American Murder: Laci Peterson

Clicked on the Laci Peterson series without knowing much of the back story other than recognizing her name as a woman who had gone missing. I didn't know she was heavily pregnant when she disappeared. I got drawn in to this limited series immediately, and found it well put together - 3 episodes each dealing with a critical aspect of the story and investigation . I unexpectedly ended up watching all 3 episodes in one sitting and, whilst being captivated by the storyline and how it was told, it was ultimately profoundly heartbreaking learning about both Laci and Conner and also seeing the terrible impact on the families who were interviewed for the series.

Laci Peterson, an eight-month pregnant woman, was reported missing by her husband, Scott, and later found deceased alongside her fetus. This case became one of the most notorious murder cases in America, sparking a media frenzy and intense public interest. Nearly every American media network has produced a documentary on this case, the latest being Netflix's three-episode miniseries on it.

The series is excellently crafted, showcasing the entire case through genuine audio clips and video footage. It features interviews with individuals intimately connected to the case, including family members and friends of both Laci and Scott, lawyers, detectives, reporters, and jurors, as well as dated news segments and original documents.

This documentary adopts a unique approach by revealing the case's verdict at the start, then delving into the backstory and the events that led to it. I found that to be quite intriguing.

Despite its strengths, this documentary, like many others, attempts to shamelessly exploit people's emotions by focusing the camera on their faces for too long in hopes of capturing their distress and tears. Additionally, there were instances where the documentary seemed to show bias, which was something I did not appreciate.

Overall, this is an informative documentary and a MUST-WATCH for true crime buffs.

Netflix restrained itself from padding this documentary to excruciating lengths as it normally does with such crime docs.

It was very well done, I remember the case from years ago and everyone suspected the husband then and it took far too long for the prosecution to get their ducks in a row.

Even though the outcome was known the pacing was terrific and the slow dawning of truth in Laci's family is heartbreaking in light of their supporting her husband initially.

Even though it's an old case now the devastation of the loss was deeply felt by this viewer, a testament to the skills of the doc makers in piecing it all together.

Peterson still won't admit his guilt.

8/10.

This documentary is well done in a way that respectfully honors Laci's memory. Hearing first hand from Laci's friends and family brings you through the whole emotional rollercoaster they experienced and the nightmare that they lived. It also does a great job of portraying how the media played a role before the time of smart phones.

I watched the three episodes in one sitting because I was so invested in the process of the family finding answers and getting closure. If you're looking for brutal details of the actual murder, then this documentary isn't for you. It was made with Laci's family and friends, who want you to know who Laci was as a person. I also appreciated the filmmakers decision to add resources and information for domestic violence victims.

This is one of the better true crime docs I've seen, and I've seen a lot.

True crime is a tough genre, as there's sometimes too much emphasis on the procedural aspect while forgetting that this happened to a real person with a real family.

This series made me feel like I understood the person Laci was and why people loved her. The interviews from her friends and mother especially showed so much of her personality and heart when she no longer can. Knowing the person she was made me all the angrier when they examined the evidence towards her husband. How someone can snuff out a life like that and then go on as if nothing happened is something I will never understand.

I'm too young to have seen any of the media surrounding this when it happened, so I'm glad they put out this series to show another generation what happened ( And to prevent the husband from ever leaving prison. I know there are still people saying he is innocent which astounds me.)

Overall a good true crime docuseries that respects the victim and displays the facts while still showing other's opinions. Would recommend.