American Murder director breaks down why Laci Peterson's case is still "relevant"

Netflix's latest true crime docuseries, American Murder: Laci Peterson, much like many of its recent ones, has received immense acclaim across the world. Following the infamous incident from Modesto, California, where Laci Peterson, a pregnant woman, disappeared seemingly into thin air on Christmas Eve 2002, the case has been the subject of many true crime episodes, podcasts, and documentaries.

Despite the bulk of material available, award-winning director Skye Borgman decided to look at this case in particular, especially due to its continuing relevance in the present day. Though it happened 22 years ago, this case draws much attention because of the nature of the crime and the victim.

After the investigation, Scott Peterson, Laci's husband and the father of the unborn child, was found to be guilty, a charge he continues to deny even today. Still, he was deemed guilty by the jury and initially sentenced to death. This sentence was overturned and he was sentenced to life in prison, instead.

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Skye Borgman explains why Laci Peterson's case stays relevant in today's age

The murder of a pregnant wife at the hands of her husband, one of the people she perhaps trusted the most, indicates something much bigger than just a murder. It pinpoints the practice of continued violence against women, even in their own homes.

This makes the subject matter extremely relevant, as things like these, where women become hapless victims of brutality and violence, continue to plague our society even today.

Borgmain explained to Tudum:

"The Laci Peterson story, it’s incredibly relevant to today’s audience, because this is something that continues to happen. It’s a very, very detailed, evidence-based look at how Laci Peterson disappeared and how Scott Peterson was convicted."

He continued:

"Something that I came to realize throughout the making of this piece is that it really is a documentary about family. It has so many different facets of what a family looks like and what a family is, what a family goes through and what a family believes in.... I think, ultimately, this series is a three-part documentary that really looks at what a family can and can’t be."

This is the element that gives the series its ultimate appeal and it continues to draw fans across the world.

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Where is Scott Peterson now?

Soon after the bodies of Laci Peterson and her son were confirmed through DNA profiling, Scott Peterson was arrested in San Diego near a La Jolla golf course. The murderer allegedly carried $15,000 in cash, camping supplies, clothing, several credit cards, and his brother’s identification card. It seemed clear that he was about to run away.

He had also reportedly dyed his hair and changed his facial hair to look more like his brother. Detectives claimed at the time that Peterson was making his way to Mexico. After his arrest, he was transported back to his hometown and taken in.

Soon, his trial commenced and the original verdict found him guilty. He was originally sentenced to death but discrepancy in the jury overturned this sentence. Scott Peterson was instead sentenced to life in prison.

Though he still claims he did not commit the crime, he remains incarcerated at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, California.