a model student. His agribusiness professor Jim Ahern commented, "I wouldn't mind having a class full of Scott Petersons."<ref name=SFChronicle3.7.04/>

While at California Polytechnic, Peterson worked at a restaurant in ] called the Pacific Café. One of his co-workers would receive visits from a neighbor named Laci Denise Rocha, who also attended Cal Poly<ref name=SFChronicle3.7.04/><ref name=ModBee4.19.03/> as an ornamental horticulture major.<ref name=SFChronicle3.7.04/> When Peterson and his future wife first met at the restaurant in mid-1994, Laci made the first move, sending him her phone number. Immediately after meeting Peterson, Laci told her mother that she had met the man that she would marry. Peterson later called Laci and they began dating, their first date being a deep-sea fishing trip on which Laci got seasick.<ref name=ModBee4.19.03>{{Cite news|url=http://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/peterson-disappearance-and-arrest/article3096758.html|title=The woman behind the smile|newspaper=The Modesto Bee|date=April 19, 2003|location=Modesto, California|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501001852/http://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/peterson-disappearance-and-arrest/article3096758.html|archive-date=May 1, 2018}}</ref> As Peterson's relationship with Laci grew more serious, he put aside his dreams of professional golf in order to focus on a business career.<ref name=LATimes/> The couple dated for two years<ref name=ModBee4.19.03/> and eventually moved in together.<ref name=SFChronicle3.7.04/> In 1997, after Laci graduated, they married at ] in ]'s Avila Valley.<ref name=SFChronicle3.7.04/><ref name=PhoenixNewTimes/> While Peterson finished his senior year, Laci took a job in nearby ]. Prosecutors have stated that around this time, Peterson engaged in the first of at least two ]s, though they did not reveal names or details of these relationships. Peterson graduated with a ] degree in agricultural business in June 1998.<ref name=SFChronicle3.7.04/>

After their graduations, the Petersons opened a ] in San Luis Obispo called The Shack.<ref name=SFChronicle3.7.04/><ref name=LATimes/><ref name=ModBee4.19.03/> Contrary to a '']'' story that reported that Peterson's parents loaned him money to open the establishment,<ref name=LATimes/> his parents emphatically told the '']'' that they did not, believing it was a bad investment. When the couple had difficulty finding a technician to install a needed vent in the restaurant, Peterson took the necessary certification course in Los Angeles in order to install it himself. Business was initially slow, but eventually improved, especially on weekends.<ref name=SFChronicle3.7.04/> The Petersons sold The Shack in 2000 when they moved to Laci's hometown of ] to start a family.<ref name=LATimes/><ref name=ModBee4.19.03/> In October 2000, they purchased a three-bedroom, two-bath bungalow house for $177,000 on Covena Avenue in an upscale neighborhood near East La Loma Park.<ref name=SFChronicle3.7.04/><ref name=LATimes/>

Laci soon took a part-time job as a substitute teacher,<ref name=LATimes/> and Peterson got a job with Tradecorp U.S.A., a newly founded subsidiary of a European fertilizer company.<ref name=SFChronicle8.3.04>{{cite web|author=Walsh, Diana|url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/THE-PETERSON-TRIAL-Credit-card-debt-takes-2736606.php|title=THE PETERSON TRIAL / Credit-card debt takes center stage / Couple appeared to be living beyond means, says auditor|newspaper=]|date=August 3, 2004|accessdate=May 3, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914081717/http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/THE-PETERSON-TRIAL-Credit-card-debt-takes-2736606.php |archivedate=September 14, 2017}}</ref> According to Lee Peterson, the Spanish company was trying to establish a customer base in the United States, and hired Peterson as their West Coast representative. Working on salary plus commission, he sold irrigation systems, fertilizer, chemical nutrients, and related products to big farms and flower growers, primarily in California, Arizona, and New Mexico.<ref name=LATimes/> Peterson was earning a salary of $5,000 a month before taxes.<ref name=SFChronicle8.3.04/> Laci's loved ones, including her mother and younger sister, stated that she worked enthusiastically at being the perfect housewife, enjoying cooking and entertaining, and that she and her family welcomed the news in 2002 that she was pregnant.<ref name=LATimes/> In November 2002, when Laci was seven months pregnant, Peterson was introduced by a friend to a Fresno massage therapist named Amber Frey. In later public statements, Frey said Peterson told her he was single, and the two began a romantic relationship. The last time Peterson's parents saw Laci was during a three-day weekend they spent together in ] the week before Christmas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/A-PORTRAIT-OF-THE-ACCUSED-In-a-rare-interview-2812780.php|newspaper=]|author=St. John, Kelly|title=A PORTRAIT OF THE ACCUSED / In a rare interview, the family of Scott Peterson sheds light on the life and times of the 'perfect' son|date=March 7, 2004|accessdate=May 3, 2021|archivedate=December 15, 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215011233/https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/A-PORTRAIT-OF-THE-ACCUSED-In-a-rare-interview-2812780.php}}</ref>

==Disappearance of Laci Peterson==
{{Main|Murder of Laci Peterson}}
On December 23, 2002, at 5:45 pm, Peterson and Laci went to Salon—the workplace of Laci's sister Amy Rocha—for a monthly scheduled haircut.<ref name=ModBee11.1.03>{{cite web|author1=Coté, John |author2=Stapley, Garth |date=November 1, 2003|url=https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/article3096545.html|title=Witnesses: Fishing wasn't planned|newspaper=The Modesto Bee|location=Modesto, California|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204231037/https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/article3096545.html|archive-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> As they spoke, Rocha said Peterson offered to pick up a fruit basket that she had ordered for her grandfather as a Christmas gift the next day because he would be playing golf at a course nearby. Prosecutors say Peterson also told other people he would be playing golf on the day of Christmas Eve.<ref name=ModBee11.1.03/><ref name=CNN6.7.04> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605061837/http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/06/03/peterson.trial/index.html |date=June 5, 2018}}. ]. June 7, 2004.</ref> Later that evening, Sharon Rocha, Laci's mother, spoke with Laci on the telephone around 8:30 pm.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122443/https://www.upi.com/Other-woman-in-Laci-case-comes-forward/95791043492498/ |date=February 4, 2019}}. ]. January 24, 2003. Retrieved February 3, 2019.</ref>

