Netflix 's latest true-crime docuseries puts the murder of Laci Peterson under the microscope. While seven months pregnant with her and husband Scott Peterson's first child in December 2002, housewife Laci disappeared from the family home in Modesto, California. Fertiliser salesman Scott subsequently reported her missing, but local investigators spotted foul play almost immediately despite just circumstantial evidence.
In the first quarter of 2003, her remains and those of their unborn son Conner washed up on the shores of San Francisco Bay, which lead to Scott's arrest on a golf course in the April. Police found him wearing dyed blond hair and his car was apparently "overstuffed" with random items like $15,000 cash, Viagra tablets, survival gear, camping equipment, changes of clothes and four different phones. They theorised that he was planning to flee the country and pass over the Mexican border.
Tangible evidence escaped the prosecutors, so they were forced to rely on circumstantial evidence such as the husband's indifferent behaviour. With the help of witnesses, it was suggested that Scott's motives could've been marriage deflation; pressure building from his wife's pregnancy ; an ongoing affair with a masseuse, and financial issues. His trial, overseen by Judge Nancy Ashley, began at Stanislaus County Superior Court under charges of murder with premeditation and special circumstances.
Scott pleaded not guilty, while proceedings continued at San Mateo County. The jury ul.