107-505: Laci Denise Peterson ( née Rocha ; May 4, 1975 — c. December 24, 2002 ) was an American woman murdered by her husband, Scott Lee Peterson (born October 24, 1972), while eight months pregnant with their first child. On December 24, 2002, Scott reported Laci missing from their home in Modesto, California . Four months later, Laci's body and the body of her unborn son, whom the couple had planned to name Conner, were discovered on
214-416: A dairy farm west of Escalon, California . Laci worked on the dairy farm from a young age and also enjoyed gardening with her mother. Laci's parents divorced when she and her brother were young. Subsequently, their mother moved with the children to Modesto ; Laci visited her father at the dairy farm on weekends. Laci's mother developed a long-term relationship with Ron Grantski; Grantski would help raise
321-402: A fair trial . Before his arraignment, Peterson had been represented by Kirk McAllister, a veteran criminal defense attorney from Modesto. Chief Deputy Public Defender Kent Faulkner was also assigned to the case. Peterson later indicated that he could afford a private attorney, namely Mark Geragos , who had done other high-profile criminal defense work. Scott's trial began on June 1, 2004, and
428-627: A $ 250,000 life insurance policy Scott took out on Laci would go to Laci's mother. This was reaffirmed by the Fifth District Court of Appeal on October 31, 2007. Scott arrived at San Quentin State Prison in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 17, 2005. He was reported not to have slept the night before, being too "jazzed" to sleep. He joined the more than 700 other inmates in California's sole death row facility during
535-534: A June 9, 2002, at-home pregnancy test had produced a positive reading. But the prosecution criticized March for having relied on a friend's report. After prosecutors criticized March for a typo in his report, he remarked, "Cut me some slack." One juror was removed and replaced during deliberations due to misconduct , after she conducted independent research on the case. The jury foreman (an attorney) requested his own removal, most likely because his fellow jurors wanted to replace him as foreman. Geragos told reporters that
642-399: A San Diego resident discount at the golf course, and was living in his car to avoid media attention and harassment. Police and prosecutors alleged the switched car, dyed hair, money, phones, driver's license, and camping equipment indicated Peterson was trying to disguise himself and flee to Mexico. Detectives Brocchini and Buehler drove Peterson back to Modesto, where Peterson was booked into
749-529: A boutique in La Jolla called The Put On. Lee and Jackie had six children from previous relationships. Scott was their only child together. As a child, Scott shared a bedroom with his half-brother John in the family's two-bedroom apartment in La Jolla. He began playing golf at an early age, and, by age 14, he could beat his father at the game. For a time, Scott had dreams of becoming a professional golfer, and he
856-611: A candlelight vigil. Two other relatives of Laci said Scott had shown little emotion during Laci's disappearance, and three witnesses testified that Scott had told them he had been golfing, not fishing, after Laci's disappearance. The prosecution called on various witnesses to establish that Scott changed his appearance, purchased a vehicle using his mother's name, and added two pornographic television channels to his cable service days after his wife's disappearance. A realtor testified that, in January 2003, Scott expressed interest in selling
963-488: A cement powder on the boat trailer, and five circular marks matching the size and shape of the bucket used to make the anchor. Hendlee also found a sledgehammer and a dustpan covered with cement powder. Prosecutors alleged Scott made five anchors and used four – one tied to each of Laci's wrists and ankles – to sink Laci's body in San Francisco Bay. After Scott was arrested, police searched the San Francisco Bay for
1070-575: A central role in Modesto living in the Central Valley. Modesto has been often honored as a Tree City USA . The City of Modesto was originally a stop on the railroad connecting Sacramento to Los Angeles , built by Central Pacific Railroad . When Modesto was founded in 1870, the railroad company co-founder Mark Hopkins Jr. suggested to name it after his associate the banker William C. Ralston . Ralston asked that another name be found, and
1177-538: A crowd of 15,000 people. Much of the profits ended up in local non-profit charities. Some business owners and citizens of Modesto complained of a rowdy and often drunk Mardi Gras atmosphere exhibited at X-fest. The last X-fest occurred in Modesto in 2015. Located in downtown Modesto is the State Theater with music acts and independent films. Downtown Modesto hosts a monthly Art Walk, with local artists displaying art for sale, artist demos, local gallery shows, in
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#17327979665361284-515: A degree in agricultural business. Professors who taught Scott described him as a model student. His agribusiness professor, Jim Ahern, commented, "I wouldn't mind having a class full of Scott Petersons." While at Cal Poly, Scott worked at Pacific Café, a restaurant in Morro Bay . Laci would occasionally visit the restaurant to see a friend who also worked there. In mid-1994, Laci sent Scott her phone number; she also told her mother that she had met
1391-424: A device with which to record her conversations with Scott. On January 15, 2003, detectives informed Laci's immediate family of Scott's affair with Amber. Upon learning of Scott's involvement with Amber Frey, Sharon Rocha told detectives she believed Scott killed Laci. On January 24, Sharon, Ron, and Laci's brother Brent held a press conference in which Brent said Scott had, in a phone call on January 16, told Brent he
1498-457: A due date of February 10, 2003. The story attracted nationwide media interest. Modesto Police detectives Allen Brocchini and Jon Buehler responded to the missing person call, and became the lead investigators for the case. Upon their arrival at the Peterson home, the detectives interviewed Scott and performed a cursory search of the home. Scott told detectives he had been fishing for sturgeon at
