Scott Peterson, born on October 24, 1972, was convicted in one of the most closely followed criminal cases of the early 2000s for the murders of his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, Conner. Laci vanished on December 24, 2002, from the couple’s home in Modesto, California, just weeks before her due date. Initially treated as a missing persons case, the investigation quickly turned toward Peterson, whose actions drew national attention.

In April 2003, the remains of Laci and Conner were discovered along the shoreline of San Francisco Bay, near the area where Peterson had claimed to be fishing the day she disappeared. Despite maintaining his innocence, Peterson was arrested, tried, and convicted in 2004. He was sentenced to death in 2005, though the sentence was later overturned. More than 20 years later, the case continues to generate legal challenges and widespread media interest.

Here is a detailed timeline with exact dates and times for the disappearance of Laci Peterson on December 23–24, 2002, based on investigative records, witness accounts, and official reports:

Monday, December 23, 2002

• 5:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Laci Peterson speaks on the phone with her mother, Sharon Rocha. They discuss Christmas Eve dinner plans for the next day. This is the last confirmed conversation Laci has with anyone outside the home.
• Evening (Exact time unknown): Laci and Scott reportedly watch The Rookie on TV together and eat pizza, according to Scott’s later statements to police. Laci is dressed in pajamas when last seen by Scott.
• 8:30 p.m.: Lacy Spoke with her mother Sharon Rocha, over the phone.This call is one of the last confirmed contacts with Laci before her disappearance.

Tuesday, December 24, 2002 – Day of Disappearance

• 8:30 a.m.: Scott claims he last sees Laci at their home in Modesto, California. She is supposedly preparing to mop the floors and walk the dog. She is wearing black maternity pants and a white long-sleeved shirt with flowers.
• 9:30 a.m.: Scott logs into his office computer to check emails and look up boat information. These actions are time-stamped by his workplace’s servers.
• 10:08 a.m.: Scott leaves a voicemail for Laci saying he’s heading to the Berkeley Marina to fish.
• 10:18 a.m.: Neighbor Karen Servas finds McKenzie wandering outside with a muddy leash and returns him to the Petersons’ backyard.
• 10:30 a.m.: Scott’s cell phone pings a tower near the Richmond area, consistent with a drive to the marina.
• 10:45 a.m.: Another neighbor, Mike Chiavetta, sees McKenzie alone outside.
• 12:54 p.m.: A parking receipt timestamp shows Scott arrives at the Berkeley Marina and launches his boat. He claims he goes fishing for sturgeon.
• 2:15 p.m.: Scott leaves a voicemail for Laci, stating, “Hey, Beautiful. It’s 2:15. I’m leaving Berkeley.”
  
• 2:30 p.m.: Scott washes his clothes and showers, according to his statements.
• 3:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.: Scott calls Sharon Rocha, Laci’s mother, to ask if Laci is there. When she says no, he begins to grow concerned and calls around.
• 5:17 p.m.: Laci is reported missing to the Modesto Police Department by her stepfather, Ron Grantski.
• 5:30 p.m.: Police arrive at the Peterson home and begin questioning Scott and searching the area. They find Laci’s purse, keys, and sunglasses still at the house. Her car is also parked in the driveway.
• Late evening: Authorities, family, friends, and neighbors begin a widespread search for Laci, focusing on the neighborhood, nearby parks, and waterways.

Wednesday, December 25, 2002 – Christmas Day

• Morning to Afternoon: Family and friends gather at Sharon Rocha’s home for Christmas dinner, as previously planned. Laci does not appear, and her absence deeply alarms the family.
• A van is found set on fire near the Petersons’ home. Later, Scott’s defense team alleges this van is connected to a burglary that Laci may have witnessed, suggesting an alternative theory to her disappearance
• All Day: A large-scale volunteer search continues in Modesto, organized by friends, neighbors, and police. Flyers are printed and distributed across the city.
• Media Coverage Begins: Local news outlets begin covering the story. Scott appears in some interviews and speaks to reporters, stating he has no idea where Laci is.
• Observation Noted: Family members later report Scott showed little visible emotion or distress throughout the day. This would later draw scrutiny.

