What we learned from American Murder: Laci Peterson

The constantly growing repertoire is complemented by true crime Documentaries, Netflix has decided to focus on one of California's most notorious convicted murderers. American Murder: Laci Peterson documents the story of Laci Peterson, who was murdered by her husband Scott while she was eight months pregnant with their first child. Since its release on August 14, 2024, the docuseries has taken the true crime world by storm, ranking second on Netflix's global top 10 list for the week of August 12-18, 2024. In a chilling true story brought to life, the three-part docuseries offers comprehensive coverage, beginning with the days leading up to Laci's disappearance and ending with Scott's conviction for the murder of his wife and unborn son.

Director: Skye Borgman, American Murder: Laci Peterson features interviews with Laci's family and loved ones and provides harrowing insights into the grief that is still strikingly raw despite the passage of 20 years. In addition, the documentary series also features police officers, detectives, lawyers and jurors who were directly involved in the case and give first-hand accounts of the events surrounding Lac's disappearance and Scott's conviction. In true Netflix style, American Murder: Laci Peterson brings never-before-seen footage to the screen and gives viewers a wealth of new information 20 years after one of the most famous true crime cases in history.

What happened to Laci Peterson?

In a true Christmas nightmare, 27-year-old Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner, disappeared on Christmas Eve 2002. Laci was eight months pregnant at the time and was reported missing by her husband, Scott Peterson, who claimed he had returned to their Modesto, California, home alone after a fishing trip. A months-long, large-scale search ensued, attracting national media attention.

To the great horror and grief of relatives who had banded together to find Laci and her unborn son, their remains were found four months later on the shores of San Francisco Bay. The bodies of the mother and child were discovered less than two miles from the marina where Scott was allegedly fishing. The discovery of the bodies was the last straw, as police and detectives already had suspicions about Scott.Just days after Laci and Conner's remains were found, he was arrested and charged with second murder.

Scott Peterson has protested his innocence

Scott's trial began in San Mateo County in 2004. At the time, the investigation revealed that Scott had an extramarital affair with massage therapist Amber Frey. When speaking to authorities, Frey claimed she did not know that Scott was married and expecting a child with his wife. She further said that Scott insisted he was unmarried and casually claimed that his wife had died. The revelation of Scott's infidelity and the allegations he made against Frey went a long way toward establishing Scott as a murderer in the public's eyes..

Although Scott's defense attorneys argued that Laci died in a botched burglary, Scott was found guilty of first-degree murder of Laci and second-degree murder of his unborn son, Conner. After his conviction Scott was sentenced to death. However, the California Supreme Court overturned the death sentence in 2020, citing errors in jury selection.. Nevertheless, the murder convictions were upheld. Scott's request for a retrial in 2022 was denied, and he is now serving his life sentence without the possibility of parole.

In all the years since his conviction Scott continues to maintain his innocence, citing the lack of evidence linking him to the murders.In 2023, Scott turned to the Los Angeles Innocence Project, a nonprofit legal group dedicated to rehabilitating wrongfully convicted criminals, in another attempt to clear his name. He took the case back to court, Paula Mitchell, executive director of the Innocence Project, argued that Scott's constitutional rights had been violated and that he insisted on his actual innocence, which was supported by newly discovered evidence.. The Los Angeles Innocence Project's case in Scott's favor is still ongoing. Scott is now 51 years old.

A documentary with Scott Peterson

Scott Peterson has announced Netflix's American Murder: Laci Peterson. He decided to tell his side of the story, Scott has teamed up with Peacock to create a three-part docuseries called Face to face with Scott Peterson. In the docuseries, which premiered on August 20, 2024, director Shareen Anderson speaks with Scott via video from Mule Creek State Prison in California. In the series, Scott shares his perspective for the first time since he was convicted of murdering his wife and unborn son.

In Face to face with Scott Peterson, Scott fondly recalls his time with his wife, speaking of her smile as she combed her hair and how they shared a bowl of cereal. He also opens up about his affair with Amber Frey and expresses regret for cheating on his wife. Scott adamantly maintains his innocence and talks about the impact the conviction has had on him and his family. He says:

“If I have the chance to bring reality to light, I have the chance to show people the truth. And if they are willing to accept it, maybe that can take away some of the pain for my family. And that would be the greatest thing I can achieve right now.”

American Murder: Laci Peterson, Documenting one of the most gruesome murders in American history, in which a man murdered his own wife and unborn son, viewers are left with many unanswered questions. Despite Scott's conviction, there are many who argue for Scott's innocence, such as the Los Angeles Innocence Project. Was the police really too biased? Was the evidence really too circumstantial? Whatever answer one may conjure up, one fact remains undeniable: the murder of Laci Peterson and her unborn son is gruesome and has left a permanent, unquenchable hole in the hearts of the loved ones.