1605-514: A family; they completed the sale in April 2001. In October 2000, the Petersons purchased a three-bedroom, two-bath bungalow for $ 177,000 on Covena Avenue in an upscale neighborhood near East La Loma Park. Laci took a part-time job as a substitute teacher , and Scott got a job with Tradecorp U.S.A., a newly founded subsidiary of a European fertilizer company, for which he earned a salary of $ 5,000
1712-417: A female householder with no husband present, 4,904 (7.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 5,177 (7.5%) unmarried . 15,887 households (23.0%) were made up of individuals, and 6,221 (9.0%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87. There were 48,908 families (70.8% of all households); the average family size was 3.38. The population
1819-524: A free 6-week summer concerts-in-the-park series with its 130 volunteer musicians. Modesto is also home to Townsend Opera, founded in 1983 by the late Modesto-born opera singer Buck Townsend, and Modesto Performing Arts, as well as the Gallo Center for the Arts. Modesto is also home to the area's leading professional ballet company, Central West Ballet. The Mexican culture and traditions are displayed by
1926-522: A friend to Amber Frey, a Fresno massage therapist, and the two began a romantic relationship. On December 23, 2002, at 5:45 p.m., Laci and Scott went to Salon Salon, the workplace of Laci's sister Amy Rocha. Amy cut Scott's hair, as she did each month. Scott offered to pick up a fruit basket that Amy had ordered because he would be playing golf the next day at a course near the retailer. Prosecutors say Scott also told other people he would play golf on Christmas Eve. Laci's mother, Sharon, spoke with Laci on
2033-592: A job in nearby Prunedale . Prosecutors later stated that, around this time, Scott engaged in his first extramarital affair , though they did not reveal the details of the relationship. Scott graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business in June 1998, and the Petersons opened a sports bar in San Luis Obispo called The Shack. The Petersons decided to put The Shack up for sale when they moved to Laci's hometown of Modesto, California , to start
2140-421: A judge sealed the autopsy results, an anonymous Associated Press source revealed Conner's body had minor decomposition, mutilations on his right side, and a length of nylon cord wrapped around his body. The source of the mutilations and how the cord became wrapped around Conner's body could not be conclusively determined. Laci's body was bloated, missing its head, arms, most of its legs, its internal organs, and
2247-430: A man who was crushed or even greatly disturbed by his wife's disappearance and possible death." The Rocha family defended Scott, describing him and Laci as the ideal couple. The nationwide media coverage produced several tips and possible sightings, one of which was from a woman who identified herself as Scott's girlfriend. On December 30, 2002, Amber Frey informed detectives she had met Scott on November 20, and he said he
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#17327979665362354-404: A month before taxes. Laci's family, including her mother and younger sister, related that she devoted much of her energy towards being the perfect housewife, and that she enjoyed cooking, entertaining and watching Martha Stewart . In 2002, Laci discovered she was pregnant; her due date was February 10, 2003. The couple had planned to name their son Conner. In November 2002, Scott was introduced by
2461-477: A multi-venue map self-guided tour. The Modesto Symphony Orchestra , which finds its home at the Gallo Center, held their first performance when Modesto had a population of 17,000 in 1931 and continues to be a staple in the community. Not to be outdone by the Symphony, MoBand (Modesto Band of Stanislaus County), established in 1919, is one of the oldest continuously performing bands in the U.S. The group performs
2568-597: A part of Royal Robbins, a United States brand of clothing consisting of uniforms and tactical equipment for military). A cannery downtown produces food which is usually shipped to Sacramento and Fresno for transfer to rail or ship. Ceres has a few cereal and snack factories in the area. There are several small steelworking companies in Modesto. In mid-2008, a number of road projects were underway, with roads being constructed, repaved or repaired, at an estimated total cost of nearly $ 120 million. Rates of both violent crimes and property crimes are higher in Modesto than
2675-562: A railroad employee exclaimed loudly in Spanish that Ralston was a modest man. The railroad company co-founder Charles Crocker then named the town Modesto in recognition of Ralston's modesty. Modesto's population exceeded 1,000 residents in 1884. With fields of grain, the nearby Tuolumne River for grain barges, and railroad traffic, the town grew. Irrigation water came from dams in the foothills, and irrigated fields of vegetables and fruit and nut trees flourished. By 1900, Modesto's population
2782-446: A reason for the juror's later dismissal, although the transcript of Delucchi's session with him indicated that the juror had admitted that his girlfriend and others had spoken to him about news reports of his encounter with Rocha. Delucchi furthermore warned the remaining jurors not to read, watch, or listen to media coverage of the trial. In opening statements, the prosecution said they would show that Scott had killed his wife because he
2889-428: A row with high temperatures exceeding 100 °F (38 °C). This can pose health risks for people with weak constitutions or who ignore the dangers of heat stroke. Onshore breezes (known locally as the "delta breeze") moderate these high temperatures somewhat, with cooler air coming in after 8 or 9 pm on summer nights, making Modesto potentially a couple or few degrees cooler than the northern and southern parts of
2996-468: A search of the floor of San Francisco Bay with sonar equipment accurate enough to locate objects as small as a tin can. But Geoffrey Baehr, who helped lead more than 15 diving expeditions off the Berkeley Marina to search for Laci, testified that thick mud, strong currents, dark waters, and a strong surge can make it "virtually impossible" for such equipment to locate an object, even when the target
