Scott Peterson Was Accused Of Grisly Crime, But 15 Years Later Experts Are Debating The Truth

In the early 2000s, one true-crime case dominated the news: the trial of Scott Peterson. When his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, went missing in 2002, audiences following the case were convinced that this fertilizer salesman was the one responsible. Scott’s trial dominated the 24-hour news cycle for months — but now, thanks to a few key details, experts are reassessing what may have happened to Laci and the Petersons' unborn son Conner. 

The Start of Everything

Before Laci’s disappearance, before the public scrutiny, she and Scott were two young college students in love. They both attended California Polytechnic State University. Laci’s major was ornamental horticulture, and Scott studied agricultural business, and it was around campus that they first ran into each other.

Slow Beginning

Laci eventually gave Scott her phone number when she ran into him at the Pacific Café in Morro Bay, a beach near their school. The beginning of their relationship was awkward, as they didn’t have many shared interests, but Scott’s charm had instantly won Laci over.

Romantic Wedding

The Petersons dated for three years and were married on August 9, 1997, at a hot spring. Their families were supportive of the knot tying. “I vividly remember Scott carrying Laci up to their room at the end of the wedding,” Ed Caudillo, Scott’s brother-in-law said. To hear Ed tell it, it was a rambunctious evening.

Safe in His Arms

“He’s shouting and happy, and she’s laughing, and we’re all worried he’s going to drop her,” Ed said. “But Scott had her safe in his arms.” The Petersons seemed to have a healthy relationship — a bond they were so confident about, they went into business together.