Peterson later told police that he last saw his wife about 9:30&nbsp;a.m. on December 24, 2002, when he left to go fishing at the Berkeley Marina. He said Laci was watching a cooking television show but was preparing to mop the floor, bake cookies, and walk the family dog to a nearby park.<ref name=NewYorkPost>Sheehy, Kate (November 13, 2014). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216073716/https://nypost.com/2004/11/13/sweet-lacis-journey-from-love-story-to-tale-of-horror/ |date=December 16, 2018 }}. '']''. Retrieved December 15, 2018.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122520/http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/05/23/peterson/ |date=February 4, 2019}}. CNN. May 23, 2003. Retrieved February 3, 2019.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228164134/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3339884/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/t/people-who-knew-laci-testify/#.XFe3AyMrJFQ |date=February 28, 2019}}. ]. Retrieved February 3, 2019.</ref> Later that morning a female neighbor of the Petersons says she found the Petersons' dog, a ] named McKenzie, and returned him to the Petersons' back yard between 10:10 and 10:17 a.m. About a half hour later, shortly after 10:45 am, another neighbor named Mike Chiavetta said he found McKenzie<ref>{{cite web|author1=Coté, John |author2=Stapley, Garth |date=November 1, 2003|url=https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/peterson-preliminary-trial/article3096852.html|title=Another witness saw dog|newspaper=The Modesto Bee|location=Modesto, California|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204231017/https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/peterson-preliminary-trial/article3096852.html|archive-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> wandering the neighborhood with a muddy leash, and also returned him to the Petersons' yard.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Giblin, Patrick |author2=McKinnon, Julissa |date=April 24, 2003|url=https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/peterson-disappearance-and-arrest/article3096780.html|title=Peterson pets in good hands|newspaper=The Modesto Bee|location=Modesto, California|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122400/https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/peterson-disappearance-and-arrest/article3096780.html|archive-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> Peterson said he returned home that afternoon to find it empty.<ref name=NewYorkPost/> Peterson found McKenzie in their back yard,<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122236/https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=90915&page=1 |date=February 4, 2019 }}. January 23, 2003. Retrieved February 3, 2019.</ref> and Laci's 1996 ] SE was in the driveway.<ref>{{cite web|date=January 21, 2015|url=https://www.modbee.com/news/local/article8605133.ece/BINARY/PDF:%20Peterson%20Court%20Case%20Document|title=Case No. S132449: The People of the State of California v. Scott Lee Peterson|publisher=]|newspaper=The Modesto Bee|location=Modesto, California|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122345/https://www.modbee.com/news/local/article8605133.ece/BINARY/PDF:%20Peterson%20Court%20Case%20Document|archive-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> He showered and washed his clothes because he got wet from fishing.<ref name=NewYorkPost/>

According to ], Peterson reported his wife Laci ] from their ] home.<ref name=ABCNews9.12.17/> However, the '']'' reported that when Laci still had not returned home by 5:15&nbsp;p.m., Peterson called his mother-in-law, and that a half-hour later, Laci's stepfather, Ron Grantski, called the police.<ref name=NewYorkPost/> '']'' also attributes the first call to police to Grantski.<ref>{{cite web|date=January 24, 2003|url=https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/peterson-disappearance-and-arrest/article3097154.html|title=The Search For Laci Peterson Chronology|newspaper=The Modesto Bee|location=Modesto, California|access-date=February 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204230943/https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/peterson-disappearance-and-arrest/article3097154.html|archive-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> Laci was seven-and-a-half months pregnant<ref name=ABCNews9.12.17>Effron, Lauren (September 12, 2017). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914035155/https://abcnews.go.com/US/police-found-scott-petersons-car-laci-petersons-body/story?id=49773987 |date=September 14, 2017}}. ].</ref> with a due date of February 10, 2003. The couple had planned to name the baby boy Conner.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204014742/http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/West/02/10/laci.peterson/ |date=February 4, 2019}}. CNN. February 10, 2003. Retrieved February 3, 2019.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226133740/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CRPT-108hrpt420/html/CRPT-108hrpt420-pt1.htm |date=December 26, 2018 }}. ]. ]. February 11, 2004. Retrieved February 3, 2019.</ref> The exact date and cause of Laci's death were never determined.<ref name=IntroDNAEvidence>Taupin, Jane Moira (July 31, 2013). . ]. p. 122. Archived at Google Books. Retrieved February 3, 2019.</ref><ref name=LookingBack>Windell, James O. (May 5, 2015). . ]. p. 74. Archived at ]. Retrieved February 3, 2019.</ref> Laci was reported missing on Christmas Eve,<ref name=IntroDNAEvidence/><ref>Fleeman, Michael (April 1, 2007). . ]. pp 20 - 21. Archived at Google Books. Retrieved February 3, 2019.</ref> and the story attracted nationwide media interest.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204015412/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4356297.stm |date=February 4, 2019}}. ]. February 3, 2019.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204014648/https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/CRIME-PETERSON-RP4DRIFUYVAB.html |date=February 4, 2019}}. ]. January 23, 2004. Retrieved February 3, 2019.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204014320/https://www.wired.com/2005/03/peterson-sentenced/ |date=February 4, 2019}}. '']''. March 16, 2005. Retrieved February 3, 2019.</ref>

Modesto police detectives Jon Buehler and Allen Brocchini, the lead investigators on the case, responded to the call.<ref name=ABCNews9.12.17/> When they arrived at the Peterson home, Laci's keys, wallet and sunglasses were found in her purse in a closet.<ref name=NewYorkPost/><ref>{{cite web|date=November 5, 2003|url=https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/article3096550.html|title=Scott Peterson Case: Day 5|newspaper=]|location=Modesto, California|access-date= February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122348/https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/article3096550.html|archive-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> The dining room table was meticulously set for a family dinner the following night. One of the two detectives found a phone book on a kitchen counter, opened to a full-page ad for a defense lawyer.<ref name=ABCNews9.12.17/>

When the detectives questioned Peterson that evening,<ref name=ABCNews9.12.17/> they found him to be "dead calm", despite her family's distraught reaction to her disappearance.<ref name=NewYorkPost/> According to ], Bronchini found Peterson's nonchalant demeanor suspicious, describing it as "a strange combination of polite and arrogant, disaffectedly distant and impatiently irritable. He just didn't seem like a man who was crushed or even greatly disturbed by his wife's disappearance and possible death."<ref>{{cite news|author=Kristal Hawkins|url=http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/family/laci_peterson/8.htm|title=The Murder of Laci Peterson |publisher=]|page=8|access-date=June 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023010634/http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/family/laci_peterson/8.html|archive-date=October 3, 2012}}</ref> Buehler told ] in 2017, "I suspected Scott when I first met him. Didn't mean he did it, but I was a little bit thrown off by his calm, cool demeanor and his lack of questioning ... he wasn't, 'Will you call me back? Can I have one of your cards? What are you guys doing now?'"<ref name=ABCNews9.12.17/>

Although Peterson initially said he had spent the day golfing, he later told the police that he had gone to fish for sturgeon at the ]. At 2:15&nbsp;p.m., he left a message for Laci, stating, "Hey, Beautiful. It's 2:15. I'm leaving Berkeley."<ref name=NewYorkPost/> Peterson stated that he went fishing about 90 miles from the couple's Modesto home. Detectives immediately launched a search.<ref name=ABCNews9.12.17/>

Although inconsistencies in Peterson's statements led police to suspect foul play almost immediately,<ref>{{cite news|author=Kristal Hawkins|url=http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/family/laci_peterson/9.html |title=The Murder of Laci Peterson |publisher=]|page=9|access-date=June 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023010554/http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/family/laci_peterson/9.html|archive-date=October 23, 2012}}</ref> they did not treat the case as suspicious within the first few hours after the missing persons report was filed.<ref>{{cite news|author=Kristal Hawkins|url=http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/family/laci_peterson/11.html |title=The Murder of Laci Peterson |publisher=]|page=11|access-date=June 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003001559/http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/family/laci_peterson/11.html|archive-date=October 23, 2012}}</ref> During this initial period, Peterson's in-laws defended him and portrayed him and Laci as the ideal couple, and public perception of Peterson reflected this.<ref>{{cite news|author=Kristal Hawkins|url=http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/family/laci_peterson/10.html |title=The Murder of Laci Peterson |publisher=]|page=10|access-date=June 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023010517/http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/family/laci_peterson/10.html|archive-date=October 23, 2012}}</ref> As police continued to investigate, they grew more suspicious of Peterson.<ref name = court/>