3103-493: Is also presented. The MAMAs were created by Chris Murphy and Chris Ricci to support and encourage local musicians. The McHenry Mansion is a restored historic home located at Fifteenth and I Streets. The McHenry family built the house in 1883 after the patriarch of the family, Oramil McHenry, left $ 20,000 in his will. The mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1978. Graceada Park
3210-593: Is an urban park north of Needham Avenue and was recognized as a historic landmark by the City of Modesto Landmark Preservation Commission in 1998. The Hawke Castle is a historic residence built in 1929. It was influenced by the Norman architecture, and is now the property of George Thayer Real Estate. or the Walter B. Wood House, was originally located at 814 Twelfth Street. The house was originally owned by Walter Wood and
3317-497: Is based on ozone alert days and number of pollutants in the air. In May 2010, Forbes magazine, in association with the American Lung Association , indicated that Modesto was one of the top 25 most polluted cities in the U.S. As of the 2000s, downtown Modesto (DOMO) has new attractions including the Gallo Center for the Arts and the new Downtown Plaza adjacent to Modesto Centre Plaza. Downtown Modesto has lost
Murder of Laci Peterson - Misplaced Pages Continue
3424-597: Is being designed to create a special entertainment zone along the corridor between the Modesto Centre Plaza and the Gallo Center for the Arts and the adjacent core streets of 10th, 11th and J streets. Modesto is located in the center of the Central Valley surrounded by the Coastal Ranges and the Sierra Nevada , and close by, the numerous farmlands that produce a majority of several crops for
3531-550: Is completely out of character for her." Over thirty Modesto police and firefighters on foot, horseback, bicycles, and watercraft used canine units and searchlight-equipped helicopters to search Dry Creek and the surrounding area. Laci's disappearance and the extensive search efforts attracted nationwide media interest. A $ 25,000 reward was offered—later increased to $ 250,000 and, finally, to $ 500,000—for information leading to Laci's safe return. Posters, blue and yellow ribbons , and flyers were circulated. The original, basic version of
3638-491: Is known, and that this is why they did not find Laci's body or any anchors. To emphasize this point, Baehr related that when his crew accidentally dropped the underwater sonar device into the water, it took four diving trips to locate it, even though the crew knew precisely where it had landed. Rick Cheng, a hydrologist with the United States Geological Survey and an expert witness on tides of
3745-489: Is now used to augment city water. In various parts of the city and its perimeter the following water pollutants have occurred from time to time: nitrates , dibromochloromethane , volatile organics , salinity, total dissolved solids and other pesticides . Each of these contaminants is not present citywide. The EPA rates air quality in Modesto as a 23 on a scale to 100 (higher is better), making Modesto an unhealthy place to live for those with breathing difficulties. This
3852-517: The Berkeley Marina , approximately 90 miles from the couple's Modesto home. The detectives found Laci's keys, wallet, sunglasses, and purse in a closet, and began organizing a search of the area. The following day, over 900 of Laci's family, friends, and neighbors searched the neighborhood and posted missing-person flyers . At a press conference , detective Al Brocchini said police did not believe Laci left without contacting her family: "That
3959-487: The Köppen climate classification . It has cool to mild winters with moderate rainfall and hot, dry summers. Most of the rainfall occurs during the winter and the annual total is 13.2 in (340 mm). The highest rainfall in a season was 26.01 in (661 mm) in 1982–83 and the lowest being 4.3 in (110 mm) in 1912–1913. Precipitation usually comes in the form of atmospheric rivers or bomb cyclones and some of
4066-679: The San Francisco Bay shore in Richmond's Point Isabel Regional Shoreline park. The following day, a jogger spotted a human torso in the riprap along the Point Isabel shoreline [ 37.8993478196052, -122.32531486069779] , approximately one mile from where the body of the fetus was found. On April 18, 2003, DNA tests verified the bodies were Laci and her unborn son, Conner. The autopsies on both bodies were performed by forensic pathologist Dr. Brian Peterson (no relation). Although
4173-410: The San Francisco Bay , testified as a witness for the prosecution. He suggested that Laci may have been dumped near where Scott had said he was fishing. During cross-examination , Cheng admitted that his findings were "probable, not precise". Scott's defense lawyers based their case on the lack of direct evidence, and played down the significance of circumstantial evidence. They also questioned whether
4280-534: The San Joaquin Valley , is surrounded by rich farmland. Stanislaus County ranks sixth among California counties in farm production. It is home to Gallo Family Winery , the largest family-owned winery in the United States . Led by milk, almonds, chickens, walnuts, and corn silage, the county grossed nearly $ 3.1 billion in agricultural production in 2011. The farm-to-table movement plays
4387-507: The Ballet Folklorico Group "Casa Cultural Tradiciones". Folklorico groups are often at Modesto events, sharing their culture with traditional dance and colorful attire. The Modesto Area Music Awards (MAMA) are held each October. Local radio stations and promoters nominate local bands and voting happens online. There is a black-tie ceremony and trophies are given to winners in multiple categories. A lifetime achievement award
