Scott Peterson, born on October 24, 1972, is an American man convicted of the murder of his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, Conner, in a highly publicized case that captivated the nation.
Laci Peterson disappeared on December 24, 2002, from their home in Modesto, California, while she was eight months pregnant. What began as a missing persons case soon turned into a murder investigation, with Peterson at the center.
Despite his claims of innocence, a highly publicized trial led to his conviction for the murders of Laci and their unborn son, Conner. Her body and that of her unborn child were discovered in April 2003, washed ashore in San Francisco Bay. Over two decades later, his case remains a topic of legal debate and media scrutiny.
NAME: Scott Lee Peterson
DOB: October 24, 1972
COUNTRY: San Diego, California, United States
VICTIMS: Laci Peterson (wife) and their unborn child
ARREST: April 18, 2003
SENTENCE: 2005 sentenced to death – 2020 Re-sentenced to life imprisonment without parole
PRISON: The San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, Mule Creek State Prison, California since 2022
Where is Scott Peterson now?
SENTENCE: Sentenced to death – 2005 | Re-sentenced to life imprisonment without parole – 2020
Scott Peterson is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole at Mule Creek State Prison in California.
Initially sentenced to death in 2005, he was placed on death row in San Quentin State Prison, California. However his sentence was overturned in 2020 citing juror misconduct during the penalty phase. By 2021, he was formally re-sentenced to life in prison without parole and was transferred to Mule Creek State Prison.
Despite his re-sentencing, Peterson and his legal team continue to pursue appeals, alleging juror misconduct during his original trial. His legal battle remains ongoing, keeping him a polarizing figure in the true crime world.
Throughout his incarceration, Peterson has consistently maintained his innocence.
Reportedly his daily life in prison is largely spent in his cell, with limited personal possessions, and he occasionally receives visits from friends and family. Over the years, Peterson has also garnered attention from female admirers who have sent him love letters, a phenomenon often seen with high-profile convicts.
- Aug 24, 2020 Death sentence was overturned – conviction upheld
- Dec 8, 2021 Re-sentenced to life imprisonment with no parole
- Dec 20, 2022 Denied a request for a new trial
- Jan 17, 2024 The Los Angeles Innocence Project took on case
- Aug 20, 2024 Spoke out in “Face to Face with Scott Peterson” docu-series
- Oct 8, 2024 Judge granted defense access to review old evidence
- Mar 18, 2025 Was involved in a fight in prison, sustained minor injuries
- Apr 21, 2025 Los Angeles Innocence Project file petition aiming to overturn conviction
Aug 24, 2020 Death sentence overturned – conviction upheld
In August 2020, the California Supreme Court overturned Peterson’s death sentence, citing that the presiding San Mateo County Superior Court judge wrongly dismissed 13 potential jurors because, in filling out an initial questionnaire, they expressed opposition to the death penalty.
An appeal of his conviction was rejected. Peterson now has the right to a new penalty phase of his trial. [1]
Dec 8, 2021 Re-sentenced to life imprisonment with no parole
At a new sentencing hearing In December 2021, following on from the supreme court overturning his Death sentence in 2020, Scott Peterson was formally re-sentenced to life in prison without parole by Judge Anne-Christine Massullo in San Mateo County Superior Court. Scott Peterson was present at the sentencing hearing, but was not allowed to speak. [2]
Dec 20, 2022 Denied request for a new trial
Peterson’s defense alleged his 2005 trial, that resulted in a death sentence, was tainted by a rogue juror (Juror No. 7, Richelle Nice) who lied about her own history of abuse to get on the panel.