On January 17, 2003, it became known that Peterson had engaged in two other ]s prior to an affair with a woman named Amber Frey.<ref name = court>{{cite web|url=http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/092704-pm_ctv.html|title=Before Frey, two other affairs for him, detective says|last=Ryan|first=Harriet|date=September 28, 2004|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328134354/http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/092704-pm_ctv.html|archive-date=March 28, 2009|access-date=January 22, 2018}}</ref>

Amber Frey approached the police about Peterson, who had denied to police that he was having an affair. She told detectives that she met Peterson on November 20, and that he had initially told her he was single. After they had begun dating, however, she came to suspect that he was married, and confronted him on December 9 about this. Frey said to Brocchini, "He said he lost his wife, this would be the first holiday he was without his wife."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/scott-peterson-called-himself-a-widower-detective-says|title=Scott Peterson Called Himself a Widower, Detective Says|publisher=]/]|date=January 13, 2015|access-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216032608/https://www.foxnews.com/story/scott-peterson-called-himself-a-widower-detective-says|archive-date=December 16, 2018}}</ref>

Frey allowed police detectives to secretly record her subsequent phone conversations with Peterson in the hopes of getting him to ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/111203-pm_ctv.html|title=Detective: Peterson's mistress agreed to tape phone calls|publisher=Court TV|access-date=November 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410205137/http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/111203-pm_ctv.html|archive-date=April 10, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> During the trial, the audio recordings of the couple's telephone conversations were played, and the transcripts were publicized. The recordings revealed that in the days after Laci went missing, Peterson told Frey that he had traveled to ] to celebrate the holidays, in part with his new companions Pasqual and François. In reality, he had made one of these phone calls minutes before attending the New Year's Eve candlelight vigil for Laci in Modesto.<ref>{{cite news|title=Laci Peterson Case: Scott Peterson's Ex-Mistress Testifies|publisher=]|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/12/11/court.archive.peterson5/index.html|access-date=June 11, 2008|date=December 31, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613070856/http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/12/11/court.archive.peterson5/index.html|archive-date=June 13, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

At a January 24, 2003, press conference,<ref>{{cite web|author=Finn, Natalie|date=December 24, 2017|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/900995/secrets-lies-sadness-laci-peterson-s-murder-is-long-solved-but-here-s-why-the-case-won-t-rest|title=Secrets, Lies & Sadness: Laci Peterson's Murder Is Long Solved, but Here's Why the Case Won't Rest|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031058/https://www.eonline.com/news/900995/secrets-lies-sadness-laci-peterson-s-murder-is-long-solved-but-here-s-why-the-case-won-t-rest|archive-date=December 16, 2018|publisher=]|access-date=December 15, 2018}}</ref> the Rocha family publicly withdrew their support of Peterson,<ref name=ABCNews1.24.03>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=90910&page=1|title=Woman Claims Affair With Scott Peterson|publisher=]|date=January 24, 2003|access-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031503/https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=90910&page=1 |archive-date=December 16, 2018}}</ref> explaining that they did this upon learning of his affair with Frey,<ref>Dearden, Jason (October 26, 2004). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031051/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2004/10/26/petersons-parents-take-turns-on-stand/ |date=December 16, 2018}}. '']''. Retrieved December 15, 2018.</ref> in particular upon seeing photos of Peterson and Frey together.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Jardine, Jeff |author2=Stapley, Garth |date=December 23, 2007|url=https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/scott-peterson-five-years-later/article3098828.html|title=Where are they now?|newspaper=The Modesto Bee|access-date=February 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113052528/https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/scott-peterson-five-years-later/article3098828.html|archive-date=January 13, 2018}}</ref> Laci's brother, Brent Rocha, stated that although Peterson had admitted to an affair a year earlier in a January 16, 2003, phone conversation, following Laci's disappearance, Peterson had ceased communicating with the Rocha family.<ref name=ABCNews1.24.03/> They later said that they were angered not by the affair, but by the fact that Peterson had told Frey that he had "lost his wife" on December 9, 2002, 14 days before she disappeared,<ref name=NewYorkPost/> and that he would be spending his first Christmas without her. Police later speculated whether this was an indication that Peterson had already decided to kill Laci,<ref>Wakesman, Jessica (August 15, 2017). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807033350/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/laci-peterson-murder-everything-you-need-to-know-199774/ |date=August 7, 2018}}. '']''. Retrieved December 15, 2018.</ref> which Sharon Rocha agreed was a possibility.<ref>{{cite book|title=For Laci|url=https://archive.org/details/forlacimothersst00roch|url-access=registration|last=Rocha|first=Sharon|year=2006|publisher=]|location=New York|isbn=0-307-33828-2|pages=}}</ref>

==Recovery of Laci and Conner's remains==
On April 13, 2003, a couple walking their dog found the ] body of a small baby, in a marshy area of the ] shore in ] ] park, north of Berkeley.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/man-describes-finding-body-of-peterson-fetus|title=Man Describes Finding Body of Peterson Fetus|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209123744/https://www.foxnews.com/story/man-describes-finding-body-of-peterson-fetus |archive-date=February 9, 2019|publisher=]|via=]|date=July 6, 2004|access-date=December 28, 2020}}</ref><ref name=LATimes4.19.03>{{cite news|url=https://articles.latimes.com/2003/apr/19/local/me-laci19|author=Monte Morin|author2=Dan Morain|title=Scott Peterson Arrested in Wife's Slaying|date=April 19, 2003|newspaper=]|access-date=February 7, 2019|quote=Four months after Laci disappeared from their Modesto home and days after her skeletal remains washed ashore in San Francisco Bay, federal and local authorities Friday arrested Scott near a La Jolla golf course.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306165108/http://articles.latimes.com/2003/apr/19/local/me-laci19|archive-date=March 6, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Its ] was still attached.<ref>Eng, Paul (April 24, 2003). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180048/https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=97660&page=1 |date=February 9, 2019}}. ABC News. Retrieved February 7, 2019.</ref> Although a judge sealed autopsy results, an anonymous ] source revealed that 1.5 loops of nylon tape were found around the fetus's neck and a significant cut was on the fetus's body.<ref name=ABCNewsAutopsy/><ref>{{cite news|title=Laci Peterson's Autopsy to Stay Sealed|url=https://articles.latimes.com/2003/jun/08/news/adna-laci8|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=8 June 2003|access-date=5 December 2013|quote=A judge ruled Friday that autopsy results for Laci Peterson and her unborn son would remain sealed|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108034353/http://articles.latimes.com/2003/jun/08/news/adna-laci8|archive-date=8 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

One day later, a passerby found the torso of a recently pregnant woman, wearing beige pants and a maternity bra, on the eastern shore of the bay,<ref name=LATimes4.19.03/><ref name=CNN6.7.04/><ref name=SFChronicle4.15.03>DeFao, Janine; May, Meredith; Lee, Henry K.; (April 15, 2003). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124553/https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Bodies-of-fetus-woman-found-by-bay-Cops-2655242.php |date=February 9, 2019 }}. ''San Francisco Chronicle''. Retrieved February 7, 2019.</ref> along a rocky shoreline of the same park,<ref name=LATimes4.19.03/> one mile away from where the baby's body was found.<ref name=LATimes4.19.03/><ref name=SFChronicle4.15.03/> The corpse was decomposed to the point of being almost unrecognizable as a human body since the head, arms, most of the legs and all the internal organs except for the uterus were missing.<ref name=ABCNewsAutopsy>{{cite web|title=Autopsy: Laci Peterson's Head Was Missing|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=90600|date=May 30, 2003|publisher=ABC News|access-date=February 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229171438/https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=90600|archive-date=December 29, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=SFChronicle9.17.04>Walsh, Diana; St. John, Kelly (September 17, 2004). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124016/https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/THE-PETERSON-TRIAL-Pathologist-Baby-was-2693350.php |date=February 9, 2019 }}. ''San Francisco Chronicle''. Retrieved February 7, 2019.</ref>

