The Scott Peterson Trial

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Scott Peterson was charged with the murder of his pregnant wife Laci Denise Peterson and their unborn son Conner Peterson sometime between Dec. 23 and Dec. 24, 2002. The badly decomposed remains of Laci Peterson and the couple's fetus washed ashore in April 2003, not far from where Peterson said he went on a solo fishing trip the day she vanished. Peterson was arrested April 18, 2003 in San Diego. See also Items Found in Scott Peterson's Car.

Latest Developments

Scott Peterson Seeks New Trial
July 6, 2012
After eight years on death row, convicted killer Scott Peterson filed an automatic appeal asking for a new trial due to a long list of trial errors.

Previous Developments

Laci's Family Sues Scott Peterson
June 6, 2008
In an effort to make sure Scott Peterson can never make any money by selling his story, the parents of Laci Peterson have filed a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court against the man convicted of killing their daughter and her unborn child.

Scott Peterson Prosecution Totals $4.13 Million
April 24, 2005
The prosecution of Scott Peterson cost Stanislaus County taxpayers $4.13 million, some of which they hope the state of California will pay.

Judge Upholds Peterson's Death Sentence
March 25, 2005
Judge Alfred Delucchi made his decision to uphold the jury's recommendation to sentence convicted murderer Scott Peterson to death for killing his wife and their unborn child.

Peterson Sentence and Civil Case Delayed
Jan. 25, 2005
The formal sentencing for convicted killer Scott Peterson has been delayed from Feb. 25 until March 11 because his attorneys said they need more time to prepare for the hearing.

Amber's Book Upsets Laci's Family
Jan. 6, 2005
Laci Peterson's family is upset with certain aspects of the new book by Scott Peterson's mistress Amber Frey, especially the cover design they found "extremely hurtful and offensive," a family spokesman said.

Laci's Mom: Only My Death Will Bring Closure
Dec. 21, 2004
Sharon Rocha said only her own death will bring closure in the death of her daughter Laci Peterson and her unborn grandson Conner.

Scott Peterson Gets Death Penalty
Dec. 13, 2004
The jury in the Scott Peterson murder trial deliberated for 12 hours over three days before returning an unanimous recommendation that Peterson receive the death penalty for the murder of his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson.

Jurors Can't Consider Peterson's Family
Dec. 7, 2004

Peterson Witnesses Say Jury Made a Mistake
Dec. 6, 2004

Peterson's Dad Pleads for Son's Life
Dec. 1, 2004

Laci Peterson's Family Testify in Penalty Phase
Nov. 30, 2004

Peterson Penalty Trial Set to Begin
Nov. 30, 2004

Peterson's Attorney Appeals Venue Ruling
Nov. 25, 2004

Peterson Judge Denies Change of Venue

Scott Peterson Wants New Jury, Venue
Nov. 17, 2004

Focus Shifts to Families After Peterson Verdict
Nov. 14, 2004

The Peterson Verdict: Special Circumstances

Peterson Guilty of First-Degree Murder
Nov. 12, 2004

Peterson Jury Foreman Removed by Judge
Nov. 10, 2004