Superior Court Judge Anne-Christine Massullo found there was not evidence to support the claim, stating, “The Court concludes that Juror No. 7’s responses (to the jury questionnaire) were not motivated by pre-existing or improper bias against (Peterson), but instead were the result of a combination of good faith misunderstanding of the questions and sloppiness in answering,” [3]
Jan 17, 2024 The Los Angeles Innocence Project took on Scott Peterson’s case
The Los Angeles Innocence Project has taken up Peterson’s case, asserting that new evidence could support his claims of innocence. [4]
Aug 20, 2024 Spoke out in “Face to Face with Scott Peterson” docu-series
In 2024 the highly anticipated Peacock documentary series “Face to Face With Scott Peterson” launched its first episode, marking Peterson’s first public comments about the case since his 2004 murder conviction. The debut episode offers viewers chilling new insight into one of America’s most notorious crimes, while revisiting familiar images of Scott and Laci Peterson’s seemingly idyllic marriage – photographs that have become haunting artifacts of this tragic story. [5]
October 8, 2024 Judge granted defense access to review old evidence
In October 2024, a San Mateo County Super Court judge Elizabeth Hill, granted his defense team access to specific investigative materials that the Los Angeles Innocence Project believes will support their case for his new trial. Including duct tape found on Laci’s body and evidence from a burglary that occurred near the Petersons’ home around the time of her disappearance. His attorneys argue that the burglars may have been responsible for her murder. [6]
Mar 18, 2025 Was involved in a fight in prison, sustained minor injuries
In March 2025, Peterson was involved in a prison altercation where he was attacked by another inmate, Charles R. Miles, while playing pickleball. He sustained minor injuries but was not seriously harmed.
Miles said “he didn’t recognize Peterson and mistakenly thought he had been charging him with a weapon”, when in reality, Peterson had just been holding a paddle and running after a runaway pickleball. “It was God’s plan for sure” he added. [7]
Apr 21, 2025 Los Angeles Innocence Project file petition aiming to overturn conviction
The Los Angeles Innocence Project filed a petition in April 2025, with the California Court of Appeals aiming to overturn Scott Peterson’s conviction. LAIP claim to have uncovered new evidence proving Scott Peterson’s claims of innocence.
“This … Writ of Habeas Corpus presents new evidence that was not available at the time of trial, supports Petitioner’s claim of innocence, and shows he was wrongfully convicted,” the petition states. “This new evidence undermines the prosecution’s entire circumstantial case against Petitioner, and shows that the jury relied on false evidence, including false scientific evidence, to convict him.” [8]
You can read the LAIP press release pertaining to the petition here.
Crimes committed by Scott Peterson
Laci Peterson, a 27-year-old woman who was eight months pregnant, disappeared on December 24, 2002. Her husband, Scott Peterson, and her stepfather reported her missing. Scott claimed he had been fishing in San Francisco Bay that morning. On April 14, 2003, the bodies of Laci and her unborn son, Conner, were discovered along the shoreline near the area where Scott had said he was fishing. Prosecutors alleged that Scott had premeditated the murder, citing his affair with Amber Frey as a key motive for the crime.
Capture & Investigation of Scott Peterson
The investigation into Scott Peterson commenced on December 24, 2002, when his wife, Laci Peterson, who was eight months pregnant, was reported missing by Scott and Laci’s stepfather. Suspicion quickly turned to Scott due to inconsistencies in his statements and evidence tying him to the crime.
The fishing trip
Just weeks before Laci’s disappearance, Scott had purchased a small fishing boat without informing anyone, including Laci. On the morning of December 24, he told police he had gone fishing at the Berkeley Marina. However, when questioned about the type of fish he was trying to catch, he hesitated and couldn’t provide a clear answer. This detail became crucial when Laci’s remains, along with those of their unborn son, Conner, were discovered on April 14, 2003, in the San Francisco Bay, near the area where Scott claimed to have been fishing.
Investigators found a single strand of Laci’s hair on a pair of pliers in Scott’s boat. They also uncovered that he had made five cement anchors, though only one was recovered. Authorities theorized that the missing anchors may have been used to weigh down Laci’s body in the water.
A police dog trained in scent detection picked up Laci’s scent at the Berkeley Marina, supporting the prosecution’s theory that Scott had transported her body there. However, the defense argued that scent evidence was unreliable and inconclusive.
An affair exposed: Amber Frey
A significant breakthrough in the case came when police learned that Scott had been having an affair with Amber Frey, a single mother who was unaware he was married. Frey cooperated with investigators and recorded phone conversations with Scott, including one in which he called her during a candlelight vigil for Laci and falsely claimed to be in Paris. This deception further damaged Scott’s credibility and bolstered the prosecution’s argument that he had a motive to kill Laci to pursue a life with Frey.