On April 18, 2003, the results of ] tests verified that the bodies were Laci Peterson and her son Conner.<ref name=LATimes4.19.03/><ref>{{cite web|author=Cosby, Rita|title=Body Identified as Laci Peterson; Scott Peterson Arrested in San Diego|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/body-identified-as-laci-peterson-scott-peterson-arrested-in-san-diego|publisher=]|date=April 19, 2003|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630201932/https://www.foxnews.com/story/body-identified-as-laci-peterson-scott-peterson-arrested-in-san-diego|archive-date=June 30, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The autopsy on both bodies was performed by forensic pathologist Dr. Brian Peterson (no relation).<ref name=SiouxCityJournal> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180238/https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/expert-fetus-expelled-from-laci-peterson-s-body-after-her/article_7fb42bd1-f393-5574-b166-2a63708d3daf.html |date=February 9, 2019}}. '']''. September 17, 2004. Retrieved February 7, 2019.</ref> According to the autopsy, Conner's skin was not decomposed at all, though the right side of his body was mutilated and the placenta and umbilical cord were not found with the body.<ref name=ABCNewsAutopsy/> Laci's cervix was intact. The exact date and cause of Laci's death were never determined.<ref name=ABCNewsAutopsy/><ref name=IntroDNAEvidence/><ref name=LookingBack/> She had suffered two cracked ribs, but Dr. Peterson could not determine if this occurred before or after her death.<ref>{{cite web|author=Vries, Lloyd|date=September 17, 2004|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/grisly-moments-at-peterson-trial/|title=Grisly Moments At Peterson Trial|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124227/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/grisly-moments-at-peterson-trial/ |archive-date=February 9, 2019|publisher=CBS News|access-date=February 7, 2019}}</ref> Laci's upper torso had been emptied of internal organs except for the uterus, which protected the fetus, explaining the lower level of decomposition it experienced.<ref name=SFChronicle9.17.04/> Dr. Peterson determined the fetus had been expelled from Laci's decaying body, though he could not determine whether it was alive or dead when this occurred.<ref name=SiouxCityJournal/>

The discovery of the bodies created a greater sense of urgency for Brocchini and Buehler, who had put a tracker on Peterson's car. Knowing that he was in San Diego at the time, they feared he would escape across the border to ]. Brocchini commented in 2017, "I just thought, 'We've got to find Scott right now. He told me he was there and that's where the bodies come up? I mean, I believe it was premeditated, he planned it&nbsp;... San Diego was pretty darn close to the Mexican border. Scott knew the area pretty well. That's where his parents lived. That's where he lived. So it wasn't like he was going to have to get on ] to try and figure out a way to get to ]."<ref name=ABCNews9.12.17/>

The ] and ] performed ] searches of Peterson's home.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210133457/http://articles.latimes.com/2004/jul/13/local/me-peterson13 |date=December 10, 2015}}. ]/'']''. July 13, 2004.</ref> The FBI also conducted ] testing on a hair from pliers found in Peterson's fishing boat that linked them with hairs recovered from Laci's hairbrush.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629050700/https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2005/july/shoe_bomb071805 |date=2017-06-29 }}. ]. July 18, 2005.</ref> The authorities also searched Peterson's pickup truck, toolbox, warehouse, and boat.<ref>Finz, Stacy; Walsh, Diana (July 14, 2004). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914035001/http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/THE-PETERSON-TRIAL-White-powder-brown-stains-2741537.php |date=September 14, 2017}}. ''San Francisco Chronicle''.</ref> After Peterson was arrested, police conducted further searches in the bay in an attempt to locate hand-made concrete ]s they believe weighed down Laci's body while it was under water. Nothing was found.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2003/LAW/05/23/peterson|title=Witness tells Scott Peterson's attorneys he saw suspicious man|publisher=CNN|date=May 22, 2003|access-date=January 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107105713/http://edition.cnn.com/2003/LAW/05/23/peterson/|archive-date=January 7, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Arrest==
Peterson was arrested on April 18, 2003,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2003/US/West/04/19/peterson.case/index.html|title=Scott Peterson jailed in wife's death|publisher=]|date=April 19, 2020|access-date=August 25, 2020|archive-date=June 21, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030621101208/https://www.cnn.com/2003/US/West/04/19/peterson.case/index.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2003/04/18/Scott-Peterson-arrested-for-double-murder/63501050722410/|author=Anderson, Hil|title=Scott Peterson arrested for double murder|publisher=]|date=April 18, 2003|access-date=August 25, 2020|archive-date=August 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825134821/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2003/04/18/Scott-Peterson-arrested-for-double-murder/63501050722410/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Montaldo, Charles|title=Items Found in Scott Peterson's Car|url=http://crime.about.com/od/news/a/peterson_car.htm|work=]|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611173708/http://crime.about.com/od/news/a/peterson_car.htm|archive-date=June 11, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> near a La Jolla ].<ref>{{cite web|author=Morin, Monte; Morain, Dan|date=April 19, 2003|url=https://articles.latimes.com/2003/apr/19/local/me-laci19|title=Scott Peterson Arrested in Wife's Slaying|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306165108/http://articles.latimes.com/2003/apr/19/local/me-laci19|archive-date=March 6, 2014|newspaper=]}}</ref> He told police that he was meeting his father and brother for a game of golf.<ref name=SocialHistory>{{cite book|author=Miller, Wilbur R.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vs9wCQAAQBAJ&q=ScottPeterson%2Cmeetingbrotherforgolf&pg=PT1498|title=The Social History of Crime and Punishment in America: An Encyclopedia|publisher=SAGE Publications|date=July 20, 2012|isbn = 9781483305936|via=]|access-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref> His naturally dark brown hair had been dyed blonde,<ref name=CNNKeyPlayers>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/12/11/court.archive.peterson9/index.html|title=Laci Peterson case: Key players in the trial|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908153604/http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/12/11/court.archive.peterson9/index.html|archive-date=September 8, 2017|publisher=CNN|date=2004}}</ref> and his ] was "overstuffed" with miscellaneous items, including nearly $15,000 in cash, twelve ] tablets, survival gear,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/12/11/court.archive.peterson10/index.html|title=Laci Peterson case: What the jury didn't hear|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908153451/http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/12/11/court.archive.peterson10/index.html|archive-date=September 8, 2017|publisher=CNN|date=2004}}</ref> camping equipment,<ref name=SocialHistory/><ref name=CBSNews>Vries, Lloyd (October 26, 2004). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908153641/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scott-petersons-parents-testify/ |date=September 8, 2017}}. ].</ref> several changes of clothes, four cell phones,<ref name=CBSNews/> and his brother's ], in addition to his own.<ref name=CNNKeyPlayers/><ref name=CBSNews/> Peterson's father explained that he used his brother's license the day before to get a San Diego resident discount at the golf course and that Peterson had been living out of his car because of the media attention.<ref name=CBSNews/> However, police suspected these items were an indication that Peterson planned to flee to Mexico, an idea prosecutors would later concur with.<ref name=CBSNews/><ref name=EscapeMexico>{{cite news|title=Authorities Feared Scott Peterson Planned Escape to Mexico|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/2003/04/18/authorities-feared-scott-peterson-planned-escape-to-mexico/|access-date=February 20, 2014|publisher=]|date=April 18, 2003|location=]|quote=Modesto police say they feared Scott Peterson was preparing to flee to Mexico when they arrested him on Friday|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304121232/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2003/04/18/authorities-feared-scott-peterson-planned-escape-to-mexico/|archive-date=4 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 21, 2003, Peterson was arraigned before Judge Nancy Ashley in ] Superior Court. He was charged with two ] counts of murder with premeditation and special circumstances: the first-degree ] of Laci and the ] of Conner. He pleaded not guilty,<ref name=CNNFastFacts>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/15/us/scott-peterson-trial-fast-facts/index.html|title=Scott Peterson Trial Fast Facts|publisher=CNN|date=April 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912223811/http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/15/us/scott-peterson-trial-fast-facts/index.html|archive-date=September 12, 2017}}</ref> and was held with bail.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/peterson-disappearance-and-arrest/article3096774.html|author=Coté, John|title=Defense team set|newspaper=]|date=April 23, 2003|access-date=October 3, 2020|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004015036/https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/peterson-disappearance-and-arrest/article3096774.html}}</ref>