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4494-809: The Central Valley. The 2010 United States Census reported that Modesto had a population of 201,165. The population density was 5,423.4 inhabitants per square mile (2,094.0/km ). The racial makeup of Modesto was 130,833 (65.0%) White , 8,396 (4.2%) African American , 2,494 (1.2%) Native American , 13,557 (6.7%) Asian (1.5% Filipino, 1.3% Asian Indian, 1.2% Cambodian, 0.7% Chinese, 0.6% Vietnamese, 0.5% Laotian, 0.2% Japanese, 0.2% Korean, 0.1% Hmong, 0.1% Pakistani), 1,924 (1.0%) Pacific Islander , 31,244 (15.5%) from other races , and 12,717 (6.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 71,381 persons (35.5%): 30.8% Mexican, 0.7% Puerto Rican, 0.6% Salvadoran, 0.5% Spaniard, 0.4% Spanish, 0.3% Nicaraguan, and 0.2% Guatemalan. Non-Hispanic Whites were 49.4% of
4601-548: The Downtown summer concert series, featuring Chris Isaak , Hootie & the Blowfish , The Doobie Brothers and Styx . X-Fest, deriving from its real name Xclamation Festival , was a 21-and-over music festival in downtown Modesto. Begun in 2000, X-Fest evolved into a large outdoor event stretching for 15 blocks and featuring the world's largest disco which occupied four blocks on its own. In 2008 X-Fest featured 50 bands and
4708-619: The FBI linked a hair wrapped around a pair of pliers found in Scott's fishing boat to hairs recovered from Laci's hairbrush. Police searched Scott's truck, toolbox, and warehouse, and found a homemade concrete anchor in the boat Scott purchased two weeks before he reported Laci missing. Scott told detectives he used a 90-pound bag of concrete to make one boat anchor, and used the rest of the concrete to repair his driveway. When Detective Henry Dodge Hendee searched Scott's warehouse on December 27, he found
4815-757: The Historic Cruise Route with markers celebrating classic legends like George Lucas , Gene Winfield , Bart Bartoni and others. Classic Community Murals was launched by Modesto magazine ModestoView and the Peer Recovery Art Center to create a series of large scale murals celebrating the Modesto Classic Graffiti heritage. Many of these are on the Cruise Route. New business incentives have been created to enhance facades, signage, and permitting. A promenade
4922-631: The Hotel Covell, the art deco Strand Theatre, and the Sears building. Historic 10th and 11th streets, which were the original locations of the cruising featured in American Graffiti , have been designated by the City of Modesto as the Historic Cruise Route. This is now a tourist walk with information about Modesto's music, car and Graffiti culture. In 2014, the Walk of Fame was launched on
5029-549: The LaciPeterson.com website was launched by the husband of one of Laci's friends. Family, friends, and volunteers set up a command center at the Red Lion Hotel to take phone calls, record developments, and circulate information. Over 1500 volunteers distributed information, worked at the command center, searched for Laci, and held candlelight vigils with Scott for Laci. Although detectives did not initially consider
5136-429: The Peterson home that night, Scott said he had earlier gone to play golf. Scott called his mother-in-law, Sharon, to ask if Laci was with her; Sharon subsequently said that call was when she learned Laci was missing. Scott and Laci's stepfather both reported Laci missing. The police received the report of her disappearance shortly before 6pm. At the time of her disappearance, Laci was seven-and-a-half months pregnant, with
5243-703: The Stanislaus County Jail. On April 21, 2003, Peterson was arraigned in Stanislaus County Superior Court and charged with two felony counts of murder with premeditation and special circumstances, to which he pleaded not guilty. Because of the intense publicity, community involvement, and the small pool of potential jurors in Stanislaus County, Judge Al Girolami moved the trial to San Mateo County to avoid defense accusations of juror bias and ensure Peterson received
5350-545: The United States. There are also grassy and tree-filled preserves nearby. The city is in between the Tuolumne River and the nearby Stanislaus River . There is a small creek named Dry Creek, which is badly polluted by agricultural runoff and is adjacent to several parks. Rivers and lakes near Waterford are accessible for a kayak , or small motorboat , and there are several points of public access. This access
5457-418: The abdominal cavity and washed out most of Laci's internal organs, including Conner. The discovery of Laci's and Conner's bodies changed the case status from missing person to homicide , and allowed the detectives to expand their investigation of Scott Peterson as the prime suspect . The FBI and Modesto Police Department performed forensic searches of the Peterson home. Using mitochondrial DNA testing,
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#17327979665365564-423: The age of 18 living with them, 51.5% were married couples living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.36. In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.1% under
5671-414: The age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males. Modesto has a large agricultural industry which is based on the fertile farmland surrounding the city. Modesto is home to the largest winery in
5778-567: The anchors, but nothing was found. Using a GPS locator they'd placed on Scott's car, detectives Brocchini and Buehler tracked Scott to San Diego. Anticipating Peterson was planning to evade arrest by fleeing to Mexico , the detectives immediately began electronically monitoring Peterson's activities, but discovered Peterson had switched vehicles, rendering their GPS locator useless. Police increased their surveillance of Peterson, following his car and monitoring his location by listening to his cell phone calls. Since Peterson had switched vehicles and
5885-835: The appeals process. Modesto, California Modesto ( / m ə ˈ d ɛ s t oʊ / ; Spanish pronunciation: [moˈðesto] ) is the county seat and largest city of Stanislaus County, California , United States. With a population of 218,069 according to 2022 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, it is the 19th-most populous city in California . Modesto is located in the Central Valley region , 68 miles (109 km) south of Sacramento and 90 miles (140 km) north of Fresno . Distances from other places include: 40 miles (64 km) north of Merced, California , 92 miles (148 km) east of San Francisco , 66 miles (106 km) west of Yosemite National Park , and 24 miles (39 km) south of Stockton . The city, in