In her 2005 book, “Witness: For the Prosecution of Scott Peterson”, Frey detailed how she and Scott had been introduced through her best friend, Shawn Sibley.
The arrest of Scott Peterson
After Laci’s remains were found, Scott was arrested near the Mexican border. He had dyed his hair blonde and was carrying multiple cell phones, his brother’s driver’s license, his sister’s credit card, and $15,000 in cash. Authorities believed he was attempting to flee the country, which further strengthened the case against him.
TRIAL & CONVICTIONS
Scott Peterson’s trial began on June 1, 2004, and lasted five months after he was charged with the murder of his wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, Conner.
The prosecution’s case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence, as there was no direct proof linking Peterson to the crime scene or a murder weapon. Instead, the case centered on Peterson’s affair with Amber Frey, his financial struggles, and his suspicious behavior before and after Laci’s disappearance.
During the trial, Frey testified that Peterson had deceived her about his marital status, telling her he was a widower even before Laci was reported missing. The jury also listened to recorded conversations between Peterson and Frey, which prosecutors argued showed his lack of concern for his missing wife.
The prosecution contended that Peterson killed Laci because he wanted to live a “carefree life” without the responsibilities of a wife and child.
The defense, led by high-profile attorney Mark Geragos, argued that Laci had been abducted during a burglary near their home and murdered by unknown individuals and that Peterson was being framed. Prosecutors contended that the timeline made this theory implausible.
Conviction
The jury deliberated for over a week, and the trial was marked by the dismissal of several jurors due to misconduct. On November 12, 2004, the jury found Scott Peterson guilty of first-degree murder in Laci’s death and second-degree murder in the death of their unborn child, Conner.
Sentencing
One month later, on December 13, 2004, the jury recommended the death penalty, and Peterson was formally sentenced to death on March 16, 2005. He was sent to San Quentin State Prison, California’s death row facility.
Death sentence overturned – conviction upheld
In 2020, the California Supreme Court overturned Peterson’s death sentence, citing juror misconduct during the penalty phase. However, his conviction was upheld. In December 2021, he was re-sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and was later transferred to Mule Creek State Prison.
Scott Peterson and his legal team, supported by the Los Angeles Innocence Project, are pursuing additional legal challenges. They have been granted discovery rights to review evidence they believe could exonerate him. Check out the latest updates above to keep up to date.
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REFERENCES / CITATIONS:
- Reuters: Top California court overturns death penalty of Scott Peterson, who murdered pregnant wife – August 25, 2020
- Reuters: Convicted killer Peterson resentenced to life after death penalty voided – December 9, 2021
- NBC Bay Area: Judge Rejects New Murder Trial for Scott Peterson – December 20, 2022
- Los Angeles Innocence Project: Statement on Developments in the Scott Peterson case in California– January 18, 2024
- NBC Bay Area: Scott Peterson speaks for the first time in 20 years in new Peacock docuseries – August 20, 2024
- CBS News: Scott Peterson’s defense team can review decades-old evidence, judge rules – October 8, 2024
- Fox KTVU: California prisoner who attacked Scott Peterson during pickleball game explains what happened – March 18, 2025
- Los Angeles Innocence Project: Files Petition Uncovering New Evidence Proving Scott Peterson’s Claims of Innocence – April 21, 2025
- People: Where Is Amber Frey Now? A Look at Scott Peterson’s Former Mistress’ Life Decades After Laci Peterson’s Murder – February 26, 2025
- abc7news: Timeline: how the Laci Peterson case unfolded – March 15, 2024
Books about Scott Peterson
A Deadly Game: The Untold Story of the Scott Peterson Investigation
In this #1 New York Times bestseller, Catherine Crier, a former judge and one of television’s most popular legal analysts, offers a riveting and authoritative account of one of the most memorable crime dramas of our time…
Blood Brother: 33 Reasons My Brother Scott Peterson Is Guilty
What happens if, after being given up for adoption in childhood, you reestablish contact with your biological family — only to discover that your newfound brother is a killer? Anne Bird, the sister of Scott Peterson, knows firsthand…
Witness: For the Prosecution of Scott Peterson
In November 2002, she went on a blind date with Scott Peterson. He was handsome, charming, thoughtful, and romantic. Best of all, he was single and ready to settle down…or so he said…
Inside the Mind of Scott Peterson
The Scott Peterson murder case is the most gripping and highly publicized crime story of the 21st Century. It has captivated a public hungry for the answer to one question: Why would a man with no known history of violent…
Presumed Guilty: What the Jury Never Knew About Laci Peterson’s Murder and Why Scott Peterson Should Not Be on Death Row
No one knows the story behind the sensational headlines of the Scott Peterson murder trial better than defense attorney Matt Dalton. For six straight months after Peterson’s arrest, Dalton was the defense’s only full-time investigative attorney on the case…
TV Shows & Documentaries about Scott Peterson
American Murder: Laci Peterson
The case of Laci Peterson’s disappearance and murder shook the US in 2002. Her husband Scott was convicted, though he maintains innocence. Twenty years later, Laci’s mother and friends speak out, revisiting this tragedy.