==Trial==
Before his arraignment, Peterson had been represented by Kirk McAllister, a veteran criminal defense attorney from Modesto. Chief Deputy ] Kent Faulkner was also assigned to the case. Peterson later indicated that he could afford a private attorney, namely ], who had done other high-profile criminal defense work.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2003/05/03/MN122043.DTL|title=L.A. attorney says client wants to vindicate himself by finding killer|last=Finz|first=Stacy|date=May 3, 2003|work=San Francisco Chronicle|access-date=May 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316224713/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2003%2F05%2F03%2FMN122043.DTL|archive-date=March 16, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 20, 2004, a judge changed the venue of the trial from Modesto to ], because Peterson was the victim of increasing hostility in the Modesto area.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,108939,00.html|title=Judge Moves Peterson Trial to San Mateo County|agency=Associated Press|date=January 20, 2004|publisher=]|access-date=May 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102210312/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,108939,00.html|archive-date=November 2, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

Peterson's trial began on June 1, 2004,<ref name=CNNFastFacts/> and was followed closely by the news media. The lead prosecutor was ] while Geragos led Peterson's defense. In opening statements, Geragos claimed Peterson was "a ]" for cheating on Laci but was not a murderer.<ref name=CourtTV/>

Prosecution witness Frey hired her own attorney, ], to represent her. Allred was not bound by the ] imposed on those involved in the trial. Although she maintained that her client had no opinion about whether Peterson was guilty, Allred was openly sympathetic to the prosecution. She appeared frequently on television news programs during the trial.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courttv.com/talk/chat_transcripts/2004/0924peterson-allred.html|title=The Scott Peterson Murder Trial|publisher=Court TV|access-date=November 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228204308/http://www.courttv.com/talk/chat_transcripts/2004/0924peterson-allred.html|archive-date=February 28, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0311/13/lkl.00.html|title=Transcripts|publisher=CNN|date=November 13, 2003|access-date=November 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604132709/http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0311/13/lkl.00.html|archive-date=June 4, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prosecutors claimed Peterson made cement anchors to weigh his wife's body down in San Francisco Bay, however none were found when the Bay was searched, even though sonar could locate small objects on the sea floor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/THE-PETERSON-TRIAL-It-s-hard-searching-bay-2726703.php|title=THE PETERSON TRIAL / It's hard searching bay, diver testifies / Prosecutors try to show why body wasn't found|last1=Walsh|first1=Diana|last2=Finz|first2=Stacy|date=September 8, 2004|website=]|access-date=December 20, 2019}}</ref> The defense questioned whether the investigation was thorough since Modesto police Detective Mike Hermos admitted he did not check the alibi of a prostitute who was accused of stealing checks from Peterson's mailbox but Hermos did not indicate that the woman was ever a suspect and prosecutor Dave Harris noted that the checks were stolen after Laci vanished, precluding the woman from involvement in her disappearance. A police community service officer testified that an interview with Peterson had no sound due to no batteries being put in a tape recorder. Other detectives were called to testify about the extensive search for evidence.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/07/22/national/main631386.shtml|title=Concrete Found in Peterson Home|date=July 22, 2004|access-date=August 20, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009235541/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/07/22/national/main631386.shtml|archive-date=October 9, 2012|publisher=CBS News}}</ref>

Peterson's defense lawyers based their case on the lack of ] and played down the significance of ].<ref name=CourtTV>{{cite web|url=http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/060204_ctv.html|title=Two-timer, yes, but no double murderer: Peterson's defense lays out its case|publisher=Court TV|access-date=2010-11-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228204313/http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/060204_ctv.html|archive-date=2009-02-28}}</ref> They suggested the fetal remains were of a full-term infant and theorized that someone kidnapped Laci, held her until she gave birth and then dumped both bodies in the bay. The prosecution's medical experts contended that the baby was not full-term and died at the same time as his mother.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/092204_ctv.html|title=Peterson's unborn son died at time of his wife's disappearance, expert says|publisher=Court TV|access-date=November 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228041931/http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/092204_ctv.html|archive-date=February 28, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

Juror Frances Gorman was removed and replaced early in the trial due to ]. Jury foreman and attorney Gregory Jackson later requested his own removal during jury deliberations, most likely because his fellow jurors wanted to replace him as foreman.<ref>{{cite web|author=Walsh, Diana|url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/BEHIND-CLOSED-DOORS-Two-jury-members-were-2663861.php|title=BEHIND CLOSED DOORS / Two jury members were kicked off, the foreman was ousted and the case was nearly deadlocked. Now jurors in the Scott Peterson case tell the story of their decision to sentence him to death.|newspaper=The San Francisco Chronicle|date=December 16, 2004|access-date=March 19, 2019|archive-date=June 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606235414/http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/BEHIND-CLOSED-DOORS-Two-jury-members-were-2663861.php}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/11/10/peterson.trial |title=Source: Jury foreman dismissed in Peterson case |publisher=CNN |date=November 11, 2004 |access-date=November 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109204236/http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/11/10/peterson.trial/ |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Marshall, Carolyn (November 11, 2004). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205130248/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/11/us/judge-dismisses-foreman-from-peterson-jury.html |date=February 5, 2018}}. '']''.</ref> Geragos told reporters that Jackson had mentioned threats he received when he requested to be removed from the jury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/112204_ctv.html |title=Peterson penalty phase postponed until after Thanksgiving |publisher=Court TV|access-date=November 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228044748/http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/112204_ctv.html |archive-date=February 28, 2009}}</ref> Jackson was replaced by an alternate.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206073500/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2004/11/11/peterson-judge-dismisses-another-juror.html |date=February 6, 2018}}. Fox News. November 11, 2004</ref>

===Evidence===
A single hair was the only piece of forensic evidence that was identified. The hair, matched through DNA comparison to hair from Laci's hairbrush, was stuck to pliers found on Peterson's boat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://writ.news.findlaw.com/hilden/20040720.html|title=The Scott Peterson Trial|publisher=Writ.news.findlaw.com|date=July 20, 2004|access-date=June 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603231601/http://writ.news.findlaw.com/hilden/20040720.html|archive-date=June 3, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

