What to Know
Laci Peterson vanished from her Modesto, California home on Christmas Eve 2002. She was 8 months pregnant with a baby boy, Conner, making her sudden disappearance even more concerning. Her husband, Scott Peterson, became the prime suspect after his lover, Amber Fry, came forward weeks after Laci Peterson went missing.
More than four months later, a civilian found Laci Peterson’s body and the remains of her unborn son in the San Francisco Bay on April 14, 2003.
Days later, police arrested Scott Peterson, and he was eventually convicted on a first-degree murder charge for his wife’s death and a second-degree murder charge for their unborn child. For more than 20 years, he’s attempted to have his conviction overturned. Laci Peterson’s family has had enough.
Scott Peterson’s lawyer insists he didn’t kill his wife and unborn child.
Scott Peterson hired high-profile criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos shortly after his arrest. Geragos’ client list includes Erik and Lyle Menendez, Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, and Colin Kaepernick. For more than 20 years, Geragos has fought to clear Scott Peterson’s name. Ahead of an upcoming two-part documentary, he told USA Today it might actually happen.
“There’s no way he did this, and I’ve seen no evidence that is compelling to me that supports the fact that he did this,” Geragos told USA Today ahead of a new two-part documentary, “Scott Peterson: The New Evidence,” which premieres on A&E July 16 and 17, 2026.
Geragos has defended Scott Peterson’s innocence for decades.
The attorney told USA Today that new evidence will exonerate Scott Peterson. He’s adamant the prosecution kept key information from the defense unjustly.
“I think it’s clear to me that the most outrageous and persuasive piece of evidence is the fact that the van was found in the airport area. Within days of her disappearance, it had been burned. And that information was not only kept from us, but on top of it, there was testing done [which determined a mattress in the van could potentially have blood on it],” Geragos added.
Laci Peterson’s mom has had enough of her former son-in-law.
@laughandgrindofficial Here we go.. Scott Peterson Documentary Drops TONIGHT (7/16/26). I believe everyone is entitled to a fair trial. When we are figuring out and finding out that ens was withheld and not presented properly… That starts to hinder the “fair trial“ conversation. #documentary #scottpeterson #trending #trial ♬ original sound – laughandgrindofficial
Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP), filed a new petition on Scott Peterson’s behalf, once again claiming he is innocent. San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Elizabeth overturned his conviction and denied the petition.
Sharon Rocha, Laci Peterson’s mom, told People that Scott Peterson has long claimed there is new evidence in the case, but she’s not buying it. The new documentary proves nothing as far as she’s concerned.
“It’s the same thing we’ve heard in the courtroom before, and it just continues,” Rocha told People. “It is never-ending, and it’s like ripping the scab off a wound every time. All they’re looking for right now is to throw everything against the wall and hope that something sticks. Bottom line: He is guilty, and that’s it. Maybe I shouldn’t sound so harsh, but I’m tired. I’m very, very, very tired.”
As far as she’s concerned, not only is Scott Peterson guilty of killing her daughter and grandson, the LAIP is wasting its time. Rocha encouraged the group to try and help “somebody who may actually be” innocent.
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