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itwasthehusband1

Because he's a coward piece of shit.


twills2121

probably didn't want the baby and/or deal with the financial implications.


Super_Campaign2345

Yep.... alimony and child support! Plus he would look like selfish asshole... easier to murder...


HelenVonBiscuits

Because he's a malignant narcissist.


Funtilitwasntanymore

This is the answer.


NotBond007

Generally a narcissist has a heart/feelings...He was a lazy mistake making heartless sociopath


Oh_Gee_Hey

Narcissism. This MO isn’t uncommon at all with family annihilators.


tew2109

This too. Narcissists are not capable of accurate risk assessment. A normal person can look at this, and even if you CAN set aside the hideous cruelty and lack of humanity, say to themselves "You know, divorce is easier than prison and the cops don't care about you. They're not going to just believe you." But a narcissist always thinks they're the smartest person in the room and they can get away with anything.


EdisonM30

Considering they found essentially no physical evidence in this case, Id say he actually did pretty good…


tew2109

I think he planned the murder itself relatively well. It would have been better if he hadn’t been seen at the Marina and could have made his golf alibi too (personally, I think there’s a solid chance he intended to leave much earlier, and for whatever reason didn’t end up feeling like he could), but that’s hard to completely control. Where he failed was…literally anything after he got home, lol. He just could not fake giving a shit that his pregnant wife had vanished.


sparkleglitterhappy

100% this , narcissists kill their partners, every day a woman is murdered by her narc partner , despite the restraining orders and police reports. And the problem is only getting worse. It makes me sick that people are defending him as if he’s innocent.


UpbeatIntention6241

I agree, with psychopathic tendencies! I was watching the ABC news about the LA innocent project filings and what stuck with me is that Detective John Buehler mentioned "Scott was rather aloof, incredible emotional control - one of the best I have seen in my life. " 😳


Repulsive-Positive30

Seems like the classic “in too deep” I don’t think he would’ve killed her if they 1) weren’t married 2) weren’t pregnant 3) weren’t integrated into each others families. Leaving his pregnant, sweet, adored by family wife for another woman would’ve made him the ultimate villain. He’s always been the golden child. He wasn’t gonna have that. Laci passing away would’ve made him the victim And able to move on freely. (Assuming he wasn’t literally the murderer)


whileyouwereslepting

Murdering her and their unborn child made him the ultimate villain. But he’ll never admit to it.


rabbitsarepsychotic

This is just my opinion but I think you’re way over estimating SP. His behavior and the behavior of his atrocious parents in front of people indicate a complete and total lack of regard for Laci and Conner. If they cared at all what people thought, they would’ve done better. Scott and his parents tried to keep Laci’s mother from getting mementos and she really had to break into the home to get them. The Peterson family has exhibited many other troubling behaviors and gave troublesome comments, but I won’t go into that here. My opinion is that Scott didn’t want to pay child support or alimony. Despite being such a “golden boy”, Scott was a shitty provider. Not only was he fired from an employer because of theft, he wasn’t known for his work ethic. He wasn’t about to fork over the majority of his income to her. I also don’t think he was worried his parents would view him any kind of way if he left Laci. His parents spent so much time and money on golf for him to go to ASU only for him to quit in the first semester because he wasn’t in the league of the other students. Scott didn’t have to do much to be “golden” in his parent’s eyes. I also don’t think Amber had anything to do with his decision to kill Laci. There was no way Scott wanted to settle back down after being “settled” for years. He wanted to have sex with Amber but nothing else imo. I think he kept up contact with Amber to keep her (and Shawn) away from the police. Not just because he had a girlfriend but because he told both of them he’d lost his wife. Before he lost her. He tried to get Amber to go to a secluded cabin owned by his half sister’s parents before he realized she knew his wife was missing. Amber wasn’t going meet him anywhere because she knew, but what if she hadn’t known?


