What Happened to Laci Peterson? The Complete Timeline of the Shocking Murder Case.
New developments have emerged in the infamous double homicide of Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner.
The case of Laci Peterson’s murder, alongside the tragic loss of her unborn son, Conner, became one of the most gripping and heart-wrenching criminal investigations of the early 2000s. It wasn’t just the crime itself that captivated the nation—it was the chilling involvement of Laci’s husband, Scott Peterson, whose actions and contradictions only deepened the mystery and fuelled public outrage.
Now, 20 years later, the notorious double homicide is back in the headlines, with new developments that could change the course of the case. A three-part docuseries Face to Face with Scott Peterson, set to premiere on August 20, promises to reveal explosive new insights into the investigation. Here, we break down the pivotal moments in the case and the key developments that continue to unfold.
The Scott Peterson Case: A Complete Timeline
December 24, 2002: Laci Peterson Vanishes
Laci Peterson, eight months pregnant with her first child, disappeared from her Modesto, California, home on Christmas Eve. Her husband, Scott, claimed he had left to go fishing at the Berkeley Marina, nearly 90 miles away, while Laci was at home. She was last seen walking the family dog before Scott left. Laci’s mother, Sharon Rocha, had spoken with her the evening before, and it seemed to be a quiet, routine Christmas Eve. What should have been a joyous time quickly turned into a nightmare as Laci was reported missing, sparking a massive search effort.
January 24, 2003: Scott Peterson’s Affair Is Revealed
A bombshell dropped when Amber Frey, a massage therapist, came forward and revealed she had been having an affair with Scott Peterson. She had been unaware that Scott was married and expecting a child with Laci. Amber contacted police after seeing Scott on television, which led to a significant shift in the investigation. The affair introduced a new layer to the case and turned the attention back to Scott, whose increasingly suspicious behaviour was scrutinised by the public.
March 5, 2003: Laci Peterson’s Case Is Reclassified as a Homicide
After weeks of intensive searching and growing public concern, Laci’s disappearance was officially classified as a homicide. Authorities now believed that something far more sinister had occurred than a simple missing person’s case.
April 13-14, 2003: Laci and Conner’s Remains Are Found
The discovery of Laci and her unborn son Conner’s remains in San Francisco Bay was a devastating turning point. The body of a fetus, later confirmed to be Conner, was found a mile away from where Laci’s remains were located the following day. Both bodies had washed ashore near the Berkeley Marina, where Scott Peterson claimed he had been fishing.
The location of the bodies, so close to where Scott had been that fateful day, raised immediate questions and deepened the suspicion surrounding him.
April 18, 2003: Scott Peterson Is Arrested
Scott Peterson was arrested in La Jolla, California, shortly after the remains were identified. He was found with bleached-blonde hair, $15,000 in cash, and camping gear, leading investigators to believe he was preparing to flee to Mexico. The arrest was a dramatic moment in the case, with Scott’s actions—his sudden appearance change, and the large sum of money in his possession—suggesting guilt.
April 21, 2003: Scott Pleads Not Guilty
Scott Peterson pleaded not guilty to the charges of first-degree murder for Laci’s death and second-degree murder for Conner’s. His case would quickly become a media sensation, drawing attention to the bizarre and suspicious circumstances of the murder.
August 30, 2003: Laci and Conner, her unborn son, were buried at Burwood Cemetery.
Their headstone omits the surname Peterson, per the request of Laci's mother and stepfather, thus Laci is named under her maiden name of Rocha.
December 19, 2003: Laci’s Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Laci’s mother, Sharon Rocha, filed a civil suit seeking $5 million in damages from Scott Peterson, claiming the wrongful deaths of both Laci and Conner. The suit was another public blow to Scott’s defence, as the grief-stricken family sought justice through both criminal and civil means.
June 1, 2004: Scott Peterson’s Trial Begins
The prosecution’s case largely relied on circumstantial evidence, as no crime scene or murder weapon was found. Prosecutors argued that Scott, unhappy with his life and the prospect of fatherhood, killed his wife and their unborn child in a brutal bid for freedom. The trial became a spectacle, drawing national attention.