Thursday, December 26, 2002

• All Day: Modesto Police classify Laci as a missing person under suspicious circumstances. Authorities bring in search dogs and use helicopters, horseback units, and ATVs to comb the surrounding areas.
• Midday: Cadaver dogs reportedly alert on Scott’s truck and his boat during a search. However, this evidence is not publicly disclosed until much later.
• Scott gives interviews: He tells media he went fishing alone on Christmas Eve and that Laci was home when he left. His story begins gaining public attention.
• 7:56 PM: Detectives executed a search warrant at Scott Peterson’s warehouse in Modesto, California. This location was significant because Scott had told police he went fishing at the Berkeley Marina on December 24, and the warehouse housed the boat he used for that trip.

Friday, December 27, 2002

• Morning to Afternoon: Police and volunteers continue their search. The Peterson house becomes the center of media presence.
• Modesto Police Department holds a press conference: They urge the public to come forward with any sightings of Laci, describing her as 5’1”, 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, and eight months pregnant.

Saturday, December 28, 2002

• Police continue canvassing areas around Dry Creek, East La Loma Park, and other Modesto regions where Laci may have walked the dog.
• Tips Begin to Flood In: Over 150 tips are received by law enforcement, including sightings in California, Arizona, and even Mexico. None are confirmed.

Sunday, December 29, 2002

• Search Expands: Law enforcement expands the search to reservoirs, remote canals, and farms in surrounding Stanislaus County.
• Scott’s Behavior: Laci’s family grows increasingly uneasy about Scott’s lack of participation in searches. He is noted to be calm and emotionless.

Monday, December 30, 2002

• Forensic Evidence Collected: Police seize Scott’s truck, computer, home phone records, and the couple’s home computer for analysis. A warrant is obtained, and forensic technicians begin processing potential evidence.
• Police interviews continue: Authorities begin re-interviewing neighbors and those who may have seen Laci walking her dog. The exact timing of the dog being found is reexamined.

Tuesday, December 31, 2002 – New Year’s Eve

• Public Candlelight Vigil: A vigil is held in Modesto for Laci and baby Conner. Hundreds of people attend to show support for the family.
• Scott’s Absence: Scott does not attend the vigil. Later, Sharon Rocha says she found this deeply troubling and hurtful.
• Media scrutiny increases: Scott is now being watched closely by both the press and investigators. Detectives note inconsistencies in his story about the fishing trip.

Wednesday, January 1, 2003 – New Year’s Day

• Investigation Continues: Police resume search efforts with helicopters, mounted patrol, and divers. Law enforcement canvasses San Francisco Bay near the Berkeley Marina—Scott’s stated fishing location.
• Public Awareness Rises: The Modesto community continues to hold events, distribute flyers, and promote awareness. National media coverage expands.

Thursday, January 2, 2003

• Scott Peterson Phone Records Pulled: Investigators subpoena Scott’s cell phone records and notice inconsistencies in his timeline and travel route.
• Suspicion Builds: Detectives publicly state there is no evidence clearing Scott of involvement. He is not yet named a suspect, but is clearly the focus.

Friday, January 3, 2003

• Reward Offered: The Peterson family announces a $500,000 reward for information leading to Laci’s safe return.
• Scott Makes TV Appearance: Scott appears on national television pleading for Laci’s return but avoids eye contact, refers to her in the past tense, and calls the baby “was going to be named Conner”—raising public concern.

Saturday, January 4 – Tuesday, January 7, 2003

• Search Efforts Expand to the Coastline: Boats search the San Francisco Bay. Police begin to suspect Laci’s body may have been dumped there.
• Scott’s Behavior Monitored: Detectives place surveillance on Scott’s movements. They note that he is calm and occasionally uncooperative with police.

Wednesday, January 8, 2003

• Amber Frey Comes Forward: A 27-year-old massage therapist from Fresno, Amber Frey, contacts the Modesto Police Department. She tells them she had been dating Scott Peterson since November 20, 2002, and that he told her he was single and had “lost” his wife—before Laci went missing.
• Secret Recording Begins: At the request of police, Amber agrees to cooperate with the investigation and begins recording her phone calls with Scott.

