“She loved to believe in people, just like I did, until all this happened,” says Sharon Rocha, describing the gullible nature of her pregnant daughter Laci and the toll her murder took. in 2002 – by her husband Scott Peterson, who is now serving a life sentence – had on her.
Rocha, now 72, is interviewed extensively in the new Netflix docuseries American Murder: Laci Petersonpremiering on August 14. Here she speaks with PEOPLE about missing her daughter, Laci’s legacy and Scott’s last attempt at freedom.
“When I think of Laci, I think of how much I miss her—and how selfish it was of Scott to take her away from us. She was smart, outgoing, and fun. When she walked into a room, you knew she was there.
“She was also vulnerable. We laughed a lot and talked about everything and anything. We liked to do gardening together, buy plants and flowers. We liked to go to the movies. She was not only my daughter, she was also my friend.
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Laci, eight months pregnant in December 2002, shortly before her murder.
“When I first met Scott, I thought he was a really nice person. But his behavior from the very first moment I saw him after Laci disappeared, didn’t seem right. And after I heard about his relationship with Amber Frey, I had no doubts anymore. I knew that Laci wasn’t coming home and that Scott was responsible.
Related: Scott Peterson Breaks His Silence: ‘I Was an Asshole’ to Laci, But ‘I Didn’t Kill My Wife’ (Exclusive)
“Twelve people have found him guilty of murder, but he won’t admit it. We keep hearing that he and his supporters have new evidence, but there is no new evidence.
“It’s long past time for him to stop. Maybe I shouldn’t sound so harsh, but I’m so tired of hearing the same old bullshit over and over again.
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Laci and Scott in an undated photo.
“I would think there should be a time limit, since the California Superior Court and other judges have all denied his request for a new trial. But apparently there isn’t, because we have to go through this over and over again.
“And it’s like ripping the scab off the wound every time. I’m not at all worried about him getting a new trial. There’s no new evidence.
“He’s guilty, and that’s it. Bottom line. One thing I’ve never said publicly is how Scott, who would never take a lie detector test, never really denied killing Laci. The only statement he made to me was, ‘I didn’t hurt Laci.’ When he was convicted, it was a relief. It wasn’t a joyous celebration. He went to prison, as he should have.
AP Photo/Ben Margot
A coroner and investigators load the remains of Laci’s decomposed body into a van shortly after it was discovered on April 14, 2003.
“Let’s face it: Nothing good comes from murder. But I’m still amazed at the number of letters I’ve received over the years from women saying, ‘If I hadn’t gone through what happened to Laci, I would still be in an abusive relationship or maybe even dead.’ So I think I can say that some good did come from it.”
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