Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 17 that a 15-year-old defendant was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree and Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, for his killing his grandmother by stabbing her over 35 times and also stabbing his mother causing her serious physical injuries.
According to the investigation, on April 7, 2025, at approximately 9:40 p.m., the defendant was arguing with his mother when she confronted him about missing classes at school. The defendant’s grandmother told her daughter, the defendant’s mother, to take the 15-year-old’s computer away as a punishment. At that point, the 15-year-old grabbed a knife and stabbed his grandmother and then turned the knife on his mother. After being stabbed, the mother fell to the ground and played dead. At that point, the 15-year-old turned back to his grandmother and continued to stab her. The defendant’s grandmother died at the scene, and the defendant’s mother was taken to a hospital, where she is still recovering from her injuries.
On April 16, 2025, the defendant was arraigned on the indictment before Judge Karen Kerr, for Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony, and Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony.
Judge Karen Kerr ordered the defendant be remanded during the pendency of the case. The defendant is due back in court on May 21, 2025, and faces 15 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Peter Mayer, Esq.
“This is an exceptionally tragic case that has devastated a family,” said District Attorney Tierney. “When a child allegedly turns violent against their own family members, it creates layers of trauma that extend far beyond physical injuries. Our office will pursue justice for the victims of these horrific acts.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Dena Rizopoulos of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Ronca of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office
Christopher Miller Faces 25 Years to Life in Prison for the Fatal Shooting of His 75-Year-Old Father
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 1 that Christopher Miller, 43, of Dix Hills, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, for allegedly shooting and killing his 75-year-old father John Miller.
“The indictment handed down today marks a crucial step toward justice in this tragic case,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I would like to thank Officer Galeazzi who did a great job here apprehending this defendant before anyone else could be harmed.”
According to the investigation, on the afternoon of March 17, 2025, Christopher Miller was involved in a motor vehicle crash which resulted in his being admitted at Stony Brook University Hospital. The next day, unaware that he had been in a crash and in the hospital, John Miller called the police to report his son missing. Christopher Miller lived with his father. Suffolk County First Precinct Officer Matthew Galeazzi responded to John Miller’s home on Bruno Lane in Dix Hills. After conducting a brief computer search, Officer Galeazzi informed John Miller that his son was at Stony Brook University Hospital. Relieved, John Miller profusely thanked the officer for his help.
On March 19, 2025, Officer Galeazzi responded to a call from a Dix Hills resident that reported a suspicious individual hiding in that person’s shed. Officer Galeazzi responded to that residence, opened the shed, and allegedly identified the suspicious individual to be Christopher Miller.
Officer Galeazzi informed Christopher Miller that he spoke to John Miller the day before at their Bruno Lane home, and that his father was worried about him. Officer Galeazzi offered to drive Christopher Miller home, which the defendant initially rejected. However, after insisting, Christopher Miller allegedly agreed to be driven back to his home, a half mile away.
When they arrived at the residence, footage from Officer Galeazzi’s body cam captured not only his entry into the home, but also his immediate viewing of the victim lying on the kitchen floor in a large pool of blood, and a shotgun lying nearby. Allegedly, Christopher Miller immediately attempted to flee up the stairs, however, Officer Galeazzi subdued him and placed him under arrest. In addition, witness interviews alleged Christopher Miller attempted to steal a landscaping truck but was unsuccessful.
Police recovered a shotgun along with four expended shot shells at the scene. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner determined that John Miller suffered multiple perforating and penetrating shotgun wounds.
On April 1, 2025, Christopher Miller was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski for Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony.
Justice Pilewski ordered Christopher Miller remanded, during the pendency of the case. Christopher Miller is due back in court on June, 12, 2025, and faces 25 years to life in prison, if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Glenn Obedin, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eric S. Aboulafia of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Guido Cirenza of the Suffolk County Homicide Squad.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Jeremias Anaribamoran, 47, of Central Islip, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, for allegedly fatally shooting 40-year-old Gustavo Godinez-Carcamo.
“What allegedly began as a social gathering escalated to violence, resulting in the tragic and unnecessary loss of life,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Our office is committed to seeking justice for the victim and his loved ones, and to holding accountable those who commit violent crimes in our community.”
According to the investigation, on March 15, 2025, just before midnight, Anaribamoran and Godinez-Carcamo allegedly got into a verbal altercation while sitting in the back seat of a vehicle parked in front of the victim’s Central Islip home. The two along with two others had been allegedly hanging out most of the day consuming alcohol. The confrontation escalated to deadly violence after Anaribamoran allegedly pulled out a 9 mm pistol and shot Godinez-Carcamo three times. Godinez-Carcamo then allegedly fled to his home on foot, which was less than half a mile away.
When Suffolk County Police officers responding to the scene arrived, they attempted to render lifesaving measures on Godinez-Carcamo who quickly lost consciousness. Central Islip Volunteer Ambulance Company EMS personnel also attempted to render aid and transported Godinez- Carcamo to South Shore Hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy would later reveal that Godinez-Carcamo suffered multiple perforating gunshot wounds of his torso and right arm.
Investigators quickly began canvassing Central Islip for video surveillance and conducted numerous witness interviews. As a result, the defendant’s identity as well as his residence were quickly identified.
On March 18, 2025, Suffolk Police Homicide Squad detectives arrested Anaribamoran during the early morning after surveilling his home for hours.
