The gruesome murders of Laci and unborn son Conner Peterson were two that rocked the U.S.
to its core in 2002. Committed at the hands of her then-husband Scott, the case quickly cultivated a
media circus that followed both Scott and Laci's families at the time and for the years that
followed. What eventually unfolded over the course of three years was a web of lies, betrayal, and
infidelity from Scott, for months leading up to the heinous crime that left the public in shock.
"Hey Scott, do you have anything to say?" "No."
With his cold, distant manner to police and to any form of public
questioning regarding the disappearance of his family, Scott's demeanor and dark past
played an integral role in his eventual guilty conviction and death sentence,
though the latter was ultimately reversed in 2020. While Scott remained stone-faced in the
face of a frenzied public, the emotion from his parents told a completely different story.
"So what you're telling me, Scott, is you have no idea where Lacy is?" "I do not."
Lee and Jackie Peterson, Scott's parents, were present throughout their son's murder trial in
2004. Lee, who often appeared defeated and deflated during the courtroom drama,
and Jackie, who was known for her respiratory problems and for wearing a breathing tube,
often voiced their support for their only son during the highly-publicized ordeal.
Now, over a decade and a half after the conclusion of the trial, some might have
forgotten about what happened to the Petersons. So, what happened to Scott's parents? And what
might have the public missed about Lee and Jackie Peterson? Here's what we know.
Amidst a tumultuous murder trial for Scott Peterson, Lee and Jackie Peterson put on brave
faces every day in an effort to prove their son's innocence — even if it meant duking it out with
Laci Peterson's family. Though the tension between the two families boiled over in the courtroom,
Peterson's parents never backed down in defense of their only son.
"I just am sick of this."
When Lee took the stand during Scott's murder trial, he stated that he was proud
that Scott was his son. Later on in the trial, Jackie also echoed a very similar sentiment,
showing both Lee's and Jackie's unwavering commitment to absolving their son of guilt.
Prior to Scott's arrest, he was found to be in possession of a car under Jackie's name, as well
as camping equipment, clothes, four cell phones, and two driver's licenses that belonged to him and
his brother — apparently indicating intentions to flee the country, according to CBS News.
When the time came for questioning, Jackie revealed that she advised Scott to purchase
the car under her name to avoid the social duress accompanying the trial.
It was also revealed that Jackie had provided Scott with $8,000 following Laci's disappearance.
Furthermore, when questioned about having his brother's license, Lee explained that he advised
Scott to bring the license in order to get a discount at a local golf course. Why? Lee said,
"Because I'm cheap."
For those who recall the trial, you probably remember Jackie Peterson
walking around with a breathing tube while suffering from respiratory issues.
Unfortunately as time went on, her prognosis became more grim and Jackie ultimately died
from cancer in 2013 at the age of 70. It was also noted that Lee Peterson brought Jackie home from
the hospital where she lived out her final days. Though she never got to say goodbye to Scott,
Jackie still maintained her son's innocence until the very end. According to Radar,
the family reportedly chose not to go public with her death because they did not want the publicity.
And though not much is known about Lee's life today,
a 2018 interview with Janey Peterson, Scott's sister-in-law,
offered some rather poignant insight into Lee's mental state following the trial.
Janey told The Modesto Bee,
"I don't know if you can understand how Lee is holding up unless you understand
the (gravity) of this injustice. I don't know if I can put myself in Lee's shoes as a parent,
or in Jackie's shoes. Or in [Laci's mother] Sharon's shoes. I just can't even comprehend it."
"The justice system doesn't always get it right."
Janey also revealed that the family has a legal strategy room located at Lee's crate-building
shop in Poway, California, in which they house alleged evidence of Scott's innocence. Janey
gave viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the room during an appearance on "Dr. Phil" in 2018.
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