Scott Peterson(IX)
Scott Peterson was convicted of first-degree murder with special
circumstances in the death of his wife, Laci, and their unborn son,
Conner, on November 12, 2004, despite the lack of any direct physical
evidence connecting him to the crime. Laci went missing on Christmas
Eve 2002 while Scott said he was fishing. The case soon gripped the
nation. As the weeks passed, Peterson traded in Laci's car and made
inquiries about selling their home -- actions which raised suspicions.
On April 18, 2003, after the remains of Laci and Conner washed up a few
miles from where he said he was fishing, Peterson, his hair dyed blond,
was arrested in San Diego. In his truck were $15,000 in cash and a
survival kit; police speculated he was preparing to flee to Mexico. It
was later learned Peterson had been having an affair with
Amber Frey, and had cheated on Laci
throughout their marriage. The prosecution theorized he murdered Laci
because he wanted to be rid of the impending responsibility of
fatherhood. On March 16, 2005, Peterson was formally sentenced to death
and sent to San Quentin State Prison.
