New Evidence Challenges Scott Peterson Murder Conviction

More than two decades after Scott Peterson was convicted of murdering his wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner, new evidence is being presented that questions the original verdict. The Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP) has filed a motion seeking a new trial, arguing that the constitutional basis of his conviction is not viable.

One key argument from the LAIP is that new fetal biometric science suggests Laci Peterson likely did not die on December 24, 2002, but possibly weeks later. If this is true, it could mean Scott Peterson is innocent.

Additionally, new computational hydrodynamic modeling indicates that if Laci Peterson's body had been placed in the San Francisco Bay where Scott Peterson was fishing, the bodies would not have been recovered in the locations found. The LAIP is also challenging the integrity of the original investigation.

Investigating officers noted the Peterson's home area was very open, making it difficult to place Laci's body in a car trunk unseen. Police initially argued Scott killed Laci at home, then took her body to a marina to dump it from a boat. However, the boat theory is problematic, as physical evidence does not support the use of a boat cover, and the boat straps showed no significant wear.

Scott Peterson was arrested on April 18, 2003, convicted on November 12, 2004, and originally sentenced to death. He was resentenced to life in prison without parole in 2021 due to juror dismissal issues. He remains incarcerated.

The LAIP points to the police being singularly focused on Scott Peterson from the outset, ignoring alternative timelines. The state's case heavily relied on neighbor Karen Servas's testimony regarding Laci's dog being found unattended on the morning of December 24, 2002. However, the state never explained how the dog's leash was attached or offered alternative timelines.

Chris Pixley, a legal analyst, questioned the Modesto Police Department's qualifications for such a case and their failure to follow up with numerous eyewitnesses who reported seeing Laci walking her dog after the time Scott Peterson allegedly left for the marina. Fifteen witnesses provided accounts contradicting the state's timeline, placing Laci Peterson in her neighborhood after Scott's departure.

Further doubt is cast on the timeline by newly discovered handwritten notes allegedly by Laci Peterson regarding the purchase of Scott's boat. If Laci was aware of and participated in buying boat accessories, the prosecution's theory that Scott purchased the boat specifically to dispose of her body becomes questionable. An independent handwriting examiner suggested the notes are likely Laci's.

New tidal science challenges the police's argument about the bodies washing ashore in a location consistent with Scott Peterson's alleged actions. The LAIP argues this new science suggests the bodies were placed in the bay from a shallow water location, such as the Albany Bulb, where there is no evidence Scott Peterson was present or had driven at the time of Laci's disappearance. Part two of the docuseries is scheduled to air on July 17, 2026.