Stanislaus County District Attorney

On D-Day, June 6, 1944, more than 156,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, in one of the largest amphibious military operations in history. Their bravery and sacrifice marked a pivotal moment in World War II and helped pave the way for the liberation of Western Europe. Today, we honor their courage, remember those who gave their lives, and reflect on the enduring value of freedom, service, and resilience.

Today on National Peace Officers Memorial Day, the members of the District Attorney’s Office honor and remember the brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities, our state, and our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten. We remain steadfast in honoring their legacy and expressing our deepest gratitude to the men and women of law enforcement who continue to serve with integrity and valor each day.

District Attorney Jeff Laugero announced that twenty-three years after Scott Peterson murdered his pregnant wife Laci and their unborn son Conner, a San Mateo County Superior Court judge has delivered a resounding answer to Peterson’s latest bid for freedom. On April 27, 2026, the Honorable Elizabeth M. Hill in a clear and decisive 116-page ruling denied Peterson’s Third Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus in its entirety, rejecting every single one of his 14 claims. Following the denial, Peterson withdrew his Third Motion for Post-Conviction Discovery before the scheduled May 6 hearing. The prosecution team was fully prepared to challenge both the motion and the constitutionality of the recently amended post-conviction discovery statute had it proceeded to hearing.

“As a prosecutor, conviction integrity is critical to me,” said Jeff Laugero, Stanislaus County District Attorney, “and the appellate process is crucial to the integrity of the criminal justice system. Here, once again, the process worked. Judge Hill recognized the most recent attempt to undo the jury’s verdict for what it was – nothing more than recycled, repackaged and rebranded arguments. No credible “new evidence” was presented, and I found the real bombshell to be the unsealing of a transcript that contradicted the claims Peterson has made for years attempting to discredit law enforcement, the investigation and the prosecution. Peterson’s 2004 conviction has been upheld through two decades of post-conviction litigation and again with this ruling in 2026. Laci, Conner and their family deserve the finality that justice promised them."

Peterson’s Third Petition, filed in August 2025, asserted 14 claims, including a claim of actual innocence, recycling arguments that courts have rejected at every level since his conviction in 2004. For years, repeated motions and writs have required the commitment of experienced prosecutors and staff to evaluate, investigate and respond. The prosecution team has responded to each defense pleading with meticulous precision, culminating in a 903-page Informal Response that dismantled Peterson’s claims one by one with the facts, evidence and legal analysis. “The prosecution team has been exceptional in their professionalism, thoroughness, and integrity throughout this process,” said DA Laugero. “Their analysis reaffirmed the jury’s verdict was correct, as did Judge Hill’s rulings.”

Deputy District Attorney Ahnna Reicks, a member of the prosecution team stated, “Judge Hill’s rulings demonstrate that the court carefully and thoughtfully evaluated all of Peterson’s allegations and compared that against the entire trial record, appeal, and earlier petition. We know this undertaking was not easy because the record and filings in this case are extensive. The court arrived at an appropriate and correct decision. It is our hope that the family and friends of Laci and Conner will finally receive the closure they deserve. The entire prosecution team would also like to express our appreciation to District Attorney Jeff Laugero for his foresight in establishing and supporting this team and his consistent, unwavering support. We are also grateful to the Modesto Police Department and the California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Science for their continued assistance throughout this very lengthy process.”

After Two Decades, a Family's Right to Closure Moves Closer

For over two decades, Laci and Conner’s family has been forced to relive their grief each time Peterson submits new filings. Laci’s mother, Sharon Rocha, has sat through years of post-conviction hearings. Two years ago, she addressed the court through a letter and asked simply: “When will this end?” California’s Constitution, through Marsy’s Law, Article I, §28(b)(9), guarantees crime victims’ families the right to “a prompt and final conclusion of the case.” That promise moves meaningfully closer to fulfillment today.

One Pending Matter

One matter remains pending before the California Supreme Court: Peterson’s appeal of a 2025 ruling on his second habeas petition concerning the Juror 7 bias claim. His current defense team has vowed to challenge Judge Hill’s April 27 ruling as well.

For a detailed summary of the most recent denial, see the District Attorney’s formal Press Release dated May 12, 2026, available at: https://www.stanislaus-da.org/pdf/news/2026/press-release-05-12-2026-SPeterson.pdf.

From all of us at the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, we wish all mothers a happy Mother’s Day and thank you for the love, strength, and guidance you bring to our families and community every day.