Without a doubt, America had its eyes peeled when Laci Peterson went missing in 2002. Now, after more than twenty years, a Netflix docuseries reveals how Scott and Laci Peterson’s families feel about Scott Peterson following the murder of Laci and Connor Peterson.
Laci Peterson’s Death Is Revisited
On August 14, Netflix launched a new documentary, American Murder: Laci Peterson. During the docuseries, it examines the case of Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Connor Peterson. She went missing on Christmas Eve in 2002 while eight months pregnant with Connor. Later, Laci’s body was found. After the trial, Scott was pronounced guilty on two counts of the murders of his wife and son. However, even after more than twenty years, he still maintains his stance that he is innocent.
Twenty Years Later: What Do Scott & Laci Peterson’s Families Believe?
But now that time has gone by, how do Laci and Scott Peterson’s families feel about Scott? In the Netflix docuseries, Scott chose not to interview, but several of both his and Laci’s family members gave their thoughts now that the dust has settled. Undeniably, Laci’s mom, Sharon Rocha wanted the chance to speak about her beautiful daughter she lost too soon.
Laci’s Mom Talks About Her Feelings About Scott Peterson
She says, “There are times I look back and I think, ‘Gosh it’s hard to believe it was 20 years ago,’ and on the other hand, it seems like it wasn’t 20 years ago.” However, even after time has passed, Sharon says, “Nothing’s going to change what really happened. Nothing can change the truth.” Initially, she says she trusted Scott but had so many questions about Laci’s disappearance. Furthermore, as the search went on, she couldn’t ignore the evidence that was piling up against him. Especially, when Amber Frey, Scott’s girlfriend at the time, spoke out. When the truth that he had an affair came forward, she was bitterly hurt for her daughter. At that point, Sharon didn’t understand why Scott chose to kill Laci instead of divorcing her.
But now she reflects, “I just remember the relief of hearing the world guilty [in the courtroom]. It was a huge relief,” Sharon Rocha says. “I can’t say we were all excited and happy about it. That’s not the feeling I had at all. Just a relief.” Furthermore, Laci’s stepfather, Ron Grantiski had said outside of Scott Peterson’s trial, that he “got what he deserved.”
Laci’s Brother Brent
Although Brent Rocha chose not to be interviewed in the docuseries, his January 2005 press conference speech appears in it. It was a prime example of when the family began to stop believing Scott Peterson. It highlights Brent saying, “Since Scott is no longer communicating with anyone in Laci’s family and because we have so many questions that he has not answered, I no longer support him.”
Laci’s Friends Discuss Scott PetersonA few of Laci Peterson’s close friends, Lori Heintz, Stacey Boyers, and Rene Tomlinson talk about their experience with Laci and Scott Peterson in the docuseries. In the beginning, things seemed good between the couple. He showered her with affection. But mostly it was apparent they adored their friend. Undeniably, they were concerned for their missing friend and quickly joined Laci’s family when learning about her disappearance. While they watched their friend fall head over heels for Scott, as time went on they suspected there may have been more going on behind the scenes than they realized. Notably, the friends were devastated for Laci when hearing about Scott’s affair with Amber Frey. Then when Laci’s remains were found they say that is what convinced them Scott was “responsible for what happened.”
Scott Peterson’s Family Weighs In
Scott Peterson’s sister-in-law, Janey Peterson, who is married to Scott’s older brother, Joe, gave her thoughts. During the entirety of the search and trial, she believed that Scott was innocent. Likewise, she cares deeply for Laci. She said, “We didn’t have time to grieve Laci when we found out she was gone because Scott was arrested. Laci was part of our family.” Additionally, Janey explains, “We went from looking for her and the moment we found out she was dead, he was arrested. We’re fighting for his life. Here we are 20 years later, trying to right this injustice.” But she still believes in Scott.
“When they read the verdict I thought my heart was beat[ing] really loud and I missed the word not. Then they said it again and it felt very quiet in the courtroom and very surreal and out of body. But you could hear the crowd outside,” Janey recalls. “I just remember looking out at the sea of people and thinking, ‘They have no idea what just happened the last four months in this courtroom.’” Since this event has changed all of their lives, Janey became invested in proving his innocence. The Netflix’s special says Janey has “obtained a law degree in an effort to fight for her brother-in-law’s freedom.” Some question if Scott was done an injustice since they didn’t pursue any other suspects. Likewise, no DNA testing was used.
Scott’s Sister
Additionally, Scott Peterson’s sister, Susan Caudillo wonders about how the public was so quick to judge her brother. However, she watched how his arrest was portrayed. She says, “I think I watched [his arrest] because it was broadcast live. It was him in the back seat of the detectives’ car and the gauntlet of people that had come out in the middle of the night. I was horrified.” Admittedly, she said, “It looked like he was being taken to the slaughterhouse. It was just a terrible scene.” Speaking about Scott’s court hearings, Susan said, “We were pretty much in very good spirits. I just felt a sense of, ‘This is finally coming to an end.’”
Criminal investigative profiler, Sharon Hagan, gave some insight into Scott Peterson’s family maintaining his innocence. She says, “I really believe that it’s very difficult for Scott’s family to believe that he would ever do this. The severity of the crime is an important factor here.” Continuing, “Is there anything worse than killing your wife and unborn child? What would be the consequences of acknowledging that he must have done this?”
The three-part docuseries is streaming on Netflix. Check out American Murder: Laci Peterson and see what you think.
What do you think about Laci and Scott Peterson? What do you think the truth is? Do you think Scott could be innocent? Drop your comments below.
Bonnie Kaiser-Gambill is a graduate from Oklahoma State University. Her freelance writing primarily focuses on streaming series, reality TV, and celebrity news. During her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, and traveling as often as possible.