Scott Peterson (new evidence)
The Los Angeles Innocence Project took on Scott Peterson's case, arguing new evidence could prove his innocence. In 2024, a judge ordered new DNA testing on evidence from the Laci Peterson murder.
In 2024, the Los Angeles Innocence Project filed a habeas petition on behalf of Scott Peterson, arguing that new evidence could prove he did not murder his pregnant wife Laci in 2002.
The petition cited several pieces of evidence including a van seen near the Petersons' home that was never investigated, break-ins in the neighborhood around the time of Laci's disappearance, and potential alibi witnesses.
A San Mateo County judge ordered new DNA testing on several items of evidence, including duct tape found on Laci's body and a mattress protector found near where her remains washed ashore.
Peterson remains in prison serving life without parole. His death sentence was overturned in 2020 due to juror misconduct, but his murder conviction was upheld. The DNA testing results could impact his case.
Curated starting points for verifying and researching this case. Direct references are checked; search links are provided as further-reading aids. ColdCaseIndex is an index of public information — see a case correction? Email info@coldcaseindex.com.
Have Information About This Case?
Cold cases are solved when someone comes forward. Even a detail that seems minor can matter. If you have any information about this case, contact law enforcement through one of these channels:
- FBI Tips (tips.fbi.gov) — submit a tip online to the Federal Bureau of Investigation
- FBI Tip Line: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
- The local police department or sheriff's office in California, or the state bureau of investigation
Tips can usually be submitted anonymously. To report an error on this page, email info@coldcaseindex.com.