Scott Peterson was convicted of killing his wife, Laci Peterson, in 2004. The case has gained media attention over the years, and his defense team has filed several appeals to have the conviction overturned.
After A&E announced they’re releasing a two-part documentary about the case, Scott Peterson: The New Evidence, many people are wondering if Scott actually killed Laci.
Everything to know about the case, below.
Did Scott Peterson Kill Wife Laci Peterson?
Scott has always argued that he didn’t kill Laci, who was pregnant with their son, Conner, at the time of her death. However, a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder in connection to Laci’s death and second-degree murder for the death of their unborn son in November 2004.
What Happened to Laci Peterson?
Laci went missing on the morning of December 24, 2002. At the time, Scott said he left Laci alone to go fishing about 90 miles away from their California home.
When Scott returned home hours later, he said that he found their dog, McKenzie, at the house alone. Later that night, Laci’s stepfather called the police to report that she was missing.
As the search for Laci began, a bombshell in the case was revealed when Fresno massage therapist named Amber Frey claimed she had been dating Scott for over a month. She reported the affair to police and claimed Scott told her he was single.
It wasn’t until April 13, 2003, that the remains of Laci’s unborn child were found in the San Francisco Bay. Her body was then found about a mile away the next day.
Scott Peterson Was Arrested for Wife Laci Peterson’s Death in April 2003
Just days after Laci’s body was found, Scott was arrested on April 18, 2003, at a golf course in San Diego. He pleaded not guilty to two counts of capital murder days later.
Scott’s trial began on June 1, 2004. Frey took the stand to testify about their relationship, portraying Scott as a dishonest man who was capable of lying.
He was ultimately found guilty of the charges on November 12, 2004, and he was sentenced to death in 2005.
Scott Peterson’s Death Sentence Was Overturned in August 2020
Scott’s death sentence was overturned by the California Supreme Court in August 2020 after it was determined that the original trial judge made a mistake when selecting the jurors for the trial because many pro death penalty jurors made up the group, according to CBS News.
In December 2021, Scott was resentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Scott Peterson’s Legal Team Hopes to Overturn Conviction
The Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP), who took over as lead counsel for Scott in 2023, presented bombshell information in the case that they believe warrants a retrial in 2024.
The LAIP said that new scientific evidence and witness statements detailed in a habeas corpus petition that was filed with the California Court of Appeals in April 2024 weakens the original arguments that led to his conviction.
Another potential argument for the defense is that a burglary took place right across the street from the Peterson home on the day of Laci’s disappearance. It’s been theorized that Laci confronted the burglars and she was ultimately killed.
The burglars – Steven Todd and Donald Pearce – were both arrested in 2003 for the robbery. However, police cleared both of them of having any involvement with Laci’s death, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
When Does ‘Scott Peterson: The New Evidence’ Premiere?
Scott Peterson: The New Evidence is a two-part documentary that is scheduled to premiere on A&E on Thursday, July 16, at 9 p.m. and on Friday, July 17, at 8 p.m.