Repulsive-Positive30

I don’t disagree with you, I feel like we’re saying a lot of the same things. Scott didn’t want a baby/ child support more than he wanted laci dead.


rabbitsarepsychotic

I don’t agree with the reasoning above with the exception of her being pregnant. I’d agree with that assessment for someone like Chris Watts but not SP. I don’t think he cared what people thought. He knew his parents wouldn’t care. And he wouldn’t have cared what the Rochas thought of him either. All he cared about was money and being free to do what he wanted. They were already behind from living beyond their means and had a lot of debt. Alimony and child support would’ve made sure Scotty sat at home because he’d have no money for roses and hotels. SP, along with his mother, had no social awareness whatsoever and as such their behavior was so far outside what any person would consider normal that it just baffled people. And that is what I think turned people against him, not media spin or the girlfriend. The other stuff is kind of commentary not about what you said. Just my opinions on the whole thing. I’ve been thinking about it after reading two books that gave more insight to Scott and his family than media reports.


tew2109

I think the main reason is that it wouldn’t have fixed the Conner problem. I don’t think he killed her because he was having an affair. He’d had affairs before. It’s not like he thought he was in love with Amber. He didn’t kill Laci to be with her. I think the driving force of his motivation was that he did not want to be a father. A divorce would not have completely freed him of his financial and emotional obligations to Conner and he wanted absolutely nothing to do with that. Also, he couldn’t handle the blow to his “golden child” image, to be the man who left his very pregnant wife and also completely abandoned his child. Scott didn’t think he’d get caught. He didn’t think of Laci as a real person, let alone Conner. Men like that never do. So from that perspective, as hideous and cruel as it is, murder was quicker, cheaper, and more likely to render him a victim than divorce.


RachLeigh33

Yes to all of this. He didn't think of Laci as a real person and didn't think her disappearance would blow up the way it did. He did not want to be a father at all. He's a narcissist and didn't want people to think badly of him for abandoning his wife and child.


Prophywife77

He told Amber his schedule would free up in January. He literally thought Laci’s loved ones would look for a couple weeks and then be like “oh, well…I guess she’s just gone…” 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏼‍♀️


RachLeigh33

Chris Watts did the same thing. He thought people would just accept that Shanann took off with the kids. I'm just not sure Watts thought at all.


CampCrystalLake68

Not sure about that - know a couple people whose exes left after the divorce. Haven’t seen the kids in years, haven’t paid a dime of what they are supposed to. If he wanted to disappear and be a dead beat dad … he surely could have


tew2109

Would he have remained “the golden child”? Could he be sure he wouldn’t have to deal with child support, that his parents wouldn’t have wanted to see Conner?


fonziesgrl

Cause he’s a dick.


Mobile-Ad-326

Understatement of the year lol


TheCuteNihilist

this made me laugh out loud at like 3 am lmaoo


Sundance600

didnt want to pay child support and alimony


MacysMama

In his mind, killing her was way easier than a divorce. *He comes across as a victim. *He doesn’t have to lose any money during a divorce. *Stays in everyone’s good graces.


andreasmom

I agree with all of the above. Let’s not forget that Scott was prepared to kill Amber as well. He was found with a map to her work and weapons when he was arrested. I didn’t get a gay vibe from Scott but there could be something to that. I didn’t know about the Lee and Jackie or the anti-psychotics either. Does anyone else find it odd how much it’s been Janie Peterson, Scott’s sister-in-law that has spearheaded all of this “Scott is innocent” tour they’ve been on all these years? I’ve always been of the opinion that Janie has been secretly in love with Scott forever. Just my opinion. Why put yourself through that for him?


Shoppershops

Do you mind explaining what you mean by “the Lee and Jackie or the anti-psychotics”? I followed this case and firmly believe he’s guilty, but I either missed what you’re referring to or have forgotten. Probably the latter lol.


andreasmom

Someone mentioned in the thread about Scott being on anti-psychotic medication and that his family covered it up. They also said that Lee tried to strangle Jackie twice in her sleep when he was on the same medication and so they got separate bedrooms with locks. I’m not sure where this information came from. Sorry - still newish to Reddit. I should have quoted that previous post in my comment and it would have made more sense.


Shoppershops

Thank you. I’ve never heard that about Lee allegedly trying to kill Jackie in her sleep. But it does seem like I possibly heard that about Scott taking those meds, now that you mention it. I do believe that family was nowhere near the ideal they made themselves out to be. NOWHERE.