Thursday, January 9, 2003

• Amber Frey Holds Press Conference: Amber and her attorney, Gloria Allred, appear before the media. Amber admits she had a romantic relationship with Scott and says she had no idea he was married. Her honesty garners public sympathy.

Friday, January 10 – Friday, January 17, 2003

• Scott Continues to Call Amber: Amber and Scott speak frequently. Amber, with police listening in, records conversations in which Scott continues to lie and manipulate, often from Laci’s candlelight vigils or memorials.

Search Efforts Intensify:

• Law enforcement continues sonar scans and dive searches in the Berkeley Marina and San Francisco Bay.

Police Collect More Evidence:

• Forensic analysis continues on Scott’s truck, the couple’s computer, and items from the house. Police learn Scott bought a small fishing boat just weeks before Laci vanished and that he had no fishing license.

Saturday, January 18 – Thursday, January 23, 2003

• Surveillance Escalates: Police track Scott’s movements in real-time. He is followed and photographed regularly.
• Public Turns on Scott: With Amber Frey’s revelation and his media behavior, Scott becomes vilified in the press. Sharon Rocha and her family begin publicly distancing themselves from him.

Wednesday, January 22, 2003

• Scott Peterson trying to sell his house, he spoke to Brian Argain. “I would like to put it on the market right now” “Can I sell it furnished”

Friday, January 24, 2003

• Laci’s due date arrives: Laci was due to give birth to baby Conner around this time. The grim milestone further galvanizes community outrage.
• Candlelight Vigil Held: Hundreds gather in Modesto. Laci’s family speaks, but Scott does not attend. His absence is heavily criticized.

Saturday, January 25 – Friday, January 31, 2003

• Media and Legal Focus Shifts to Scott: Investigative reporters begin releasing Scott’s timeline, inconsistencies, and phone records. Public opinion now firmly sees Scott as a likely suspect.
• Amber Frey Recordings Intensify Case Against Scott: Amber records Scott saying things like he was in Paris on New Year’s (he was in Modesto), revealing deep deception.
• Investigators Build Case: Police begin laying the groundwork for a possible arrest—pending physical evidence or recovery of Laci’s body.

February 10–28, 2003

• Surveillance on Scott Peterson continues daily. Law enforcement monitors his behavior, which includes frequent phone calls to Amber Frey. He continues to lie to her about his location and circumstances.
• Investigators revisit the Berkeley Marina with sonar and divers. Despite extensive searching, they find no trace of Laci or Conner in the water.

March 1–20, 2003

• Scott sells Laci’s Land Rover and begins discussing selling their house. This upsets Laci’s family, who criticize him for moving on too quickly.
• He also inquires about selling her furniture and personal items.
• These actions intensify public and family suspicion.

March 12, 2003

• Scott attempts to lease a car under his mother’s name and seeks a large sum of money.
• Police view this as part of a pattern of flight preparation.

April 13, 2003 – Sunday

• A couple walking their dog finds the decomposed body of a newborn baby on the shoreline of the San Francisco Bay at Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park, near the Berkeley Marina.

April 14, 2003 – Monday

• A second body, this time of an adult female, is discovered about a mile away. The remains are badly decomposed, missing the head, hands, and most of the limbs, but investigators suspect it is Laci Peterson.

April 15, 2003

• DNA testing is performed on both sets of remains.

April 17, 2003

• DNA tests Results: The FBI lab uses mitochondrial DNA to compare samples from the remains with those of Laci and her unborn son.

April 18, 2003 – Friday

• 9:30 a.m.: Scott Peterson is arrested in La Jolla, California, near a golf course. At the time of arrest: He is driving a Mercedes-Benz registered to his brother. Police find $10,000 in cash, four cell phones, camping gear, multiple changes of clothes, his brother’s ID, and a map to the Canadian border. He has dyed his hair and goatee blonde, further raising suspicion that he was attempting to flee.
• Late afternoon: Authorities announce the identification of the remains: The infant is confirmed to be Conner Peterson. The female remains are confirmed as Laci Peterson. The time of death is estimated around the date she was last seen: December 24, 2002.
• Scott Peterson is charged with two counts of murder: First-degree murder for Laci Peterson. Second-degree murder for unborn baby Conner.