Presented as prosecution evidence during the trial was the fact that Peterson changed his appearance and purchased a vehicle using his mother's name in order to avoid recognition by the press. He added two ] television channels to his cable service only days after his wife's disappearance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/080304_ctv.html|title=Prosecutors: Peterson signed up for porn channels after wife vanished|publisher=Court TV|access-date=November 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303113918/http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/080304_ctv.html|archive-date=March 3, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> The prosecution stated this meant he knew she would not be returning home. Peterson expressed interest in selling the house he had shared with Laci,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/082504_ctv.html|title=Taped phone calls catch Scott Peterson in numerous lies to family, friends|publisher=Court TV|access-date=November 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228204113/http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/082504_ctv.html|archive-date=February 28, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> and traded in her ] for a Dodge pick-up truck.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hair-strands-a-key-in-laci-trial/|title=Hair Strands A Key In Laci Trial|website=]|language=en-US|date=September 9, 2004|access-date=December 17, 2019}}</ref>

Rick Cheng, a ] with the ] and an ] on tides of the ], testified as a witness for the prosecution. During ], Cheng admitted that his findings were "probable, not precise."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/05/national/main647611.shtml|title=Laci Dumped at Scott Fishing Spot?: But Prosecution Expert Can't Be Certain About The Location|last=de Vries|first=Lloyd|date=October 4, 2004|publisher=]|access-date=May 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522125718/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/05/national/main647611.shtml|archive-date=May 22, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Tidal systems are sufficiently chaotic, and he was unable to develop an exact ] of the bodies' disposal and travel. As the trial progressed, the prosecution opened discussion of Peterson's affair with Frey and the contents of their secretly recorded telephone calls.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/08/23/1093113128828.html?from=storylhs|title='Love triangle' murder trial captivates US|date=August 23, 2004|work=]|access-date=May 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527134540/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/08/23/1093113128828.html?from=storylhs|archive-date=May 27, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

Charles March, a ], was expected to be a crucial witness for the defense, one who, according to the ''San Francisco Chronicle'', could single-handedly ] Peterson by showing that Laci's fetus died a week after prosecutors claimed. Under cross-examination, March admitted basing his findings on an anecdote from one of Laci's friends that she had taken a home pregnancy test on June 9, 2002. When prosecutors pointed out that no medical records relied on the June 9 date, March became flustered and confused on the stand and asked a prosecutor to cut him "some slack", undermining his credibility. Summing up this key defense witness, Stan Goldman, a criminal law professor at ] in ] said, "There were moments today that reminded me of ]."<ref>Finz, Stacy; Walsh, Dian (October 22, 2004). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827165941/http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/THE-PETERSON-TRIAL-Defense-witness-asks-D-A-to-2686764.php |date=2017-08-27 }}. ''San Francisco Chronicle''.</ref> According to one newspaper account about March's testimony, "By the end of his testimony Thursday, legal analysts and jurors closed their notebooks, rolled their eyes and snickered when they thought no one was looking".<ref>{{cite news|title=Defense witness asks D.A. to cut him slack: Expert says fetus died days after mother disappeared|first1=Stacy|last1=Finz|first2=Diana|last2=Walsh|date=October 22, 2004|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/10/22/BAGNB9E4PG37.DTL|access-date=July 6, 2012|work=San Francisco Chronicle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041214071807/http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2004%2F10%2F22%2FBAGNB9E4PG37.DTL|archive-date=December 14, 2004|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Motive===
The prosecution presented Peterson's affair with Frey, financial problems, and impending fatherhood as motives for the murder, surmising that he killed Laci due to increasing debt and a desire to be single again.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxreno.com/news/3430205/detail.html |title=June 17: Was Money The Motive For Murder? |date=June 24, 2010 |location=Reno, NV |publisher=] |access-date=May 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308210045/http://www.foxreno.com/news/3430205/detail.html |archive-date=March 8, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/10/15/us/scott-peterson-trial-fast-facts/index.html|title=Scott Peterson Trial Fast Facts|publisher=CNN|date=May 1, 2019|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-date=April 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409143202/https://www.cnn.com/2013/10/15/us/scott-peterson-trial-fast-facts/index.html}}</ref>

===Verdict and sentencing===
], where Peterson is incarcerated]]
On November 12, 2004, the jury convicted Peterson of two counts of murder: first-degree murder with special circumstances for killing Laci, and second-degree murder for killing the fetus she carried.<ref name=CNNFastFacts/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4008491.stm|title=US beach bodies killer convicted|publisher=BBC News|date=November 12, 2004|access-date=June 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128121142/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4008491.stm|archive-date=January 28, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The ] of the trial began on November 30, and concluded December 13, when the jury rendered a sentence of death. On March 16, Judge ] followed the jury verdict,<ref name=CNNFastFacts/> sentencing Peterson to death by ] and ordering him to pay $10,000 toward the cost of Laci's funeral,<ref name=CNN3.17.14>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/16/peterson.case|title=Peterson sentenced to death for wife's slaying|publisher=CNN|date=March 17, 2005|access-date=February 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209113738/http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/16/peterson.case/|archive-date=December 9, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/06/timeline-scott-peterson-case/|title=Timeline: The Scott Peterson case|publisher=Fox News|date=July 6, 2012|access-date=February 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219180606/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/06/timeline-scott-peterson-case/|archive-date=February 19, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Egelko|first=Bob|date=January 12, 2013|url=http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Peterson-appeal-may-be-helped-by-ruling-3718197.php|title=Peterson appeal may be helped by ruling|work=San Francisco Chronicle|access-date=February 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212094549/http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Peterson-appeal-may-be-helped-by-ruling-3718197.php|archive-date=February 12, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> calling the murder of Laci "cruel, uncaring, heartless, and callous".<ref>{{cite web|author=Ryan, Harriet|url=http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/031605_ctv.html |title=Judge sentences Scott Peterson to death for killing his wife and unborn son|publisher=Court TV|date=March 16, 2005|access-date=September 13, 2017|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228204050/http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/031605_ctv.html |archive-date=February 28, 2009 }}</ref>

In later press appearances, members of the jury stated that they believed Peterson's demeanor—specifically his lack of emotion and the phone calls to Frey in the days following Laci's disappearance—indicated his guilt. Juror No. 1, Greg Beratlis, and two other jurors, said they based their verdict on "hundreds of small 'puzzle pieces' of circumstantial evidence that came out during the trial, from the location of Laci Peterson's body to the myriad lies her husband told after her disappearance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/121304_jurors_ctv.html|title=Peterson jurors speak about guilty verdict, death sentence|publisher=Court TV|access-date=November 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228040519/http://www.courttv.com/trials/peterson/121304_jurors_ctv.html|archive-date=February 28, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 21, 2005, a judge ruled that proceeds from a $250,000 life insurance policy Peterson took out on Laci would go to Laci's mother, which was reaffirmed by the Fifth District Court of Appeal on October 21, 2005. Peterson's automatic appeal was filed in the California Supreme Court on July 5, 2012.<ref name=CNNFastFacts/>

Peterson arrived at ] in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 17, 2005. He was reported not to have slept the night before, being too "jazzed" to sleep.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/17/peterson.prison/index.html|publisher=CNN|title=Prison: Two women want to marry Peterson|date=March 18, 2005|access-date=May 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407224032/http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/17/peterson.prison/index.html|archive-date=April 7, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/7217582|title=Scott Peterson sent to San Quentin|publisher=NBC News|date=March 18, 2005|access-date=June 19, 2011}}</ref> He joined the more than 700 other inmates in California's sole ] facility while his case was on automatic appeal to the ].<ref name=CNN3.17.14/><ref>Abad-Santos, Alexander (July 6, 2012). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205130232/https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/07/scott-peterson-wont-be-executed-anytime-soon/326230/ |date=February 5, 2018 }}. '']''.</ref>