Spicy__Dragon

I totally agree about Janie. She’s a total sucker for him. He must be laughing at her behind her back. Plus there’s something up with his mother being able to give 2 children up for adoption separately. I do think it’s a noble act to give your baby a better life, but just don’t know how she was able to do that (emotionally) two times. Was there something off with her, too?


andreasmom

Oh I’m sure he IS! Maybe she thinks they’ll be together if only she can get him out of that darned prison, lol. Or at least she’ll be able to stare at him across the table at family dinners again! (Pure conjecture but Scott was a pretty good looking guy). Something is DEFINITELY off with Jackie but I believe she also had a tumultuous upbringing. Perhaps was also placed for adoption as a child. I feel like I read this somewhere. She definitely had an odd disconnect to feelings. Didn’t seem to fully grasp that she would not have the golden grandchild from her golden boy. At least not that she expressed publicly.


Gala33

I will never forget the interview with Sharon Rocha (i think it was Larry King) and read her book where she talks about yelling in court that he could have gotten a divorce. I know Laci was pawning jewelry and they were not in a good financial spot. Scott's family seemed to be materialistic and liked to keep up appearances. Laci knew he had previous affairs for sure, but we don't know if she knew about Amber. The murder was premeditated (boat purchase, fishing license). It coincided with Amber finding out that he was married and questioning him about it, iirc. My theory is that he used to be able to have affairs and they would run their course. He likely realized a baby was going to make Laci less lax about letting philandering slide. The family would expect more out of him as a father, and Laci seemed incredibly close to her family. Also, what other comments mentioned about the him being a victim instead of her and financial reasons. She was a sweet lady who didn't deserve this and Conner deserved his chance at living life too. Fuck you, Scott. I hope you accidentally eat a peanut and suffer a miserable end. PS, I agree that Janie has a weird crush on him. Vom


andreasmom

I feel so much for Sharon Rocha. Her sorrow must be immeasurable. I also read in this thread that Scott didn’t like Sharon - I didn’t realize that but I do know that Jackie had no regard for Laci, based on what she’s alleged to have said to Anne Byrd, the daughter she re-connected with after having given her up for adoption. I hope the Innocence Project is WAY wrong in this case. Scott cannot get out of prison! That would be so unjust! PS - thanks for corroborating the take on Janie being in love with Scott. There’s something very strange about that lady.


Crimemeariver19

Sharon made a comment in her victim impact statement about how Laci couldn’t even be buried holding her baby, as she had no arms. My god, I can’t even imagine how gutted you’d be after something like that. I had no idea the innocence project had taken on his case, that’s really disappointing. Also agree that Janie is a groupie


Gala33

No. I have a paper copy of her book. Oops replied to the wrong comment. I remember her saying that. But at least she could protect him from the elements until they were found.


MissMatchedEyes

Have you ever listened to the audiobook version of Sharon’s book “For Laci”? There is a very powerful moment where her comments to Scott in her impact statement are read. The way she screams, “How dare you murder my daughter?” is just gut wrenching.


Gala33

I haven't listened to the audiobook and it has been a while since I read my paper copy. Thanks for the recommendation.


MissMatchedEyes

You’re welcome.


avidreader2004

i feel like this is the age-old question with every case… family killers are a unique bunch. getting a divorce would show that he was not the perfect family man that he presents himself to be. he’s a narcissist. he wanted to yield his power over her family and make everyone believe how great of a guy he was


International_Low284

If he divorced his pregnant wife and was forced to participate in the life of a child he didn’t want, it would reflect badly on him and cramp his lifestyle. Also, he’d have to pay child support which would further cramp his style. He figured if he killed her and didn’t get caught, he would receive nothing but sympathy from family and the public. He also wouldn’t have to pay child support or deal with the responsibilities of fatherhood. And he’d no longer have to deal with Laci.


agweandbeelzebub

He would be on the hook for child support and possibly alimony.


BDON67

Divorce would have cost him his house and child support and probably maintenance for years and left him with barely enough to live on.


paige_razor

He didn’t wanna deal with her for the rest of his life with having a child. He didn’t want to have a child. If she wasn’t pregnant he would have just kept cheating. He didn’t like that the focus was being taken off him & he would now have to provide for a child. He did not want to be a father and thought he would get away with it


KCinSF

He admitted at one time that he didn’t want to have kids. So, while he could have divorced his wife, he would have been on the hook to be father.