5992-438: The boat while alive. A witness reported that she had seen Laci at the warehouse with the boat the day before she was reported missing. On the stand, Detective Allen Brocchini explained that he had "excised" that witness's statement from his police report. Prosecution witness Robert O'Neill was asked to comment on Scott's claim that he had used a 90-pound bag of cement to make a single anchor and pave his driveway. O'Neill said that
6099-637: The case suspicious, they suspected foul play almost immediately and became increasingly suspicious of Scott as they continued their investigation into Laci's disappearance. Buehler told ABC News in 2017, "I suspected Scott when I first met him. Didn't mean he did it, but I was a little bit thrown off by his calm, cool demeanor and his lack of questioning ... he wasn't, 'Will you call me back? Can I have one of your cards? What are you guys doing now? ' ". Buehler further described Scott's behavior as, "a strange combination of polite and arrogant, disaffectedly distant and impatiently irritable. He just didn't seem like
6206-485: The children from the time Laci was two years old. Laci was a cheerleader in junior high and high school. After graduating from Thomas Downey High School , she attended California Polytechnic State University , majoring in ornamental horticulture . Scott was born October 24, 1972, in San Diego , California , to Lee Arthur Peterson, who owned a crate-packaging company, and Jacqueline "Jackie" Helen Latham, who owned
6313-468: The city was $ 22,886. About 14.9% of families and 18.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.3% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over. In September 2010, the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research released a study indicating that 32% of the population was obese vs. a statewide average obesity rate of 22.7%. Poverty was one of the factors listed as contributing to
6420-879: The dog with a muddy leash, wandering in the neighborhood. That neighbor put the dog in the Petersons' yard, not observing that anything was out of place. At 2:15 p.m., Scott left a message for Laci, stating, "Hey, Beautiful. It's 2:15. I'm leaving Berkeley." Scott said when he returned home that afternoon, Laci's car was in the driveway and the house was empty. He also said that he found McKenzie in their back yard, and that he relayed this to Laci's mother, Sharon. She later denied his account in her book. Scott showered and washed his clothes. A neighbor of Scott's later said that Scott had knocked on his door, asking if he had seen Laci. The neighbor and his wife both testified overhearing Scott saying that he had been golfing that day and had tried to call Laci. A relative of Laci's would also later testify that, when friends and family began gathering at
6527-474: The environmental factors technically assessed were air quality, water quality , environmental noise , soil contamination and visual impacts. Much of the soils in Modesto are classified as part of the Hanford series: (HbpA) fine sandy loam , moderately deep over silt. These soils are well-drained, moderately coarse-textured soils derived from alluvium from granitic rock. The Hanford soils are important for
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#17327979665366634-486: The family dog to a nearby park. Karen Servas, a neighbor of the Petersons, said that she found the Petersons' dog, a golden retriever named McKenzie, alone outside the home and returned him to the Petersons' back yard at around 10:30 a.m. She later testified that she had found the dog at 10:18. Another neighbor, Mike Chiavetta, said he saw McKenzie at about 10:45 a.m., as he played catch with his own dog. The Modesto Bee reported that an unnamed female neighbor found
6741-544: The father of another young golfer, Chris Couch , Scott was taken off the golf team after Chip discovered that Scott had taken Chris out drinking while Chris was visiting Arizona State for a recruiting trip. Chip complained to the Arizona State golf coach, who subsequently kicked Scott off the team. Scott transferred to Cuesta College and then to California Polytechnic State University . Initially planning to major in international business, Scott ultimately graduated with
6848-422: The fetus was not full-term and died at the same time as his mother. As to this matter, Dr. Charles March, a fertility specialist , was expected to be a crucial witness for the defense. March said that the Petersons' unborn fetus could not have died any earlier than December 29, 2002. Under cross-examination, March said he had based his finding on a report by one of Laci's friends, who said that Laci had told her that
6955-420: The foreman had mentioned threats he received when he requested to be removed from the jury. The foreman was replaced by an alternate. On November 12, 2004, the jury convicted Scott of two counts of murder: first-degree murder with special circumstances for killing Laci, and second-degree murder for killing the fetus she carried. The penalty phase of the trial began on November 30, and concluded December 13, when
7062-463: The hairs to a hair found in Laci's hairbrush through mitochondrial DNA tests. The prosecution further suggested that the hair must have come from Laci's dead body because she had not seen the boat while alive. Defense lawyers argued that mitochondrial testing was not a reliable means of DNA comparison—only half of states in the U.S. allowed the practice—and further contended that Laci had, in fact, been on
7169-550: The high obesity rates. As of the census of 2000, there were 188,856 people, 64,959 households, and 46,640 families residing in the city. The population density was 5,277.3 inhabitants per square mile (2,037.6/km ). There were 67,179 housing units at an average density of 1,877.2 per square mile (724.8/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 69.6% White , 25.6% Hispanic or Latino , 4.0% African American , 1.2% Native American , 6.0% Asian , 0.5% Pacific Islander . There were 64,959 households, out of which 38.7% had children under
