Adding to its ever-growing repertoire real crime Documentaries, Netflix She chose to focus on one of California's most notorious convicted killers. American Murder: Laci Peterson The documentary series chronicles the story of Laci Peterson, who was murdered by her husband, Scott, while eight months pregnant with their first child. Since its release on August 14, 2024, the documentary series has taken the true crime world by storm, landing at number two on Netflix's Top 10 Worldwide Movies list for the week of August 12, 2024 – August 18, 2024. In a terrifying true story brought to life, the three-part documentary series provides comprehensive coverage, from the days leading up to Laci's disappearance to Scott's conviction for the murders of his wife and unborn son.
Directed by Skye Borgman, American Murder: Laci Peterson Featuring interviews with Laci’s family and loved ones, the documentary provides an insight into a grief that remains remarkably raw 20 years later. Additionally, the documentary series also features police officers, investigators, attorneys, and jurors who were directly involved in the case, providing a firsthand account of the events surrounding Laci’s disappearance and Scott’s conviction. In true Netflix style, American Murder: Laci Peterson Featuring never-before-seen footage, the film leaves viewers with plenty of new information 20 years after one of the most famous true crime cases in history.
What happened to Laci Peterson?
In a true Christmas nightmare, 27-year-old Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner, disappeared on Christmas Eve 2002. Laci, who was eight months pregnant at the time, was reported missing by her husband, Scott Peterson, who claimed to have returned to their home in Modesto, California, after a solo fishing trip. A massive search ensued, spanning several months, and garnering national media attention.
To the horror and grief of their loved ones who had come together for the sole purpose of finding Laci and her unborn child, their remains were found four months later on the shores of San Francisco Bay. The bodies of the mother and child were found less than two miles from the marina where Scott claimed to have been fishing. The discovery of the bodies was the last straw for police officers and investigators who were already suspicious of Scott.He was arrested and charged with two murders a few days after Laci and Conner's remains were found.
Scott Peterson maintains his innocence
Scott's trial began in 2004 in San Mateo County. At the time, an investigation revealed that Scott was having an extramarital affair with Amber Frey, a massage therapist. Speaking to authorities, Frey claimed she did not know Scott was married and expecting a child with his wife. She went on to say that Scott maintained that he was single, while also claiming that his wife had died. The revelation of Scott's betrayal, and the allegations he made to Frye, contributed greatly to establishing Scott as a killer in the public eye..
Although Scott's defense team claimed that Laci was killed in a botched robbery, Scott was convicted of first-degree murder of Laci and his unborn son, Conner, in the second degree. After his conviction, Scott was sentenced to death. However, the California Supreme Court overturned Scott's death sentence in 2020, citing errors in jury selection.However, the murder conviction was upheld. Scott's request for a new trial in 2022 was denied, and he is now serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Throughout the long years since his conviction, Scott maintained his innocence, citing no physical evidence linking him to the murders.In 2023, Scott reached out to the Los Angeles Innocence Project, a nonprofit legal group that aims to exonerate wrongfully convicted criminals, in another attempt to clear his name. Bringing the case back to court, Paula Mitchell, executive director of the Innocence Project, alleged that Scott's constitutional rights were violated and that there was a claim of actual innocence supported by newly discovered evidence.The Los Angeles Innocence Project's case is still ongoing on Scott's behalf. Scott is now 51 years old.
Documentary starring Scott Peterson
Scott Peterson hasn't kept quiet in wake of Netflix scandal American Murder: Laci Peterson. He chose to share his side of the story, Scott has teamed up with Peacock to create a three-part documentary series called Face to Face with Scott Peterson. Premiering on August 20, 2024, we see director Sharyn Anderson speaking with Scott via video from Mule Creek State Prison in California. The series marks the first time Scott has chosen to share his perspective since being convicted of killing his wife and unborn son.
in Face to face with Scott Peterson, Scott fondly recalls his memories of his wife, talking about her smile as she brushed her hair and how they shared a bowl of cereal. He also talks about his relationship with Amber Frye, and expresses regret for cheating on his wife. Scott maintains his innocence and talks about the impact his conviction had on him and his family, saying:
“If I had the opportunity to show people the truth, if I had the opportunity to show people the truth, and if they were willing to accept it, it might ease a little bit of the hurt for my family, and that would be the greatest thing I could do right now.”
American Murder: Laci Peterson, Documenting one of the most horrific murders in American history, where a man murders his wife and their unborn child, viewers are left with a wealth of questions. Despite Scott’s conviction, there are many, such as the Los Angeles Innocence Project, who argue for Scott’s innocence. Were the police truly biased? Was the evidence truly circumstantial? Whatever answer one might conjure, one fact remains indisputable: the murder of Laci Peterson and her unborn child was horrific, horrifying, and left a lasting, unfilled void in the hearts of her loved ones.
American Murder: Laci Peterson
Available to stream on Netflix.
