20/20 Season 43 Episode 25 One Last Chance: The Trial of Scott Peterson

One Last Chance: The Trial of Scott Peterson is the 25th episode of the 43rd season of ABC's 20/20. This episode focuses on the highly publicized trial of Scott Peterson, who was charged with the murder of his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son, Conner. It examines the evidence, witness testimony, and legal strategies used by both the prosecution and defense during the trial, which garnered massive media attention.

The episode features interviews with key individuals involved in the trial, including prosecutor Birgit Fladager, defense attorney Mark Geragos, and juror Justin Falconer, who sheds light on the jury's decision. The episode also includes exclusive footage of Scott Peterson's initial interrogation by police and the moment he was arrested.

Viewers are taken on a journey through the case's timeline, from Laci's disappearance on Christmas Eve 2002 to Scott's eventual arrest in 2003 and trial in 2004. The prosecution presented a compelling case, with evidence such as hair found on pliers in Scott's boat matching Laci's DNA and a strand of Laci's hair found on a pair of pliers in Scott's truck. Additionally, the prosecution argued that Scott's motive was to seek a new life without the burden of marriage and a child.

Geragos, however, attempted to poke holes in the prosecution's case by claiming that someone else could have committed the crime and that there was not enough physical evidence linking Scott to the murders. He also argued that the media frenzy surrounding the case had already convicted Scott in the court of public opinion, and that an impartial jury could not be assembled as a result.

Ultimately, after a high-profile trial, Scott Peterson was found guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Laci and second-degree murder for the death of Conner. He was sentenced to death in 2005. One Last Chance: The Trial of Scott Peterson provides a comprehensive look at one of the most notorious murder cases in recent history, examining the strategies and tactics used by both sides and exploring the factors that ultimately led to Scott's conviction.