7276-423: The house he had shared with Laci, saying he did not want her to have to live in the home if she were to be found alive. A car salesman testified that Scott had traded in Laci's Land Rover for a Dodge pick-up truck after her disappearence. Frey testified as to her affair with Scott, and the jury heard the secretly recorded telephone calls between the pair; in one, recorded after Laci disappeared, Scott falsely said he
7383-434: The investigation was thorough, since Modesto Police Detective Mike Hermos admitted he did not check the alibi of a prostitute who was accused of stealing checks from Scott's mailbox. Hermos did not indicate that the woman was ever a suspect, and prosecutor Dave Harris noted that the checks were stolen after Laci vanished, precluding the woman from involvement in her disappearance. A police community-service officer testified that
7490-416: The jury rendered a sentence of death. On March 16, Judge Delucchi followed the jury verdict, sentencing Scott to death by lethal injection and ordering him to pay $ 10,000 toward the cost of Laci's funeral. He described the murder of Laci as "cruel, uncaring, heartless, and callous". In later press appearances, members of the jury stated that they believed Scott's demeanor—specifically his lack of emotion and
7597-563: The last 100 years with the highest amount being 1.5 inches that fell in January 1962. Usually on average the weather does not go below 30 °F and not above 103 °F. Average January temperatures range from 56 °F (13 °C) in the day to 34 °F (1 °C) at night. There are about 20 days per year that see temperatures at or below 32 °F (0 °C) and 79 that are at or above 90 °F (32 °C). Winter days that receive precipitation tend to be milder while drier days have freezing nights that allow for frost build up until
7704-401: The man that she would marry. Scott later called Laci, and they began dating. As the relationship grew more serious, Scott put aside his dreams of professional golf in order to focus on a business career. The couple dated for two years and eventually moved in together. In 1997, after Laci graduated, they married at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort . While Scott finished his senior year, Laci took
7811-477: The material in the anchor did not match a sample of concrete from the driveway because the driveway sample featured large, gravel-like chunks. Conversely, for the defense, Steven Gabler, a concrete expert, testified that the samples were consistent. Gabler said that the gravel chunks had adhered to the driveway's concrete because the concrete was poured on top of those chunks. Scott's defense attorney, Mark Geragos , also pointed out that no such anchors were found after
7918-426: The missing organs and disarticulation were conditions consistent with a body weighted at the wrists and ankles and submerged in seawater for several months. Laci's head, arms, and legs were never recovered. Dr. Peterson concluded Conner had died in utero and his body was expelled from Laci's decomposing corpse when the skin over the abdominal cavity ruptured due to natural decompositional processes. Seawater entered
8025-442: The morning. Thus, winter temperatures can vary from lows in the low 30s in dry months to 40s in wetter months. Days in the winter can occasionally be as high as 70 °F (21 °C), but there can also be cool rainy days as late as May reaching only 60 °F (16 °C). Average July temperatures range from 95 °F (35 °C) in the day to 63 °F (17 °C) at night. During the summer months there can be multiple days in
8132-471: The most precipitation can come during the El Niño years. In addition, Modesto experiences drought cycles like the rest of California where the seasonal rainfall can be a few inches below average in dry seasons and a few inches above during wet seasons. The city does not have a full storm sewer system, and many streets flood during winter rain storms. Measurable snowfall has only been recorded in only 4 months in
8239-414: The phone calls to Frey in the days following Laci's disappearance—indicated his guilt. Juror No. 1, Greg Beratlis, and two other jurors, said they based their verdict on "hundreds of small 'puzzle pieces' of circumstantial evidence that came out during the trial, from the location of Laci's body to the myriad lies her husband told after her disappearance. On October 21, 2005, a judge ruled that proceeds from
8346-450: The playback of an interview with Scott had no sound because no batteries had been placed in the tape recorder that was used to record it. Other detectives were called to testify about the extensive search for evidence. The defense suggested the fetal remains were of a full-term infant and theorized that someone kidnapped Laci, held her until she gave birth and then dumped both bodies in the bay. The prosecution's medical experts contended that
8453-421: The population in 2010, down from 83.1% in 1980. The Census reported that 198,210 people (98.5% of the population) lived in households, 1,189 (0.6%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 1,766 (0.9%) were institutionalized. There were 69,107 households, out of which 27,152 (39.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 33,230 (48.1%) were married couples living together, 10,774 (15.6%) had
8560-592: The post office were painted by Ray Boynton , a Work Projects Administration artist. The post office was listed in the NRHP in 1983. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort is a resort located in San Luis Obispo County, California . It is located near Avila Beach . This resort is mostly known for its mineral springs as it rests atop a natural hot mineral spring. The property spans 116 acres (47 ha) and offers guests
8667-532: The production of a wide variety of irrigated orchard, field, and truck crops . Vicinity watercourses include the Stanislaus River , the Tuolumne River and Dry Creek which empties into the Tuolumne River. Area groundwater, which is the principal source of water supply in the city, has been historically impaired in a fashion that is spatially variable. Water from the nearby Modesto Reservoir
