Scott Peterson

Scott Peterson (born October 24, 1972 in San Diego, California) is a former fertilizer salesman who became a household name after his arrest for the murder of his wife Laci Peterson and their unborn child; a case in which Mr. Peterson was the prime suspect. He was later convicted of these crimes. In Europe he is better known as the "Beach Bodies" killer.

Laci Peterson, who was seven months pregnant at the time, went missing on December 24 of 2002, prompting a nationwide search. Scott initially appeared on press briefings and had support from family and the public. He had told police that at the time she disappeared he was fishing in the marina at Berkeley and had receipts as proof. However, his suspicious behavior prompted police to focus their attention on him. When he left for the marina, he had a large blue tarpaulin loaded in the back of his truck that he claimed was umbrellas.

When it emerged that Scott Peterson was the prime suspect, he began behaving more erratically, storming out of a press conference when reporters questioned him about his involvement in the case. In January of 2003 it emerged that he had been having an affair with a woman named Amber Frey. After this, Laci's family ceased supporting Scott.

Peterson's behavior continued to arouse suspicion. He sold his wife's Land Rover (which was later given back to Laci's family for one dollar by the dealer), trading it in for a new vehicle for himself. In April the body of Laci Peterson and her unborn son washed ashore in the San Francisco Bay. Scott Peterson had disappeared, but was found and arrested in La Jolla on April 18. He had dyed his hair blond and grown a beard. He was driving a vehicle purchased in his mother's name, carrying $15,000 U.S. in cash, four cell phones, camping equipment, Viagra and his brother's Driver's license. Police suspected that he was trying to flee to Mexico. He was charged with Laci Peterson's murder, and that of their unborn child who was to be named Conner.

On Tuesday, January 20th 2004, the judge for the change-of-venue hearing, moved Peterson's trial from Modesto to Redwood City, California, because of Modesto residents' increased hostility towards Peterson. His trial began in June of 2004. The prosecuting lawyer was Rick Distaso and Peterson was defended by Mark Geragos. Most of Peterson's defense was based around the lack of direct evidence, and the prosecution's use of circumstantial evidence.

On November 12 he was convicted in California of first degree murder with special circumstances for killing his wife, Laci, and second degree murder for killing his unborn son, Conner. On November 30 2004, the penalty phase of the hearing began to determine the punishment for Peterson. The twelve-person jury decided Peterson eligible for the death penalty, which would be death by lethal injection. He can also be subjected to life in prison if the jury unanimously agrees to it during the penalty phase. The judge can overrule a 'death penalty' conviction, however he cannot overrule a life sentencing. He was sentenced to death on December 13th 2004. The judge will formally sentence Peterson on February 25th, 2005.