June 23, 2004: Juror dismissed from Scott Peterson trial
A juror was removed from the panel after being spotted conversing with Laci’s brother, prompting concerns over impartiality.
August 10, 2004: Amber Frey Takes the Stand
Amber Frey, whose testimony had been pivotal in bringing Scott to justice, took the stand during the trial. She described how Scott had lied to her, claiming he was a widower. The jury listened to recorded conversations between the two, where Scott continued to deceive Amber, even as Laci’s body was being discovered. This testimony painted a picture of a man who had been living a double life.
November 3, 2004: Jury deliberations begin in Scott Peterson case
After five months of testimony, the jury was tasked with deciding whether Scott had brutally murdered his pregnant wife and discarded her body in San Francisco Bay, or if he was simply an unfaithful husband wrongfully accused.
Scott Peterson. Photo: Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office
November 12, 2004: The Jury Reaches a Verdict
After months of testimony, the jury deliberated for seven days before delivering a verdict. Scott Peterson was found guilty of first-degree murder for Laci’s death and second-degree murder for Conner’s. The conviction was a pivotal moment, but the battle for justice was far from over.
December 13, 2004: The Jury Recommends the Death Penalty
The jury unanimously recommended the death penalty. The horror of the crime and the brutality of Scott’s actions led to a unanimous decision. Scott was sentenced to death, and the case seemed to be closed.
March 16, 2005: Scott Peterson Is Sentenced to Death
Scott Peterson was officially sentenced to death, marking the end of the trial phase. He was sent to San Quentin State Prison, where he would remain on death row for over 15 years.
April 2009: The Civil Suit Is Dropped
Laci’s parents decided to drop their wrongful death lawsuit against Scott Peterson. Though the criminal case had been settled, the family’s grief remained.
July 15, 2012 and November 24, 2015: Appeals lodged in Scott Peterson case
Scott Peterson's defence team filed appeals, claiming he was denied a fair trial, citing issues with jury selection and impartiality.
August 2020: Scott Peterson’s Death Sentence Is Overturned
In a stunning legal development, the California Supreme Court overturned Scott’s death sentence. While the conviction remained intact, the court ruled that there were issues with jury selection during the trial. This decision cast doubt on the fairness of Scott’s original sentencing.
October 14, 2020: Review of Scott Peterson’s conviction
The California Supreme Court ordered a reexamination of Scott Peterson’s conviction, sending the case back to San Mateo County Superior Court to assess whether it should be overturned.
December 8, 2021: Scott Peterson Is Resentenced to Life in Prison
Following the court’s ruling, Scott Peterson was resentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This was a crucial step in the ongoing legal saga, and Peterson was transferred from death row to a general population unit at Mule Creek State Prison.
December 20, 2022: Scott Peterson's bid for new trial rejected
A judge rejected Scott Peterson's request for a new trial, which centred on alleged issues with jury selection.
January 2024: Innocence Project Takes on Scott Peterson’s Case
The Los Angeles Innocence Project announced its involvement in Scott Peterson’s case, asserting that new evidence may exonerate him. The group, known for advocating for the wrongfully convicted, began investigating Scott’s claim of actual innocence. They requested the retesting of crucial evidence, including a bloody mattress found in a burned van near Laci’s home and a strip of duct tape on Laci’s pants that could potentially alter the course of the case.
As new developments unfold, the case of Scott Peterson continues to intrigue the public. With fresh insights and new perspectives, the questions surrounding his conviction—whether he truly committed the crime or was wrongfully convicted—are being raised once again. The docuseries Face to Face with Scott Peterson promises to delve deeper into these unresolved mysteries, and the world is watching as the case enters its third decade.
The story of Laci and Conner Peterson is far from over, and as legal battles continue, the quest for justice—and for answers—remains as compelling as ever.