8774-618: The prosecution suggested Scott had several motives for killing Laci—that he was tired of his marriage, that he felt pressure from her pregnancy, that he wanted to continue his affair with Frey, and that he was under mounting financial pressure. Prosecutors claimed Scott strangled Laci before making cement anchors to weigh his wife's body down in San Francisco Bay. Sharon Rocha testified that when she went to East La Loma park to search for Laci, she saw Scott there, but she said Scott did not acknowledge her calling out to him and that he later "angled away" from her attempts to hug him, and failed to attend
8881-495: The segment was about baking meringues. Finally, Geragos emphasized the prosecution's lack of forensic evidence. He dismissed a hair of Laci's found in Scott's boat because Laci had visited the boat a few days before her disappearance and could have left it then. Lacking direct evidence to link Scott to the crime, prosecutors chiefly relied on circumstantial evidence , pointing, in particular to Scott's behavior before, during, and after Laci's disappearance. Through various witnesses,
8988-430: The shores of San Francisco Bay . Scott Peterson was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of murder. In 2004, Scott was found guilty of the first-degree murder of Laci and the second-degree murder of Conner. The case has remained a subject of public interest and discussion, raising questions about the legal process and media coverage. Scott's death sentence was overturned in 2020, and then in 2021, Peterson
9095-539: The state average. Of particular note is that Modesto ranks among the top car theft cities in the US. As of 2012 , Modesto ranked number 1 in car thefts per 100,000 people, although the city dropped to number 3 in 2013, behind Bakersfield and Fresno. In Modesto the crime rate is higher than 86% of California's cities. The Rockabilly genre of music originated in Modesto with the formation of Maddox Brothers & Rose on KTRB Radio in 1937. The "Hillbilly Boogie" sound, featuring
9202-706: The string slapping percussive sound by Fred Maddox, would become popular on a national scale and would later be the foundation for Rockabilly. Fred Maddox's bass is housed at the Experience Project Museum in Seattle, Washington. The city's annual Architectural Festival honors Modesto's history as a testing ground for mid-century modern architecture during the 1940s and 1950s. Modesto's mid-century buildings have been featured four times in Museum of Modern Art publications. Filmmaker George Lucas , who
9309-407: The telephone around 8:30 that evening. The last three people known to have spoken to Laci before she disappeared were Amy, Sharon, and Scott. Scott later told police that he last saw his wife about 9:30 a.m. on December 24, when he left to go fishing at the Berkeley Marina . He said Laci was watching a Martha Stewart TV show about meringue and preparing to mop the floor, bake cookies, and walk
9416-686: The world: E & J Gallo Winery . The Gallo Glass Company, a company of Gallo Winery, is the largest wine bottle manufacturing company in the world. Gallo provides about 3,500 jobs to Modesto residents and 2,500 jobs in other parts of the state, country, and world (meaning that most of its employment base is in Modesto). In 2023, Gallo laid off 355 of its California workers. Other major privately owned companies based in Modesto include Foster Farms Dairy , Royal Robbins , international award winner Fiscalini Cheese, Sciabica Olive Oil, Save Mart , Acme Construction, Aderholt Specialty, and 5.11 Tactical (formerly
9523-446: Was 2.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 9.1%. 112,065 people (55.7% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 86,145 people (42.8%) lived in rental housing units. According to the 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $ 49,852, and the median income for a family was $ 56,629. Males had a median income of $ 47,473 versus $ 37,629 for females. The per capita income for
9630-543: Was born in Modesto, graduated from Thomas Downey High School in 1962 and attended Modesto Junior College, immortalized the city in his award-winning 1973 film American Graffiti . The film portrayed the spirit of cruising and friendship on Modesto's 10th and 11th streets in 1962, and inspired a revival of interest in 1950s pop culture. The Modesto American Graffiti Festival is held annually in June. It attracts thousands of visitors and car enthusiasts, along with hundreds of classic and antique cars . Music festivalmerFest,
9737-468: Was constructed in 1884 in the Italianate style. The house has been removed from its original location, and modern renovation of the house has compromised its NRHP designation. The Robert Walton House was constructed in 1957, as a development of Frank Lloyd Wright's New York Usonian Exhibition House concept. The U.S. " El Viejo " Post Office is located on Twelfth and I streets. Wall murals inside
9844-577: Was followed closely by the news media. The lead prosecutor was Rick Distaso and Geragos led Scott's defense. Prosecution witness Frey hired her own attorney, Gloria Allred , to represent her. On June 23, 2004, one of the jurors was dismissed by Judge Alfred Delucchi after Delucchi spent two hours in his chambers questioning each of the jurors. Prior to Delucchi's June 21 interview, the aforementioned juror had been recorded on video speaking to Laci's brother, Brent Rocha. Delucchi had initially stated that this exchange had not warranted removal. He did not give
9951-471: Was given as part of a government plan when hydroelectric power dams were installed upstream for flood control, irrigation , and electric power generation. The nearest large open seaport is the Port of Stockton , used for oceangoing ships that transport goods, particularly cement, fertilizer, and agricultural products, from California to overseas. Modesto has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) under
10058-456: Was going to "chuck this entire life he had" for a masseuse mistress he had taken on only four dates. Geragos said that the police had rushed to judgment, noting that the police had discredited Scott's claim that Laci was watching a segment of Martha Stewart Living on making meringues because, they stated, no meringue was mentioned on that program that morning. But Geragos played a tape in court of that day's morning episode, which showed that