2003: Pretrial Developments

May 2, 2003

• Scott Peterson pleads not guilty to two counts of murder at his arraignment in Stanislaus County Superior Court.
• He is denied bail due to the perceived flight risk.

June 2003

• Sharon Rocha and family hold a memorial service for Laci and Conner in Modesto.
• Scott is not invited.

July 16, 2003

• Judge Al Girolami rules there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial after a preliminary hearing.
• Key witnesses testify, including Amber Frey.

October 29, 2003

• Due to intense media attention in Modesto, the trial is moved to San Mateo County, over 90 miles away, to ensure a fair jury pool.

2004: Trial of Scott Peterson

January 20, 2004

• Jury selection begins in San Mateo County Superior Court, presided over by Judge Alfred A. Delucchi.
• Media access is heavily restricted due to the high-profile nature of the case.

March 4, 2004

• A jury of six men and six women is seated, along with six alternates.

June 1, 2004 – Opening Statements Begin

• Prosecution’s Theory (Prosecutor Rick Distaso): Scott killed Laci at home on December 23 or early December 24, then transported her body in a borrowed boat and dumped it in the San Francisco Bay.
• Defense’s Argument (Attorney Mark Geragos): Laci was abducted after Scott left to go fishing, and the real killer(s) framed him.

2004 – Key Trial Moments

June–September 2004

• Amber Frey testifies over multiple days.
• Dozens of taped phone calls between her and Scott are played for the jury.

Forensic and circumstantial evidence presented:

• A single hair from Laci found on Scott’s boat pliers.
• His strange behavior, lies to Amber, and sudden boat purchase.
• Lack of fishing gear on the boat, suggesting the trip was a cover.
• Defense challenges timeline and evidence, arguing no cause of death was ever determined and the case is based entirely on circumstantial evidence.

October 26–27, 2004 Closing statements delivered:

• Prosecution emphasizes deception, motive (freedom from fatherhood), and disposal of bodies.
• Defense stresses lack of direct evidence or witness to any crime.

November 12, 2004: Verdict delivered:

• Guilty of first-degree murder for Laci Peterson.
• Guilty of second-degree murder for unborn baby Conner.

November 30, 2004

• Penalty phase begins to determine if Scott should receive the death penalty or life without parole.
  

December 13, 2004 Sentencing Phase and Verdict

• After two days of deliberations, the jury recommends the death penalty for Scott Peterson.
• First-degree murder of Laci Peterson (his wife): eligible for capital punishment.
• Second-degree murder of Conner Peterson (their unborn son): used as an aggravating factor.

December 16, 2004

• Jurors publicly state they were influenced by Scott’s demeanor, lies to Amber Frey, and the location where Laci and Conner were found—exactly where he claimed to be fishing.

March 16, 2005 – Formal Sentencing

• Judge Alfred Delucchi formally sentences Scott Peterson to death by lethal injection.
• He is ordered to serve his sentence at San Quentin State Prison in California.
• Sharon Rocha gives a powerful victim impact statement, telling Scott:

 “You’re going to be nothing but a number. We’ll never forget Laci and Conner. You, we’ll forget.”

2005–2019 – Appeals and Post-Conviction Proceedings

• Automatic appeals process begins as required in California death penalty cases. Scott Peterson remains on death row at San Quentin State Prison.

His defense team files multiple appeals arguing: Jury misconduct. Media bias. Errors in jury selection. Inadequate consideration of alternative suspects.

