Convicted 1st-degree murder (2004); death sentence commuted to life; new evidence hearings
Profile
Scott Peterson grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. He attended California Polytechnic State University, where he studied agricultural business. During his time at university, he met Laci Rocha, who would later become his wife. The couple married in 1997 and settled in Modesto, California, where they looked forward to starting a family.
Before the events that would later define his public persona, Scott worked as a fertilizer salesman. He was described by acquaintances as personable and ambitious, with a keen interest in golf. His life seemed to be on a promising path, both personally and professionally, as he and Laci prepared to welcome their first child.
Scott's relationship with Laci was often portrayed as idyllic, with friends and family noting the couple's apparent happiness and excitement about their future together. They were active in their community and maintained close ties with their families.
However, in December 2002, the trajectory of Scott's life changed dramatically. On Christmas Eve, his wife Laci, who was eight months pregnant, disappeared from their home. This event triggered a massive search effort and drew national media attention.
In April 2003, the remains of Laci and her unborn son were discovered in the San Francisco Bay. Scott Peterson was subsequently arrested and charged with their murders. In 2004, he was convicted of first-degree murder for Laci's death and second-degree murder for the death of their unborn child. His death sentence was later commuted, but the case remains a significant part of his life story.
1301 Laci Peterson Murder Case Update: Innocence Project Says Scott Peterson Wrongfully Convicted
Richard Syrett's Strange Planet · Jan 2, 2026 · 44m
What if Scott Peterson Didn't Do It? Scott & Laci Peterson 2025 Updates
Hot On The Case · May 2, 2025 · 40m
SCOTT PETERSON SHOCK CLAIM: UNBORN SON CONNER PROVES "I'M INNOCENT"
Crime Stories with Nancy Grace · Apr 30, 2025 · 42m
The Crimes of Scott Peterson
The FOX True Crime Podcast w/ Emily Compagno · Jan 7, 2025 · 54m
Verdicts in both the Delphi murders trial and the case of a murdered Minnesota mom. Plus 20 years on, Keith Morrison talks about Scott Peterson.
Dateline NBC · Nov 14, 2024 · 28m
SCOTT PETERSON: BURNED MATTRESS, DUCT TAPE PROVE I DIDN'T MURDER LACI
Crime Stories with Nancy Grace · Aug 16, 2024 · 41m
FROM THE VAULT: Episode 278/9 - Scott Peterson: Sex, Lies & Fishing Boats - Part 1 & 2
RedHanded · Aug 12, 2024 · 3h 15m
Scott Peterson - His pants are fully engulfed in flames
Sinister Junk Mail · Jul 3, 2024 · 1h 45m
The Scott Peterson Case Reexamined with Laura Ingle
Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum · Feb 21, 2024 · 53m
New Evidence for Scott Peterson? Could He Be Innocent?
Serialously with Annie Elise · Jan 29, 2024 · 1h 23m
162. Scott Peterson is Guilty
The Prosecutors · Nov 29, 2022 · 1h 6m
Laci and Scott Peterson
Rabia and Ellyn Solve the Case · Oct 6, 2022 · 1h 22m
Scott Peterson: A Megyn Kelly Show True Crime Special | Ep. 225
The Megyn Kelly Show · Dec 20, 2021 · 1h 37m
274 - Arrested Behavior
My Favorite Murder · May 13, 2021 · 1h 56m
Scott Peterson: Case in Question
48 Hours · May 2, 2021 · 46m
56: Scott Peterson Part 5
The Prosecutors · Feb 9, 2021 · 1h 9m
Scott Peterson Pt. 1 of 3
We the Jury · Feb 2, 2021 · 31m
55: Scott Peterson Part 4
The Prosecutors · Feb 2, 2021 · 1h 16m
52: Scott Peterson Part 2
The Prosecutors · Jan 19, 2021 · 1h 13m
51: Scott Peterson Part 1 -- I Left My Heart In San Francisco
The Prosecutors · Jan 12, 2021 · 1h 2m
Notorious: Scott Peterson - Part 2
Snapped: Women Who Murder · Dec 24, 2020 · 42m
Notorious: Scott Peterson - Part 1
Snapped: Women Who Murder · Dec 20, 2020 · 43m
Scott Peterson /// Part 1 /// 245
True Crime Garage · Oct 2, 2018 · 1h 17m
MURDERED: Laci Peterson Part 2
Crime Junkie · Dec 25, 2017 · 33m
MURDERED: Laci Peterson Part 1
Crime Junkie · Dec 18, 2017 · 45m
Scott Peterson Part 2
True Crime All The Time · Jan 16, 2017 · 1h 5m
Scott Peterson Part 1
True Crime All The Time · Jan 2, 2017 · 1h 16m