10165-597: Was going to have to get on MapQuest to figure out a way to get to Tijuana ." On April 18, 2003, detectives arrested Peterson at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla as he was meeting his father and brother for a golf game. Peterson had dyed his hair and beard blonde and his vehicle was packed with equipment and supplies, including nearly 15,000 USD in cash, Viagra tablets, camping and survival equipment, several changes of clothes, four cell phones, and two driver's licenses: his and his brother's. Lee Peterson, Scott's father, explained Scott used his brother's license to get
10272-422: Was having an affair with Frey. The state chiefly detailed Scott's behavior in the days before and after his wife was reported missing, including telling others he had been golfing and asking police if they had used cadaver dogs to investigate the park in which Laci was supposed to have walked their dog. The defense conceded that Scott was "a cad " for cheating on Laci but ridiculed the prosecution's theory that Scott
10379-550: Was having an affair with a woman in Fresno. Brent Rocha also stated the Rochas no longer supported Scott Peterson, due to his refusal to communicate with the family and cooperate with the police. Later the same day, Amber Frey held a press conference and explained her role in the investigation. On April 13, 2003, two people walking their dog found the body of a male fetus on a tidal flat [ 37.907721841462205, -122.33678399714816] of
10486-649: Was in Paris. As to the Petersons' financial condition, an auditor testified for the prosecution that the couple had been living beyond their means and accumulated $ 23,000 in credit-card debt. During cross examination, the auditor also stated that Scott had paid all of his bills on time and had $ 50,000 of credit available on other cards. Prosecution witness Rodney Oswalt said that neither of two hair follicles found on Scott's boat belonged to Scott, though he said he could not determine whether they belonged to Laci. Karen Korsberg, an FBI trace evidence expert, said she matched one of
10593-540: Was less than thirty miles from the Mexican border, detectives were certain Peterson was planning to flee to Mexico. Said Detective Brocchini in a 2017 interview: "We've got to find Scott right now. He told me he was [at Brooks Island] and that's where the bodies come up? I believe it was premeditated, he planned it ... San Diego was pretty darn close to the Mexican border. Scott knew the area pretty well. That's where his parents lived. That's where he lived. So it wasn't like he
10700-448: Was more than 4,500. During World War II , the area provided canned goods, powdered milk, and eggs for the US armed forces and Allied forces. For the next few decades, Modesto's population grew about two percent per year, to over 100,000 in 1980 and over 200,000 in 2001. The city's official motto, "Water Wealth Contentment Health," is emblazoned on the downtown Modesto Arch , which is featured in local photographs and postcards. The motto
10807-587: Was re-sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In 2024, Peterson was granted a status hearing in response to a request by the LA Innocence Project, a nonprofit legal advocacy organization claiming to have new evidence supporting Peterson's innocence. Laci was born Laci Denise Rocha on May 4, 1975. She was the younger of two children of Sharon ( née Anderson ) and Dennis Robert Rocha, and had an older brother named Brent (born 1971). Her parents had met in high school and owned
10914-442: Was selected in a contest held in 1911, with a $ 3 prize for the winner. (The original winning motto, "Nobody's got Modesto's goat ", was later declined by town officials.) Modesto's motto is sometimes spoofed as "The land gets the water, the bankers get the wealth, the cows get contentment, and the farmers get the health." In 1885, Modesto enacted what is now considered to be the first zoning ordinance. The ordinance's primary goal
11021-409: Was severely decomposed. The autopsy revealed Laci had two cracked ribs and her uterus and cervix were intact. Neither Laci's date of death nor whether the broken ribs occurred postmortem could be conclusively determined. The missing head and limbs led to rumors that Scott had dismembered Laci beforehand, but Dr. Peterson found no human-made incisions. Dr. Peterson and state forensic pathologists testified
11128-413: Was single. Additionally, Frey told detectives Scott said on December 9, he was a widower and this Christmas would be his first without his wife. Based on the dates and information Frey provided, detectives now believed Scott began planning to kill Laci two weeks before Laci's disappearance. Hoping Scott would confess or reveal information about his involvement in Laci's disappearance, detectives gave Frey
11235-589: Was spread out, with 54,012 people (26.8%) under the age of 18, 20,838 people (10.4%) aged 18 to 24, 53,116 people (26.4%) aged 25 to 44, 49,691 people (24.7%) aged 45 to 64, and 23,508 people (11.7%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.5 males. There were 75,044 housing units at an average density of 2,023.2 per square mile (781.2/km ), of which 39,422 (57.0%) were owner-occupied, and 29,685 (43.0%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate
11342-582: Was teammates with future-pro Phil Mickelson at the University of San Diego High School . By the end of high school, he was one of the top junior golfers in San Diego. In 1990, Scott enrolled at Arizona State University (where Mickelson had also enrolled) on a partial golf scholarship. Scott's father, Lee, later testified that Scott was discouraged by the considerable competition that Mickelson and an unnamed future pro presented. According to Chip Couch,
11449-663: Was to keep laundries (which were primarily Chinese run), out of the city. After an arrested man filed to contest the constitutionality of the ordinance, the case escalated to the California Supreme Court which found the law to be constitutional. In the late 1980s Modesto embarked on an update to the city's general plan pursuant to requirements of the State of California. The result was a comprehensive evaluation of alternative population and land use projections along with associated environmental impact analysis. Some of
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