• 2013 – Peterson files his first post-conviction DNA motion to test hairs found on duct tape adhering to Laci’s clothing and on her remains. The results indicate the hairs are consistent with Laci’s DNA.
• 2015 – Peterson files his first habeas corpus petition.
• 2016 – Peterson’s counsel requests additional discovery related to an arson of an orange van. The prosecution provides supplemental reports and photos.
• 2019 – September, 2019 – DNA testing on a mattress from the orange van reveals a male genetic profile, unrelated to Laci.

August 24, 2020 – California Supreme Court Ruling

• The California Supreme Court overturns Scott Peterson’s death sentence, citing that: The trial judge improperly dismissed potential jurors who expressed general opposition to the death penalty but said they could still follow the law.
• However, the court upholds his murder convictions.

October 14, 2020 – Second Review Ordered

• The state’s highest court orders the San Mateo Superior Court to reexamine whether Scott Peterson’s conviction should be overturned due to alleged juror misconduct, specifically by Juror #7 (Richelle Nice), who failed to disclose she had once sought a restraining order during her own pregnancy.

September 22, 2021 – Scott Peterson Removed from Death Row

• He is transferred out of San Quentin to Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, California, where he is held in protective custody, no longer on death row but serving life without parole pending further court proceedings.

December 8, 2021 – Re-sentencing Hearing

• A re-sentencing hearing is held in San Mateo County Superior Court.
• Judge Anne-Christine Massullo formally sentences Scott Peterson to life in prison without parole, per the 2020 California Supreme Court decision.

April 2023 – Status of Habeas Corpus Petition

• Scott Peterson legal team continues to pursue a habeas corpus petition on the grounds of juror misconduct by Richelle Nice.
• An evidentiary hearing was held to explore whether her omission of past legal issues prejudiced the trial.

January 2024: Innocence Project LA gets involved in Scott Peterson case

• Scott Peterson has requested DNA testing for evidence in the murder case of his wife and unborn child. Motion
• A judge granted Peterson’s request for DNA testing on a piece of duct tape found on Laci’s clothing, a development that LAIP believes could yield exculpatory evidence

March 18, 2025

• Scott Peterson Was involved in a fight in prison, sustained minor injuries

April 21, 2025 The Los Angeles Innocence Project Issued a  Press Release claiming:

• Burglary Timeline Disputed: New evidence suggests the Medina home burglary happened on December 24, the same day Laci disappeared—not December 26 as police and prosecutors told the jury.
• Additional Burglary Involvement: Others besides the two convicted burglars may have been involved. A witness allegedly heard them discuss Laci confronting them.
• Three Nearby Crimes: The petition connects Laci’s disappearance, the Medina burglary, and an arson vehicle fire, all occurring within 24 hours and close to the Peterson home. Police failed to investigate them as related.
• Suppressed and Ignored Evidence: A van fire contained a mattress with suspected blood—police failed to test DNA properly and suppressed records. DNA was found but not subjected to advanced testing. Interviews with the burglars and physical evidence (including a safe) were destroyed soon after Peterson’s arraignment.
• Flawed Forensics: The prosecution’s fetal growth timeline was based on outdated science. New research shows Conner likely died after December 28—when Scott could not have been responsible. Their own expert admitted a newer fetal growth formula placed Conner’s death around January 2, 2003.
• Inaccurate Tidal Testimony: Expert hydrodynamic modeling shows the bodies could not have drifted from Scott’s fishing location to where they were found. The model points instead to dumping from the Albany Bulb, accessible by car.
• Ignored Eyewitness Accounts: 11 witnesses reported seeing Laci walking her dog after Scott left home, but police dismissed and never followed up.
• Boat Purchase Mischaracterized: Handwritten notes from Laci show she and Scott may have purchased the boat together, contradicting claims Scott bought it secretly to commit murder.
• Investigative Misconduct Alleged: A former LAPD lieutenant concluded the investigation was disorganized and biased, with critical evidence ignored or destroyed. Police allegedly gave false testimony about eyewitnesses and a watch tied to Laci that was later linked to one of the burglars.

Conclusion from LAIP: The petition argues that the prosecution’s entire theory has collapsed under new evidence and cumulative constitutional violations. The evidence supports a prima facie claim of innocence and demands a new trial.

Court Records and Exhibits