Netflix and Peacock both delve into the infamous Laci Peterson murder case, each offering a different perspective. Earlier this month, Netflix released a series titled American Murder: Laci Peterson, while Peacock recently debuted a crime docuseries titled Face to Face with Scott Peterson.
For those unfamiliar with the case, Laci Peterson was found dead in the San Francisco Bay while eight months pregnant. She went missing from her home in Modesto, California, on Christmas Eve in 2002. Her body was discovered four months later in April 2003.
Scott Peterson, Laci’s husband, was charged with her murder. Initially, he was sentenced to death, but in 2020, the punishment was commuted to life imprisonment. In 2024, the Los Angeles Innocence Project took up the case for further investigation.
Differences between Netflix's version and Peacock's version
Both Netflix and Peacock present the Laci Peterson story on screen but with different perspectives. American Murder: Laci Peterson on Netflix focuses heavily on Laci’s family and friends, who open up about her death decades after the incident. The series features Modesto Police Department detectives Al Brocchini and Joe Buehler, as well as several members of Scott and Laci’s families.
From Scott’s side, his sister Susan Caudillo and sister-in-law Janey Peterson are featured, while from Laci’s side, Lori Heintz, Rene Tomlinson, and Stacey Boyers are interviewed. Additionally, Scott Peterson’s girlfriend, Amber Frey, whom he reportedly dated while married to Laci, also appears in the Netflix series.
On the other hand, Peacock’s Face to Face with Scott Peterson primarily presents Scott’s perspective. The series includes interviews with the police officers who investigated his case, along with his sister and sister-in-law, who were also featured in the Netflix series. However, Laci’s close friends, who were interviewed for the Netflix series, do not appear in the Peacock docuseries.
In sharing his side of the story on Peacock, Scott Peterson said (via US Magazine):
"I had people spit on me at gas stations. I received death threats on the phone. I had someone in the front yard claiming they were a witch and burying things. I wish I could say I was stronger but all that stuff did take a toll on me.”
American Murder: Laci Peterson
The Netflix series was released on August 14, 2024, with three episodes. The crime docuseries, which runs for approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes, features interviews with Sharon Rocha, Laci’s mother; Allen Brocchini, a detective; Lori Heintz, Stacy Boyers, and Renee Tomlinson, Laci’s friends along with Jon Buehler, a detective, and others.
"The case of Laci Peterson's disappearance and murder shook the US in 2002. Her husband Scott was convicted, though he maintains innocence. Twenty years later, Laci's mother and friends speak out, revisiting this tragedy," reads its synopsis.
Face to Face with Scott Peterson
Face to Face with Scott Peterson was released on August 20 on Peacock. The series features an interview with Scott Peterson and consists of three episodes as well. This 2-hour and 53-minute miniseries is described in its synopsis as:
"A new look at the notorious case of Scott Peterson and the murders of his wife Laci Peterson and unborn son Conner. Additionally explores the latest developments after the Los Angeles Innocence Project announced they were taking the case."
Notably, American Murder director Skye Borgman reached out to Scott Peterson for an interview for the Netflix series, but he declined. However, Scott Peterson agreed to an interview for Peacock’s series surrounding the murder of his wife. He is currently serving his life sentence at Mule Creek State Prison.
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American Murder: Laci Peterson is currently streaming on Netflix and Face to Face with Scott Peterson is on Peacock.
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