TV Mini Series / Documentary | 2024
NETFLIX
Murder Made Me Famous – S1.E2 – Scott Peterson
The 2002 disappearance of 27 year-old, pregnant Laci Peterson ignites a national media firestorm when her handsome young husband, Scott, becomes the prime suspect.
TV Series / Documentary | 2015
REELZ
Face to Face with Scott Peterson
A new look at the notorious case of Scott Peterson and the murders of his wife Laci Peterson and unborn son Conner. Additionally explores the latest developments after the Los Angeles Innocence Project announced they were taking the case.
TV Mini Series / Documentary | 2024
PEACOCK
Snapped: Notorious S1.E3 – Scott Peterson Trial
Convicted for the murder of his wife and unborn child, follows the trial of Scott Peterson.
TV Series / Documentary | 2017>
OXYGEN
Snapped: Notorious S20.E12 – Scott Peterson
When 8 months pregnant Laci Peterson went missing on Christmas Eve 2002, her disappearance became a shocking national story.
TV Series / Documentary | 2017>
OXYGEN
Forty Eight Hours S34.E30 – Scott Peterson: Case in Question
It was one of the most sensational crime stories of the last 20 years. The case attracted national and international media attention. There are parallels between Scott Peterson, the handsome, eerily unemotional husband whose wife goes missing…
TV Series / Documentary | 1988>
20/20 – S44.E27 – One Last Chance: The Trial of Scott Peterson
Eighteen years after being convicted of his pregnant wife’s murder, Scott Peterson may receive a new trial;
Documentary / News show | 1978>
ABC
20/20 – S40.E44 – Truth and Lies: The Murder of Laci Peterson
Todays theme is Truth and Lies: The Murder of Laci Peterson.
Documentary / News show | 1978>
ABC
YOUTUBE
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MORE ARTICLES ABOUT Scott Peterson
A selection of interesting articles about Scott Peterson, sourced and curated from around the web:
Inmate who attacked wife-killer Scott Peterson over prison pickleball says he ‘beat the hell out of him’
NY Post | Author: Patrick Reilly | Mar 22, 2025
Where Is Amber Frey Now? A Look at Scott Peterson’s Former Mistress’ Life Decades After Laci Peterson’s Murder
People | Author: Rebecca Aizin | February 26, 2025
Could Scott Peterson be set free? Convicted killer’s attorneys seek to introduce new evidence in freedom fight
Fox News | Author: Taylor Penley | Dec. 19, 2024
Scott Peterson speaks for the first time in 20 years in new Peacock docuseries
NBC Bay Area | Author: Kris Sanchez | August 20, 2024
Scott Peterson’s bid for new murder trial returns to Redwood City court
NBC | Author: NBC Bay Area staff | Jun 15, 2024
Timeline: how the Laci Peterson case unfolded
abc7 News | Author: Juan Carlos Guerrero & Ivan Pereira | March 15, 2024
