Scott Peterson Speaks in New Docuseries — Should We Listen?

Scott Peterson, convicted in 2004 for the murder of his wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, has long remained a figure of public fascination. This renewed interest is driven by two recent streaming docuseries that revisit the infamous case that captured widespread media attention in the early 2000s.

Remarkably, both series contribute fresh perspectives and information to the already extensively covered events surrounding Laci Peterson’s disappearance, Scott Peterson’s arrest, and his subsequent trial. However, they differ significantly in their approach: Peacock’s “Face to Face With Scott Peterson,” which premiered this week, features the convicted murderer’s first on-camera interview since his 2003 arrest. Conversely, Netflix’s “American Murder: Laci Peterson,” which began streaming last week and quickly became the platform’s top-rated show, emphasizes Laci Peterson’s story – a narrative frequently overshadowed in previous reports, documentaries, and podcasts about the case.

“I just wanted her to be remembered as a person and not as a victim of murder,” said Sharon Rocha, Laci Peterson’s mother, in “American Murder.”

Scott Peterson, now 51 and serving a life sentence in California, has been a subject of public discussion earlier this year when the Los Angeles Innocence Project took an interest in his case, asserting that “newly discovered” evidence might exonerate him. A judge has permitted new DNA testing on a piece of evidence, yet many of the assertions made by his attorneys, alongside his sister-in-law and vocal supporter Janey Peterson, have already been discredited and rejected by the courts. The defense team seeks access to extensive evidence related to a burglary near the Petersons’ home—a request prosecutors dismiss as a “fishing expedition.” The court’s decision on this matter is still pending.

Directed by acclaimed true crime documentarian Skye Borgman, “American Murder” refocuses attention on Laci Peterson, humanizing her through intimate interviews with her family and friends, and using never-before-seen photos and videos that reveal her vibrant personality. The series validates why Scott Peterson was found guilty, featuring interviews with jurors and relying on factual evidence rather than speculative theories while acknowledging that some prosecutorial theories were later invalidated.

“American Murder” chronicles the startling revelations that emerged during the investigation, notably massage therapist Amber Frey’s disclosure of her romantic relationship with Scott Peterson. Additional trial evidence portrayed him as brazen and unfeeling, such as the infamous phone call he made to Frey from a candlelight vigil for his wife, where he pretended to be watching New Year’s Eve fireworks in Paris.

Despite the compelling evidence, Scott Peterson has never confessed to the crimes and no direct witnesses link him to his wife’s death. His conviction was based predominantly on circumstantial evidence—a point often emphasized by his defenders who argue that unresolved questions about the case dismiss his conviction.

“Why did he have to kill her?” Sharon Rocha asked upon learning from police about her son-in-law’s deception and infidelity.

Peacock’s “Face to Face” revisits old theories favored by Peterson’s supporters, even those central to the 2017 A&E docuseries “The Murder of Laci Peterson.” Nevertheless, filmmaker Shareen Anderson includes interviews with detectives and examines incriminating evidence against Peterson, although the series leans towards the narrative that being untruthful and unfaithful doesn’t inherently signify one is a murderer.

Unlike “American Murder,” “Face to Face” lacks empathy for Laci Peterson’s family and friends, who endured not only their tragic loss but also Scott Peterson’s betrayal. The series also somewhat sidesteps the critical role Amber Frey played in the investigation and conviction.

The narrative of seeking Laci Peterson’s “real” killer resurfaces in the series, driven by Janey Peterson and Scott’s sister Susan Caudillo. Exclusive prison interviews—recorded via video calls—feature Scott Peterson asserting that law enforcement’s focus on him resulted in neglecting alternative suspects and potentially crucial evidence.

Scott Peterson overlooks that his actions aroused investigators’ suspicions. He repeatedly lied to authorities, Laci’s family, and his girlfriend. Possibly the most incriminating fact was his secret purchase of a boat, which he used to travel 90 miles to the San Francisco Bay—the same location where his wife and unborn child’s remains were discovered—and the same day he falsely informed Frey of his wife’s disappearance.

“He is the source of his own undoing,” said Sharon Hagan, a criminal investigator who worked on the Peterson case for the Modesto Police Department, in “American Murder.” She critiqued Scott Peterson’s family for endorsing improbable theories about investigative incompetence to maintain his innocence.

In his prison interviews, Scott Peterson downplayed his affair with Amber Frey, suggesting their relationship was merely physical and accusing the media of misconstruing it. He argued that the affair’s revelation hindered police efforts to locate his wife.

“I did everything I could to bring my family home, which included hiding my affair with Frey. I was wrong, but I embraced the truth about it. I feel such shame and guilt that my infidelity prevented the search for Laci,” he said.

Juror Mike Belmessieri commented in “American Murder” that the affair itself was irrelevant to the jury’s verdict. The decision hinged on compelling evidence, not Scott’s infidelity.

Sharon Rocha stated in court that Scott Peterson’s relentless attempts to overturn his conviction feel like “ripping the scab from the wound.”

“This isn’t about proving innocence but his pursuit of freedom from prison. This isn’t justice for Laci and Conner. He is guilty of murdering them. When will this end?” she said in her victim impact statement.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Source: HuffPost