A Husband, A Father—A Killer?
On Christmas Eve of 2002, Modesto, California, was dressed in twinkling lights and festive anticipation. But the warmth of the season would soon be shattered by a horrifying discovery—or, rather, the absence of one.
Laci Peterson, 27 years old and eight months pregnant, simply vanished. And her husband, Scott Peterson—the clean-cut fertilizer salesman—stood at the center of a mystery that would captivate and divide the nation.
Within months, the story had transformed from a missing-persons case into a high-profile murder trial. By late 2004, the world saw him not as a grieving husband, but a convicted murderer, sentenced to die by lethal injection.
Two decades later, the story is far from over. So, what is Scott Peterson’s life in prison really like now?
From Death Row to Life Without Parole
Peterson was convicted of first-degree murder for killing Laci, and second-degree murder for killing their unborn son, Conner. He was sent to San Quentin State Prison, home to California’s death row, where he spent nearly 15 years awaiting execution.
But in August 2020, the California Supreme Court overturned his death sentence, citing serious errors in jury selection during his 2004 trial. While his murder convictions still stand, the penalty changed dramatically. In December 2022, Peterson was formally resentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Inside Peterson’s New Home: Mule Creek State Prison
After decades on death row, Peterson was quietly transferred to Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, California—about 50 miles southeast of Sacramento. Unlike San Quentin’s grim isolation, Mule Creek houses medium- and high-security inmates in a slightly more modern environment.
Here’s what Scott Peterson’s life in prison looks like now:
- Inmate Number: AM7774
- Living Quarters: Shared cell
- Privileges: Limited phone calls, monitored mail, and visitation (though COVID impacted visitation policies for years)
- Daily Routine: Meals, yard time, inmate jobs, or programming (if eligible)
- Security: Constant surveillance, limited privacy, and intense media interest
Despite being off death row, Peterson still lives a restricted and scrutinized existence, unable to escape his notoriety.
The Fight Isn’t Over: Appeals and the Jury Controversy
Even behind bars, Peterson has never stopped fighting. His legal team continues to argue that he was wrongfully convicted—and the most promising avenue lies in a juror misconduct claim.
The Juror in Question: Richelle Nice
One of the original jurors, Richelle Nice, nicknamed “Strawberry Shortcake” due to her bright red hair, is now at the center of controversy. At the time of the trial, she failed to disclose that she had previously filed a restraining order against her boyfriend’s ex, alleging threats to her unborn child.
Peterson’s attorneys argue this constituted bias and that she intentionally misrepresented herself to get on the jury. A San Mateo County judge reviewed the claim in 2022 but ultimately ruled it did not warrant a new trial.
Still, the story didn’t end there.
Enter the Los Angeles Innocence Project
In a stunning twist, in January 2023, the Los Angeles Innocence Project took on Scott Peterson’s case. Known for exonerating the wrongfully convicted through DNA evidence and legal flaws, the organization’s involvement gave Peterson’s supporters new hope—and his critics new fears.
Their claim? “Newly discovered evidence” and constitutional violations may have tainted the trial, particularly surrounding key witnesses and overlooked leads—like a burglary near the Peterson home on the day Laci vanished.
So far, no retrial has been granted—but the Innocence Project has launched a deep-dive investigation, and Peterson’s legal fate remains in limbo.
The Court of Public Opinion
While legal battles rage on, so too does public debate. Is Scott Peterson a cold-blooded killer—or the victim of a media circus and broken justice system?
Supporters say:
- No physical evidence tied him directly to the murder.
- Police focused too early on Peterson, ignoring alternate suspects.
- He was tried more for cheating on his wife than for a proven crime.
Critics say:
- His behavior post-disappearance—lying, fleeing, dyeing his hair—screamed guilt.
- His affair with Amber Frey revealed a double life.
- The circumstantial evidence painted a devastating picture.
The Family’s Pain—and Unwavering Belief in Guilt
For Laci’s family, there is no question. Scott Peterson is guilty. Her mother, Sharon Rocha, has spoken out forcefully against retrials and attempts to paint Peterson as a victim.
“This man is where he belongs. He murdered my daughter and my grandchild. He should never walk free.”
Peterson’s own family, however—particularly his sister-in-law Janey Peterson—believes otherwise. She has appeared on national TV defending him, arguing that Laci was alive after Scott left for his fishing trip that morning and that the timeline doesn’t add up.
A Life in Limbo
Today, Scott Peterson lives a far cry from the suburban life he once knew. He eats in a prison cafeteria. He sleeps in a cell. His every word is monitored. And yet, his name remains headline-worthy.
The LA Innocence Project could pave the way for a reopened case—or even a retrial.
Or, just as likely, Scott Peterson may spend the rest of his life behind bars, forever branded by the Christmas Eve horror that stole a mother and her unborn son.
FAQs About Scott Peterson’s Life in Prison
Is Scott Peterson still on death row?
No. His death sentence was overturned in 2020. He now serves life without parole.
Where is Scott Peterson now?
He is incarcerated at Mule Creek State Prison in California.
Does Scott Peterson still claim he’s innocent?
Yes. He maintains that he did not kill Laci and is pursuing appeals.
What is the LA Innocence Project doing?
They’re reviewing his case for possible new evidence or legal violations that could justify a retrial.
Can Scott Peterson get a new trial?
It’s unlikely, but not impossible—especially with the Innocence Project now involved.
What do Laci’s family members think?
They believe Scott Peterson is 100% guilty and should never be released.