Scott Peterson(IX)

Scott Peterson was convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances in the death of his wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner, on November 12, 2004, despite the lack of any direct physical evidence connecting him to the crime. Laci went missing on Christmas Eve 2002 while Scott said he was fishing. The case soon gripped the nation. As the weeks passed, Peterson traded in Laci's car and made inquiries about selling their home -- actions which raised suspicions. On April 18, 2003, after the remains of Laci and Conner washed up a few miles from where he said he was fishing, Peterson, his hair dyed blond, was arrested in San Diego. In his truck were $15,000 in cash and a survival kit; police speculated he was preparing to flee to Mexico. It was later learned Peterson had been having an affair with Amber Frey, and had cheated on Laci throughout their marriage. The prosecution theorized he murdered Laci because he wanted to be rid of the impending responsibility of fatherhood. On March 16, 2005, Peterson was formally sentenced to death and sent to San Quentin State Prison.