In September 2006, former congressman ] sent a letter to the California Attorney General and other officials arguing that Laci Peterson had been killed by members of a ], not by Peterson.<ref>{{cite web |title=Letter to Attorney General Bill Lockyer |date=September 20, 2006 |author=Bill Dannemeyer |url=http://www.takebackourrights.org/docs/lockyer_letter.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201221749/http://www.takebackourrights.org/docs/lockyer_letter.html |archive-date=February 1, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Daly at risk of losing seat, new polls say |author1=Phillip Matier |author2=Andrew Ross |date=October 23, 2006 |newspaper=] |url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Daly-at-risk-of-losing-seat-new-polls-say-2467842.php |access-date=September 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915121922/https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Daly-at-risk-of-losing-seat-new-polls-say-2467842.php |archive-date=September 15, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Appeal and death sentence overturn==
On July 6, 2012, Peterson's attorney, Cliff Gardner, filed a 423-page appeal of Peterson's sentence, stated that the publicity surrounding the trial, incorrect evidentiary rulings, and other mistakes deprived Peterson of a fair trial.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/06/scott-peterson-appeals-death-sentence-to-california-supreme-court|title=Scott Peterson appeals death sentence to California Supreme Court|publisher=Fox News|date=July 6, 2012|access-date=February 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201091437/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/06/scott-peterson-appeals-death-sentence-to-california-supreme-court/|archive-date=February 1, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Scott-Peterson-files-to-overturn-convictions-3689584.php|title=Scott Peterson files to overturn convictions|date=July 18, 2012|work=San Francisco Chronicle|first=Bob|last=Egelko|access-date=March 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306154948/http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Scott-Peterson-files-to-overturn-convictions-3689584.php|archive-date=March 6, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The ]'s office filed their response brief on January 26, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stapley, Garth|title=Details emerge to counter Scott Peterson appeal|url=http://www.modbee.com/news/local/article8604551.html|newspaper=Modesto Bee|date=January 29, 2015|access-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610180104/http://www.modbee.com/news/local/article8604551.html|archive-date=June 10, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The defense filed a response to the State's brief in July 2015, claiming that a certified dog that detected Laci's scent at Berkeley Marina had failed two-thirds of tests with similar conditions.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stapley, Garth|title=New court brief says judge botched Scott Peterson's 2004 trial|url=http://www.modbee.com/news/local/article29080468.html|newspaper=Modesto Bee|date=July 27, 2015|access-date=November 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126050512/http://www.modbee.com/news/local/article29080468.html|archive-date=November 26, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2015, the defense filed a '']'' petition, claiming that a juror lied on her jury application, and that there was evidence that neighbors saw Laci alive after Scott left home.<ref>{{cite news|title=Will Scott Peterson conviction be thrown out?|url=http://www.10news.com/news/will-scott-peterson-conviction-be-thrown-out-112415|website=] ]|date=November 24, 2015|access-date=November 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126080346/http://www.10news.com/news/will-scott-peterson-conviction-be-thrown-out-112415|archive-date=November 26, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 10, 2017, the State Attorney General responded to the appeal by filing a 150-page document contesting the notion disputing the claims put forward in the appeal, stating that the appeal ignored "overwhelming evidence" that Peterson murdered Laci. Supervising Deputy Attorney General Donna Provenzano stated that the timeline of the crime was established by the neighbor who found the Petersons' Golden Retriever, McKenzie, wandering in the street with its leash still attached, before the sightings of Laci and her dog. Provenzano also indicated, "Purported sightings of Laci were legion," noting 74 reported sightings in 26 states and overseas, most of which she stated, were neither viable nor corroborated.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stapley, Garth|date=August 11, 2017|url=http://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/article166834837.html|title=A new trial for Scott Peterson? No way, new court filing contends|newspaper=The Modesto Bee|location=Modesto, California|access-date=February 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131082927/http://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/article166834837.html|archive-date=January 31, 2018}}</ref>

In August 2018, the defense filed a reply, the sixth brief filed. The brief included six claims of "deficient performance” by trial attorney Mark Geragos, such as failing to call experts in fetal growth, dog scent, how bodies move in water, stating that he would call witnesses but failing to follow through on this, and failing to properly address burglary evidence.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/article216341290.html|title=Attorney Geragos bungled Scott Peterson's 2004 murder trial, new brief alleges|author=Stapley, Garth|date=August 9, 2018|work=The Modesto Bee|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-date=April 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401015944/https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/article216341290.html}}</ref>

On June 2, 2020, the California Supreme Court heard argument on Scott Peterson's appeal. The defense argued that prospective jurors were improperly excused; that the trial judge improperly allowed two jurors onto Peterson's boat; that the judge erred in insisting the prosecution be present during defense testing of the boat; and that the motion to move the trial to another county should have been granted due to juror questionnaire results showing almost half of the prospective jurors had already concluded Peterson was guilty prior to the trial. The prosecution countered that the California Supreme Court should only overturn the verdict if it were to find that a prospective juror was improperly dismissed, and that "there was 'no credible claim' that any of the 12 jurors who decided Peterson’s fate were unfair or partial."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-06-02/scott-peterson-appeal-murder-conviction | newspaper=]|author=Dolan, Maura|title=Scott Peterson asks court to overturn murder conviction and death sentence|date=June 2, 2020|access-date=June 28, 2020|archive-date=June 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603074319/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-06-02/scott-peterson-appeal-murder-conviction}}</ref>

On August 24, 2020, in a 7–0 decision, the ] upheld Peterson's conviction, but overturned his death sentence because Peterson's trial judge,<ref name=SFChronicle/> Alfred Delucchi, who had died on February 26, 2008,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2008/02/29/alfred-delucchi-judge-in-scott-peterson-case-dies/|title=Alfred Delucchi, judge in Scott Peterson case, dies|author=Sweeney, Jason|newspaper=]|date=February 29, 2008|access-date=August 24, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824230406/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2008/02/29/alfred-delucchi-judge-in-scott-peterson-case-dies/}}</ref> had dismissed jurors who opposed capital punishment without asking them whether they could put their views aside. Justice Leondra Kruger explained that per Supreme Court rulings since 1968, "Jurors may not be excused merely for opposition to the death penalty, but only for views rendering them unable to fairly consider imposing that penalty in accordance with their oath. This is the meaning of the guarantee of an impartial jury."<ref name=SFChronicle/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/517ed79bec37923594db894a80807c45|title=California justices toss death penalty for Scott Peterson|author=Thompson, Don|publisher=]|date=August 24, 2020|access-date=August 24, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824230904/https://apnews.com/517ed79bec37923594db894a80807c45}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Kruger, Leondra|url=https://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/S132449.PDF|title=''People v. Peterson'', Case No. S132449|publisher=]|date=August 24, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020}}</ref>

==Media portrayals==
* In 2004, Peterson was played by ] in '']''.
* In 2004, ] aired an episode of '']'' on Laci Peterson.

