‘American Murder: Laci Peterson’ Review – A Measured And Truthful Account Of An American Tragedy

There isn’t much else to say on the subject of Scott Peterson in American Murder: Laci Peterson. The convicted murderer escaped the death penalty in 2020 when it was ruled that the jury was not properly advised during the penalty phase of his trial. Now, he resides in Mule Creek State Prison, east of Sacramento, after being transferred from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center in 2022.

So, what new information does American Murder: Laci Peterson have to offer? Not too much, to be honest. However, the new Netflix true-crime docuseries features the victim’s mother participating in film or television on the subject for the first time. It also includes interviews with Scott Peterson’s family, shedding some light on the convicted murderer’s background.

If you’re expecting a Netflix series filled with salacious details, you’ll find this new take on the tragedy more respectful than most, which is a welcome change. Additionally, those who overlook their own cognitive biases and heuristics in pursuit of a good conspiracy theory will experience disappointment. The series rarely delves into conspiracies, though it does touch on a few, such as a nearby robbery connection and an infant abduction by Caesarean.

The series interviews experts and family members who paint a compelling picture of Scott Peterson. Across its three episodes, these interviews and archival footage place you in the mindset of the family and police at the time, highlighting the support for the accused. As the episodes progress, the series introduces no new evidence. Since the case took place in 2002, many may be unaware of the shocking events that began to unfold.

The docuseries does offer a critical eye on both sides, such as having Scott Peterson’s family talk about some of the media onslaught around the case. For instance, I remember watching the Dean Cain television film about the case, depicting the accused hiding from police and making a run for the Mexican border. In reality, as his sister explains, he simply went to stay with family in San Diego to escape the relentless coverage.

There are some moments from local detectives that I found alarming. They seem to tie their biases to the accused based on that person being hungry for fast food and viewing relief when the missing body is not recovered when he could have been relieved, you know, that his wife and unborn child are not dead. I would expect more from law enforcement when arresting someone for murder.

Thankfully, the filmmakers bring in a profiler with a professional opinion and actual behavioral evidence. This adds a layer of competence to the story that was missing. This was crucial for the State’s case, as there was very little physical evidence—just the accused’s remarkably questionable behavior. That includes an affair, financial issues, and an eye-opening pattern of lying on a regular basis.

However, in American Murder: Laci Peterson, the appeal lies in the interviews with Laci’s mother. Also, Sott’s family offers no easy answers about the tragedy. The difficulty in providing clear answers is partly because Peterson has rarely spoken about the case after his conviction. In fact, he continues to maintain his innocence. This makes the series more about closure, which may never completely come to fruition.

This Netflix offering presents a measured, truthful, and dignified approach, delivering insight and suspense for those unfamiliar with one of the most infamous American murder cases of the 21st century.

You can stream the new true-crime docuseries American Murder: Laci Peterson on August 14th.

What did you think of the new Netflix docuseries? Let us know in the comments below!