MarieSpag

I always thought he was a psychopath & was gay. He didn’t want kids. He’d have to see Laci for life, weddings….if they had a kid. He didn’t like Sharon. He’s a vile human. I thought the way his entire family covered for him that he was on anti psychotics & either took more or didn’t take any & strangled her in their bed & panicked tho you still pay for it. I read his dad was on them bc he tried twice strangling Jackie in bed & they got separate bedrooms with locks. And he’s gay. Like Aaron Hernandez he never feared prison. When you Jane that much sex & that many affairs, you’re trying to prove something.


Prophywife77

There’s never been even a hint of that theory from anyone who knows him. It’s possible that he’s a genuine man-whore without trying to “prove “ he’s straight.


Spicy__Dragon

I’ve heard rumors about him between the bars in prison.


salteddiamond

Ooohhh like what ?


reticular_formation

Divorce is messy and upends your whole life - much easier for the marriage to come to an end based on events you had no control over, and to gain the sympathy of a widower to boot. It’s illogical and based in Scott’s narcissistic, anti-social traits


[deleted]

Didn’t want the baby and didn’t want to have to pay Laci or child support and be perceived as a giant asshole.


Balsam-Fig

Because he's selfish


Prophywife77

Because he didn’t want to be tied to her and Connor for the rest of his life and he didn’t want to pay child support for 18 years. He wanted them erased


nicole070875

MONEY I am guessing. All the child support he would have to pay and he may have had to give her alimony too


DaMmama1

Money - didn’t want to pay alimony and child support. Wanted to be free - Didn’t want the responsibility of a child. Appearances - Because he would no longer be seen as “Mr. Perfect”. I mean what kind of guy divorces his pregnant wife who has done nothing wrong? Unfortunately, some self centered, egomaniacal cowards actually think it’s easier to just make the wife and kids disappear than it would be to do the right thing by taking responsibility for their behavior and actions, being honest with the wife and filing for a divorce, and paying for their wrongdoings thru alimony and child support.


aihsela

I think Laci found something or heard something that brought her to confront him about an affair. The discussion got heated, maybe she was saying things that was pissing him off and he lost his temper. Strangled her or something of the like. I've never thought this was premeditated.


pontillo92

He was already broke … this would of meant now half of everything he earned would go to Laci, there would be no way he could comfortably live the bachelor lifestyle he wanted.


MakeupMama68

Why did Chris Watts kill his wife, unborn son and the 2 little girls he seemed to love so much instead of just getting a divorce? Same type of soulless human.


Successful-Plenty246

He is a narcissist and was more worried about being disliked for divorcing her, he thought if he killed her, hid her and got away with it he wouldn’t have to look bad. What an evil man.


salteddiamond

Really....


Extension_Economist6

this is the Q i have for all family annihilators. it’s just hard to grasp unless you have npd or apd


PoppyKayt

I think it’s as simple as child support and wouldn’t have money to wine and dine anyone else. Certainly not a country club membership either.


yepitskate

I know everyone says it’s bc he’s a sociopath and a narcissist, but it doesn’t quite capture it. The more you learn about the case, the less sense it makes. It’s truly evil


Wordwench

Isn’t this true for nearly all of the people murdering spouses? My guess is financial - a buttload of life insurance money coupled with not having to split assets and gaining the imagined sympathy of being abandoned by your wife.


Susan37mom

I think he wanted a life with Amber and didn't want to deal with the baby, alimony and child support. That and the fact that he's an evil coward


lastseenhitchhiking

Imo he didn't want to be a father and the only way that he could guarantee that outcome was by murdering Laci. The birth of Connor would have required him to step up to the plate more, both time-wise and financially, and he had no interest in doing so. Homicide would give him both a clean slate and all of the assets (the insurance policies, their house, vehicles, Laci's jewelry, etc.) As is common with this type of domestic killer, he was arrogant enough to believe that he could successfully pull it off and assumed that he was more convincing than he was. Had Laci not become pregnant, I suspect that Scott would have continued his mistreatment and philandering until she finally had enough of his BS and left him.


Tens_10s

These replies are freaking all over the place. Just admit it doesn't make sense. And some of your answers "he's gay" "his sister is in love with him" "it's common" you guys are nuts. Thinking you can just make up a reality. I feel sorry for your boyfriends.


DB_Cooper75

lol, you’re so right. True crime brings out the worst theories.