59: Friend or Foe pt.2: Open Waters Open Questions

Maia Warner-Langenbahn
Jun 26, 2024
4 min read

Updated: May 22

What happened to Laci Peterson, and did the media get it all wrong? In this deeply researched episode, Maia and Grant unpack one of the most polarizing true-crime cases of the early 2000s: the trial of Scott Peterson. Maia walks us through the mysterious circumstances and tragic death of Laci Peterson. We meet her husband Scott Peterson, learn his alibi, and end up with some serious open questions. What was the killer's motive? How does the media's portrayal of a case affect its outcome? How does Amber Frey make or break this case? From his secret affair with Amber Frey to the haunting discovery of Lacey’s body in San Francisco Bay, they walk through the full timeline, the media frenzy, and the courtroom drama that gripped the nation. Along the way, they explore the shadowy backstory of discredited serologist Fred Zane, the early days of the Innocence Project, and the forensic puzzle pieces, fishing licenses, search histories, and cadaver-dog alerts that either built or broke the case. With a sharp breakdown of jury strategies and an unfiltered “rat-brain” take from Maia on the trial’s most debated moments, this episode lays out the facts and dares you to decide where you stand. A true crime episode, and a potentially unsolved case!

00:14:24 Story starts

Chapters/Key takeaways to listen for

[00:00:00] Catch-Up
[00:14:24] Open Waters Open Questions
[00:23:23] Meet Scott & Amber: Introduction of Scott Peterson and Amber Frey and why it set off alarm bells
[00:32:12] Anatomy of a Romance: How Scott courted Amber and lied about his marital status
[01:15:02] Press Conference Fallout: Scott’s lawyers warn him off live TV, but he goes on Diane Sawyer
[01:32:00] Bodies in the Bay: The discovery of an adult torso and an infant remains
[01:50:53] Jury Selection Roulette: How Redwood City jurors were vetted for death‑penalty stances
[02:06:20] The Concrete & Cadaver Dog Experts: Why these things became the courtroom’s most bizarre exhibits
[03:06:45] Prosecution’s Closing Argument: Prosecutor frames Peterson as a calculating killer
[03:18:20] Defense’s Closing Argument: Geragos reminds the jury of the total lack of direct evidence
[03:35:10] Sentencing & Death Penalty: The judge cites “depravity” and the “calculated cruelty” of the act
[03:50:05] Early Appeals & Clemency Movements: Grassroots campaigns launch petitions for clemency and a retrial

Photos/Videos Referenced:

*Laci Peterson (left) and Scott Peterson (right) at their wedding in 1997*

Amber Frey (left) and Scott Paterson (right) December 14th Christmas Party	Amber Frey (right) and Scott Peterson (left) December 14th Christmas Party
Laci Peterson (left) and Scott Peterson (right)	Laci at the Christmas Party alone on December 14th
Cell phone message from Scott Peterson to Laci Peterson on December 24, 2002 - Defense Exhibit CC - Scott Peterson Appeal via YouTube	Concrete Boat Anchor Scott Peterson allegedly made
Photo taken at the vigil for Laci on December 31 - People's Exhibit 176 G	Photo taken of Scott at the vigil for Laci on December 31 - People's Exhibit 176 H
*Dec 31st 3:05 PM* Amber Frey & Scott Peterson - Dead to Me via YouTube	*Dec 31st 4:18 PM* Amber Frey & Scott Peterson - Dead to Me via YouTube
Map of the Marina showing Brooks Island vs the locations where Laci and Connor's bodies were found	Scott Peterson at the time of arrest with his dyed hair
Map from Scott's warehouse to Berkeley Marina - courtesy of the Prosecutor's Podcast	Concrete "voids" prosecution believed shows that more than one anchor was made - People's Exhibit 122 D

Quotes:

"I would rather go down with the ship than cling to something that can’t support me." - Grant Thomas
"If love is a crime, you’re not gonna get murdered." - Grant Thomas
"Ask yourself: is motive enough if there’s no hard evidence?" - Maia Warner
"No one can say how you should grieve." - Maia Warner

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