Who was Laci Peterson and her unborn son Conner?

Who was Laci Peterson and her unborn son Conner?

Laci Peterson, eight months pregnant, was reported missing on Christmas Eve in 2002. The disappearance of the Modesto woman and her unborn son sparked national outrage, and her husband, Scott Peterson, was subsequently convicted of their murders. Lawyer Monthly explains.

Laci Peterson
AKA: Laci Denise Rocha

Born: 4-May-1975
Birthplace: Modesto, CA
Died: 23-Dec-2002
Cause of death: Murder
Remains: Buried, Burwood Cemetery, Escalon, CA

Gender: Female
Race/Ethnicity: Multiracial
Sexual Orientation: Straight
Occupation: Victim

Nationality: United States
Executive Summary: Pregnant mother's body found in bay

Laci Peterson was seven months pregnant when she and her unborn son, Conner, were tragically murdered. This case captured the media’s attention, drawing coverage typically reserved for significant national events. But why did Laci Peterson become a household name?

Her murder was certainly a tragedy for her family and friends, but most Americans didn’t know her before her death. She was not a celebrity, and neither was her husband, Scott Peterson. She worked as a substitute school teacher, and he sold fertiliser. Yet, Laci Peterson became one of the most widely known victims of the 21st century. The media covered her disappearance on major platforms like Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood, despite the fact that Laci was not an entertainer or public figure.

Born Laci Rocha, she grew up on a farm in Modesto, California. Her father, Dennis Rocha, ran a tractor rental service and later divorced Laci’s mother. Her mother remarried Ron Grantski, a dairy farmer. Laci’s childhood friend described her as always "smiling, bubbly, and talkative," adding that she was "usually the centre of attention." Laci was a high school cheerleader and later pursued a degree in ornamental horticulture at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly).

It was at Cal Poly that Laci met Scott Peterson, a fellow student who worked as a waiter. He took her order at a café, and Laci asked a friend to pass along her phone number. They began dating, and after Laci’s graduation, the couple married on 9-Aug-1997. They later ran a successful restaurant in San Luis Obispo but sold it and moved back to Modesto, where they bought an affordable home and began planning their future with their first child.

Just before her disappearance, Laci’s mother-in-law, Jacqueline Peterson, recalled how Laci had expressed how content she was with life. “We said a little prayer of thanks,” Jacqueline said, reflecting on their good fortune. "All our kids are healthy, no divorces. I remember saying how lucky we are, how blessed we are."

Laci was reported missing on 24-Dec-2002. Her body was found over three months later in San Francisco Bay, along with the body of her unborn son, Conner. The fetus was expelled from Laci’s body after her death.

Thanks to extensive media coverage, Laci Peterson's death became one of the most well-known tragedies of modern times. Her story has been explored in countless books, documentaries, and movies. Dean Cain portrayed Scott Peterson in the 2004 TV film The Perfect Husband: The Laci Peterson Story.

Laci’s case also sparked debates surrounding the rights of the unborn, eventually leading to the passing of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (also called "Laci and Conner's Law"). The law legally defines a fetus as "human" in cases of violence, but the debate remains largely separate from Laci Peterson's fame. Despite thousands of murders happening every year in America, Laci’s case became a media sensation.

When Laci’s remains were discovered, comedian Bill Maher made a controversial joke on HBO, saying, “Laci Peterson's body was discovered this week. I've heard of breaking up with someone before Christmas so you don't have to buy a present, but that's harsh." After the audience’s silence, Maher quipped, “Oh, I can attack the president, the economy, the war, but don't mess with Laci Peterson?”

Family Background:

• Father: Dennis Rocha (runs a tractor, dump truck, and water truck service)
• Mother: Sharon Rocha
• Stepfather: Ron Grantski (married Sharon after divorce)
• Stepmother: Rose Marie Rocha (married Dennis Rocha)
• Brother: Brent Rocha
• Sister: Amy Rocha
• Husband: Scott Peterson (married 9-Aug-1997)

Education:

• High School: Downey High School, Modesto, CA (Class of 1993)
• University: BA in Ornamental Horticulture, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (1997)