Murder: True Crime Stories – SPECIAL: Laci Peterson 2 with Dr. Tristin Engels

Release Date: January 14, 2025

Hosts: Carter Roy and Dr. Tristin Engels

Introduction

In the second and final special episode of the renowned Laci Peterson case, host Carter Roy teams up once again with Dr. Tristin Engels, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-host of the Crime House's "Mind of a Serial Killer" series. Together, they delve deeper into the complexities and psychological intricacies of one of the most infamous true crime cases of the 21st century.

Background: The Laci Peterson Case

Scott Peterson became the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, Connor, after she vanished on Christmas Eve, 2002. Within weeks, suspicion heavily leaned towards Scott, fueled by media frenzy and public opinion. As Carter Roy highlights, “...it certainly appeared that her husband Scott had killed her” (00:06).

The Investigation and Suspicion Around Scott Peterson

Detectives initially faced a challenging case with limited physical evidence. The absence of signs indicating a struggle or forced entry into the Petersons' home led investigators to theorize that Laci was killed through a "soft kill" method, such as strangulation—an intimate and often overlooked form of violence detailed by Dr. Engels (06:26). This theory not only deepened suspicions on Scott but also suggested that the perpetrator was someone Laci knew and trusted.

A pivotal moment in the investigation centered around Scott’s sudden purchase of a boat just days before Laci's disappearance. “...the boat purchase was a premeditated move for him to get rid of Laci” (26:22), Carter asserts, highlighting the suspicious circumstances surrounding the purchase and its potential implications.

The Arrest and Evidence Found

The turning point came when the bodies of Laci and Connor washed ashore in the San Francisco Bay in April 2003. Scott’s erratic behavior following the discovery—altering his appearance and attempting to flee—raised further red flags. During his arrest in San Diego, detectives found numerous incriminating items in his car, including a rope, knives, and multiple cell phones. Dr. Engels notes, “He is a meticulous planner. He's strategic, he's cunning and resourceful” (15:48), analyzing Scott’s behavior as indicative of premeditation.

The Trial: Prosecution and Defense Strategies

The trial, which began in June 2004, was heavily influenced by media attention and public sentiment. The prosecution presented a case built largely on circumstantial evidence, painting Scott as a man unable to reconcile his domestic life with personal freedoms. “...the prosecution’s best chance of proving their side was to rule out any other possibilities” (26:22), Carter explains, emphasizing the strategy to eliminate alternative theories.

Dr. Engels discusses the impact of confirmation bias on the jury, stating, “A confirmation bias, especially when it comes to jurors, occurs when they have formed an existing belief about a case because of the prejudicial information they have...” (30:13). This insight underscores the challenges in ensuring an impartial jury amidst widespread preconceived notions.

Verdict and Reactions

After a protracted five-month trial, Scott Peterson was convicted of first-degree murder for Laci and second-degree murder for Connor. The verdict was met with starkly different reactions: Laci’s family was devastated, while Scott remained outwardly indifferent. Dr. Engels analyzes Scott’s lack of visible emotion, suggesting various psychological explanations beyond guilt, such as emotional detachment or delayed processing of trauma (36:06).

Post-Trial Developments and Doubts

Despite his conviction, lingering doubts about Scott's guilt persisted. Investigative journalist Mike Gudgell reignited interest in the case during the mid-2010s, uncovering potential evidence that had been overlooked or dismissed. Central to this renewed scrutiny was the Medina burglary, which police had initially ruled out but which Gudgell and Scott’s family believed could provide an alternative suspect (41:38).

In 2020, procedural errors in jury selection led the California Supreme Court to reduce Scott’s sentence to life without parole. Undeterred, Scott enlisted the Los Angeles Innocence Project in 2023 to pursue further DNA testing on crucial evidence, notably the mattress found in the burnt van—whose initial tests had been inconclusive (47:44).

Dr. Engels elaborates on the psychological barriers to overturning wrongful convictions, noting, “...those closely connected to this case from the start are likely to remain firm in their belief that Scott was guilty” (45:11). This skepticism is compounded by potential cognitive dissonance among investigators and the enduring pressure to solve high-profile cases.

Conclusion

As of the episode's recording, the quest for truth in the Laci Peterson case remains unresolved. Scott Peterson continues his fight for exoneration, reliant on the relentless efforts of new investigative avenues and the support of dedicated advocates. However, the absence of definitive evidence and the tragic loss of Laci leave the true narrative shrouded in mystery.

Carter Roy concludes, reflecting on the enduring impact of the case: “No matter how the case is ultimately resolved, we may never know what really happened because Laci Peterson is the only person who could give a definitive account of what happened.” (51:32)

Notable Quotes:

• Carter Roy (00:06): "In the case of Laci Peterson, it certainly appeared that her husband Scott had killed her."

• Dr. Tristin Engels (06:26): "Strangulation is a form of abuse that is very personal because it is an extreme form of control and power."

• Carter Roy (26:22): "The boat purchase was a premeditated move for him to get rid of Laci."

• Dr. Tristin Engels (15:48): "He is a meticulous planner. He's strategic, he's cunning and resourceful."

• Dr. Tristin Engels (30:13): "A confirmation bias, especially when it comes to jurors, occurs when they have formed an existing belief about a case because of the prejudicial information they have..."

• Dr. Tristin Engels (36:06): "There are many explanations that can be given for his behaviors and his reactions that don't necessarily mean guilt."

• Dr. Tristin Engels (45:11): "...those closely connected to this case from the start are likely to remain firm in their belief that Scott was guilty."

• Carter Roy (51:32): "We may never know what really happened because Laci Peterson is the only person who could give a definitive account of what happened."

Production Credits:

• Host: Carter Roy
• Special Guest: Dr. Tristin Engels
• Executive Producer: Max Cutler
• Produced and Directed by: Ron Shapiro
• Written by: Alex Burns
• Edited by: Alex Benidon
• Fact-Checked by: Sarah Tardif
• Production Assistants: Stacy Warrenker and Sarah Carroll

Acknowledgments:

Carter Roy extends gratitude to Dr. Tristin Engels for her insightful analysis and encourages listeners to follow "Mind of a Serial Killer" for more expert perspectives. Support for the podcast is appreciated through ratings, reviews, and subscriptions on various platforms.

This episode of "Murder: True Crime Stories" is a Crime House original powered by PAVE Studios. For more information and to stay updated, follow Crime House on Instagram @crimehouse.