Scott Peterson was convicted in 2004 for the murders of his pregnant wife Laci and their unborn son Conner, who disappeared on Christmas Eve 2002 in Modesto, California. The case captivated national attention due to its shocking nature and the media frenzy surrounding it. Peterson initially reported his wife missing, but suspicion quickly fell on him after revelations of his affair with Amber Frey came to light1. The bodies of Laci and Conner washed ashore in San Francisco Bay in April 2003, leading to Peterson's arrest2. Despite maintaining his innocence, Peterson was found guilty of first-degree murder for Laci's death and second-degree murder for Conner's death in November 20043. The trial, marked by intense media coverage and public scrutiny, resulted in Peterson being sentenced to death, though his sentence was later commuted to life in prison without parole in 20214.

The Scott Peterson case unfolded over several years, with key events marking its progression from Laci's disappearance to Scott's conviction. Here's a timeline of the most significant moments:

• December 24, 2002: Laci Peterson, eight months pregnant, disappears from her Modesto, California home1

• December 30, 2002: Amber Frey contacts police about her relationship with Scott Peterson1

• April 13-14, 2003: Bodies of Laci and unborn son Conner wash ashore in San Francisco Bay2

• April 18, 2003: Scott Peterson is arrested in La Jolla, California2

• April 21, 2003: Scott Peterson pleads not guilty to two counts of capital murder3

• June 1, 2004: Scott Peterson's trial begins in San Mateo County4

• August 10, 2004: Amber Frey testifies against Scott Peterson5

• November 12, 2004: Jury finds Scott Peterson guilty of first-degree murder for Laci's death and second-degree murder for Conner's death3

• December 13, 2004: Jury recommends the death penalty for Scott Peterson3

• March 16, 2005: Judge formally sentences Scott Peterson to death3

This timeline highlights the rapid progression from Laci's disappearance to Scott's conviction and sentencing, spanning just over two years.

The prosecution's case against Scott Peterson heavily relied on his affair with Amber Frey and his suspicious behavior following Laci's disappearance. Frey's testimony proved crucial, revealing Peterson's deception and lies1. She recorded phone conversations with Peterson, including one on New Year's Eve 2002 where he pretended to be in Paris while attending a vigil for Laci2. This evidence painted Peterson as a manipulative liar, significantly damaging his credibility.

Peterson's behavior after Laci's disappearance also raised suspicions. He was found in possession of $15,000 cash, camping equipment, and his brother's ID when arrested, suggesting possible plans to flee3. While the prosecution lacked direct physical evidence linking Peterson to the murders, they presented circumstantial evidence, including the location where Laci and Conner's bodies were found, which aligned with Peterson's alibi of fishing in San Francisco Bay on the day of Laci's disappearance43. This combination of behavioral evidence and circumstantial factors ultimately led to Peterson's conviction, despite the absence of DNA evidence directly tying him to the crime3.