“American Murder: Laci Peterson” is a documentary series directed by Skye Borgman about the murder of Laci Peterson and her husband, Scott Peterson.
Scott Peterson was convicted more than two decades ago for the murder of his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson. Despite the conviction, Scott has persistently maintained his innocence, fueling ongoing debates and discussions about the case.
The tragic incident unfolded in Modesto, California, on Christmas Eve in 2002, when Scott reported Laci missing. According to Scott, Laci had taken their Golden Retriever for a walk, but the dog returned home alone, with no trace of Laci. The Petersons alerted the media and posted flyers in a desperate attempt to find her, which quickly turned the disappearance into a national media sensation.
From the very beginning, the police directed their suspicions toward Scott. A thorough investigation exposed that Scott’s life was far from the picture-perfect image he portrayed. He refused to take a polygraph test and was evasive during the investigation, raising more red flags. It was soon revealed that Scott had been living a double life and was secretly involved with another woman. But the crucial question remained: Did this double life make him guilty of his wife’s disappearance?
When Laci’s body washed ashore in San Francisco Bay, the evidence seemed overwhelmingly against Scott. Facing intense media scrutiny, Scott gave multiple interviews, but his public declarations of innocence did little to sway public opinion. The situation worsened as more incriminating evidence surfaced, solidifying the public’s belief in his guilt.
Even after being found guilty in court, Scott Peterson has continued to assert his innocence, keeping the debate alive to this day.
About the Documentary
Netflix’s new documentary, titled “American Murder: Laci Peterson,” revisits this haunting case, employing a storytelling formula that has proven successful in previous true crime series about Rosa Peral and Yara Gambirasio. This documentary presents all viewpoints, including Scott’s, alongside testimonies from police inspectors who handled the investigation and from Laci’s family members.
Sharon Rocha, Laci’s mother, provides a poignant account of her feelings two decades after the events, adding a deeply emotional layer to the narrative.
While some may criticize the documentary as another morbid attempt to captivate audiences by stirring up controversy, there is no denying the public’s fascination with true crime stories. Television networks and streaming platforms continue to meet this demand by presenting sensational cases that provoke questions about judicial resolutions.
The formula of reexamining old cases and questioning their outcomes remains effective, and Netflix seems adept at applying it to new cases regularly. This approach keeps the audience engaged and fuels ongoing discussions.
The three episodes of this series are not only captivating but also present multiple perspectives, turning a tragic and complex case into a form of morbid entertainment. Ultimately, this is precisely what the public craves, and Netflix delivers it expertly.
Where to Watch “American Murder: Laci Peterson”
