Laci Peterson Case

Investigation Highlights

Laci Peterson
  • Earlier this week, the bodies of a male baby boy and a female adult were found, washed up in the East Bay area.
  • The remains were taken to Contra Costa County for autopsy and DNA testing.
  • Earlier today, April 18, 2003, those remains were identified as those of Laci Peterson.
  • On April 18, 2003, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Scott Peterson was arrested in San Diego for the murder of Laci Peterson and her unborn son.
  • Events leading up to this arrest began on December 24th when the Modesto Police Department was notified by family members of Laci's disappearance.
  • Modesto Police initiated an investigation and interviewed Laci's husband, Scott.
  • A search for Laci was initiated in the Covena neighborhood, extending to the immediate area, including the park areas along Dry Creek.
  • Search personnel included hundreds of law enforcement personnel from the Modesto Police Department and assisting agencies, as well as hundreds of volunteers.
  • The search area was continuously rechecked and expanded throughout the City, County and surrounding regions.
  • Search personnel searched areas such as waterways, open fields, urban areas/neighborhoods, roadways and bridges.
  • Searches were conducted on foot, on horseback, in vehicles, in water vessels, in helicopters and in planes.
  • Resources used included search dogs, divers, sonar devices and other technology.
  • Almost immediately after Laci's disappearance, rewards were offered for her safe return. Various rewards donated by friends, family and private donors totaled $500,000.
  • The investigation followed a logical path, starting with those closest to Laci. Investigators were not able to eliminate Scott. Detectives aggressively investigated and exhausted many other avenues, tips, leads and possibilities.
  • To date, over 9,000 tips have been received on the Laci Peterson Hotline. Of those 9,000, approximately 7,000 were phone calls to the tip hotline and approximately 2,000 were by e-mail, letter, FAX, etc.
  • All tips received were documented and sent to detectives for review.
  • A percentage of tips received were of investigative value.
  • So far, the Modesto Police Department has dedicated over 70,000 staff hours from all levels and areas of the department.