* In 2005, Peterson was portrayed by Nathan Anderson in the TV movie, ''Amber Frey: Witness for the Prosecution''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Amber Frey: Witness for the Prosecution|publisher=]|url=https://www.moviefone.com/movie/amber-frey-witness-for-the-prosecution/1368196/main/|access-date=August 24, 2020|language=en|date=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816152107/https://www.moviefone.com/movie/amber-frey-witness-for-the-prosecution/1368196/main/|archive-date=August 16, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* In 2007, ] covered the case with a documentary titled ''Scott Peterson: A Deadly Game''.
*In 2015, the series ''Murder Made Me Famous'' covered the story in its second episode, which premiered August 22.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031654/https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/murder-made-me-famous/episode-2-season-1/scott-peterson/825979/ |date=December 16, 2018}}. '']''. Retrieved December 15, 2018.</ref><ref>Helling, Steve (August 20, 2015). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216032054/https://people.com/crime/scott-peterson-juror-expresses-anger-on-murder-made-me-famous/ |date=December 16, 2018}}. '']''. Retrieved December 15, 2018.</ref>
* He was mentioned in Episode 71 of the crime drama '']'', "The War at Home".
* He was mentioned in the ] movie '']''.
* Peterson's case was the topic of the eponymous, 2010 premiere episode of ]'s '']''.<ref>{{cite web|title=True Crime with Aphrodite Jones: Scott Peterson|url=http://www.investigationdiscovery.com/tv-shows/true-crime-with-aphrodite-jones/videos/true-crime-with-aphrodite-jones-interviews-scott-peterson/|website=Investigation Discovery|access-date=March 11, 2017|date=2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063640/http://www.investigationdiscovery.com/tv-shows/true-crime-with-aphrodite-jones/videos/true-crime-with-aphrodite-jones-interviews-scott-peterson/|archive-date=March 12, 2017}}</ref>
* In 2017, the American cable channel ] aired a one-hour special titled, ''Scott Peterson: What Happened?'', which was actually a rebroadcast of ''Murder Made Me Famous''.
*In April 2017, Peterson's case was the topic of a segment of '']'', "The Laci Peterson Story: A Dateline Investigation".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/reporter-s-notebook-laci-peterson-story-then-now-n748941|title=A Reporter's Notebook: The Laci Peterson Story Then and Now|publisher=Keith Morrison|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507154512/http://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/reporter-s-notebook-laci-peterson-story-then-now-n748941|archive-date=7 May 2017|access-date=May 9, 2017}}</ref>
*In May 2017, Peterson's case was the main focus of "Notorious: Scott Peterson", the Season 20 premiere of the Oxygen TV series '']''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Scott Peterson: Innocent? 'Snapped' Notorious 20th Anniversary Investigates Laci Peterson's Death|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/4200926/scott-peterson-innocent-snapped-notorious-20th-anniversary-investigates-laci-petersons-death/|date=May 7, 2017|author=Reyes, Traciy|publisher=]|access-date=May 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509081223/http://www.inquisitr.com/4200926/scott-peterson-innocent-snapped-notorious-20th-anniversary-investigates-laci-petersons-death/|archive-date=May 9, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* In June 2017, ] aired a two-hour documentary on the case titled ''Truth and Lies: The Murder of Laci Peterson''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Truth-and-Lies-The-Murder-of-Laci-Peterson-Airs-Saturday-on-ABC-20180623|title='Truth and Lies: The Murder of Laci Peterson' Airs Saturday on ABC|last=Desk|first=BWW News|website=BroadwayWorld.com|language=en|access-date=December 16, 2019}}</ref>
* In July 2017, ] aired a two-hour program on the case titled ''How It Really Happened''.
* In August 2017, the case was covered in ]'s six part series, ''The Murder of Laci Peterson''.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Wiegand, David|url=https://apnews.com/d636c7d568b041dead73976c26c6038f|title=TV docuseries seems to suggest Scott Peterson didn't kill pregnant wife Laci|date=August 14, 2017|publisher=]|access-date=December 28, 2019}}</ref>
* In November 2017, Investigation Discovery aired a two-hour documentary titled ''Scott Peterson: An American Murder Mystery''.
* In December 2018, the case was discussed on the talk show '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://denver.cbslocal.com/2018/12/18/scott-peterson-laci-peterson-dr-phil-family-claims-new-evidence-proves-innocence/|title=16 Years Later, Family Of Scott Peterson Claims New Evidence Proves Innocence|date=December 18, 2018|publisher=]|language=en-US|access-date=December 16, 2019}}</ref>
* In May 2021, the case was covered in the '']'' episode "Scott Peterson: Case in Question".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scott-peterson-convicted-killer-new-trial-48-hours/|title=Will Scott Peterson, convicted of killing wife Laci and unborn child, get a new trial?|author=Vigliotti, Jonathan|date=May 1, 2021|publisher=]|language=en-US|accessdate=May 6, 2021|archivedate=May 2, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502031425/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scott-peterson-convicted-killer-new-trial-48-hours/}}</ref>
* In May 2021, the case was covered in the '']'' episode "One Last Chance".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc.com/shows/2020/episode-guide/2021-05/14-one-last-chance-the-trial-of-scott-peterson|title=One Last Chance|season=43|number=25|series=]|network=]|airdate=May 14, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afHoifQkUWQ|publisher=]|via=]|title=One Last Chance: The Trial of Scott Peterson: PART 4|date=May 15, 2021}}</ref>

==Further reading==
*{{cite book |title=Dr. Henry Lee's Forensic Files: Five Famous Cases Scott Peterson, Elizabeth Smart, and more... |first1=Henry C. |last1=Lee |first2=Jerry |last2=Labriola |year=2006 |location=]|publisher=Prometheus Books |isbn=1-59102-409-9}}
*{{cite book |title=I'm Sorry I Lied To You: The Confession of Scott Peterson |first=Donna |last=Thomas |date=December 2007 |edition=3rd |publisher=Duj Pepperman Enterprises |isbn= 978-0978572884}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*Kim, Eun Kyung (August 15, 2017). . '']''.
*. '']''. June 1, 2016.
*{{cite book |title=We, the Jury: Deciding the Scott Peterson Case |first1=Greg |last1=Beratlis |first2=Tom |last2=Marino |first3=Mike |last3=Belmessieri |first4=Dennis |last4=Lear |first5=Richelle |last5=Nice |first6=John |last6=Guinasso |first7=Julie |last7=Zanartu |first8=Frank |last8=Swertlow |first9=Lyndon |last9=Stambler |year=2007 |location=Beverly Hills, CA |publisher=Phoenix Books |isbn=978-1-59777-536-6 |url=https://archive.org/details/wejurydecidingsc00greg }}
*{{cite book |title=Blood Brother: 33 Reasons My Brother Scott Peterson Is Guilty |first=Anne |last=Bird |year=2005 |location=New York |publisher=Regan Books |isbn=9780060838577 |url=https://archive.org/details/bloodbrother33re00bird }}
*{{cite book |title=A Deadly Game: The Untold Story of the Scott Peterson Investigation |first1=Catherine |last1=Crier |first2=Cole |last2=Thompson |year=2005 |location=New York |publisher=ReganBooks |isbn=0-06-076612-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/deadlygameuntold00crie }}
*{{cite book |title=Presumed Guilty: What the Jury Never Knew About Laci Peterson's Murder and Why Scott Peterson Should Not Be on Death Row |first1=Matt |last1=Dalton |first2=Bonnie Hearn |last2=Hill |location=New York |publisher=Atria |year=2005 |isbn=978-0743286954 |url=https://archive.org/details/presumedguiltywh00dalt }}

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Latest revision as of 02:21, 10 August 2024

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