While in custody, Anaribamoran, a Honduran national, allegedly confessed to committing the murder to two Spanish speaking homicide detectives. Anaribamoran also consented to having members of the Homicide Squad back to his home and he identified not only the clothing he was wearing when he committed the murder, but he also provided the murder weapon which he had discarded in his trash. As a result, the murder weapon and clothing were recovered
On March 27, 2025, Anaribamoran was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis for Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C felonies.
Justice Wilutis ordered Anaribamoran remanded during the pendency of the case. Anaribamoran is due back in court on April 25, 2025, and faces 40 years to life in prison. He is being represented by Katherine Fernandez, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eric S. Aboulafia of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detectives Frankie Sierra and Jose Johnson of the Suffolk County Homicide Squad.
Georgios Boultadakis Allegedly Choked His Partner to Death in the Basement of Their Home
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on March 26 that Georgios Boultadakis, 25, of East Meadow, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, for allegedly killing his partner, John Melnikoff, Jr., in 2022.
“The indictment here charges the tragic and brutal murder of a domestic partner,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We are committed to ensuring that the victim’s voice is heard, standing firm against domestic violence and advocating for the safety of all citizens.”
According to the investigation, on August 8, 2022, shortly after 6:00 a.m., Boultadakis, a former Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department employee, called 911 to report that he found Melnikoff passed out at the foot of the basement stairs of their Huntington Station home and was not moving or breathing. The 911 operator who took his call instructed Boultadakis on how to perform lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The defendant’s statements and actions during the call created reasonable belief in the operator that CPR was being performed. When police arrived at the scene, Melnikoff was pronounced dead.
Based on the initial scene investigation, the lack of evidence of a struggle, and no obvious signs of foul play, the matter was initially treated as an unattended death investigation.
On August 10, 2022, an autopsy determined that Melnikoff suffered fractures to the hyoid bone and left horn of the thyroid cartilage as well as soft tissue hemorrhaging.
The findings turned the case into a homicide investigation, with the cause of death determined to be due to neck compression. On March 3, 2025, after an extensive investigation, Boultadakis was arrested.
Justice Mazzei ordered Boultadakis remanded during the pendency of the case. Boultadakis is due back in court on April 16, 2025, and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count. He is represented by William Keahon, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Dena Rizopoulos of the Homicide Bureau and Veronica McMahon of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Frankie Sierra of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Brayan Heredia Escobar, 19, of Guatemala, Jhon Lopez Campos, 18, of El Salvador, and Julio Beltran, 39, of El Salvador, were indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, for their alleged roles in the killing of 39-year-old Salvadoran national Candido Guadalupe Saravia Martinez.
“This alleged murder was brutal,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We will not tolerate such violence in Suffolk County. Violence such as is alleged here, affects us all, and we remain dedicated to holding these offenders responsible for their actions.”
According to the investigation, on February 18, 2025, Suffolk County Police discovered the body of Saravia Martinez inside a tent on the side of Suffolk Avenue, just east of Carleton Avenue in Central Islip. Saravia Martinez was found with a rope tied around his neck, under which ligature marks were visible and police observed that he appeared to have blunt force trauma to his face, and a stab wound to his neck. Each of the defendants, as well as the victim, are believed to have been living undomiciled in Central Islip.
Inside the tent, police recovered a machete, and a knife covered in blood, lying on top of the decedent’s neck. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that the victim died of a combination of blunt force trauma, strangulation, and a stab wound to the neck that lacerated his carotid artery.
Video surveillance was obtained from several businesses on Suffolk Avenue, including a laundromat located directly across the street from where Saravia Martinez’s body was found. The extensive surveillance allegedly depicts the three defendants, running from the tent after the murder and entering the laundromat.
On March 18, 2025 Heredia Escobar was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins for Murder in the Second Degree. Justin Collins ordered Escobar remanded during the pendency of the case. Escobar is due back in court on March 27, 2025 and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Pete Mayer, Esq.
On March 19, 2025 Lopez Campos was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Collins for Murder in the Second Degree. Justin Collins ordered Lopez remanded during the pendency of the case. Escobar is due back in court on April 23, 2025 and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Christopher Give, Esq.
On March 24, 2025 Beltran was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Collins for Murder in the Second Degree. Justin Collins ordered Lopez remanded during the pendency of the case. Escobar is due back in court on April 10, 2025 and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Katherine Fernandez, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michelle Chiuchiolo of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Matthew Sagistano of the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad.
Two Co-Defendants Also Pleaded Guilty to Hindering Prosecution
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Joseph Scalafani, 34, of Mastic Beach, pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree for the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Alex Smith, also of Mastic Beach. His brother Daniel Scalafani, and friend, Jeffrey Mercury, also pleaded guilty to Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree for assisting the defendant flee New York after the murder.
“Today’s guilty plea closes a case where a life was senselessly taken and efforts to evade justice failed. Although it will not bring back Mr. Smith, the defendant and the two accomplices who aided his attempt to escape have all now been held accountable,” said District Attorney Tierney. “In Suffolk County, playing any role in attempts to flee from a homicide will be met with serious consequences.”
On May 20, 2023, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Joseph Scalafani ambushed Smith and his ex- girlfriend as they exited a bar in Mastic Beach. Joseph Scalafani fired numerous shots at Smith, striking him multiple times in the back and torso.
While Smith was collapsed on the ground, Joseph Scalafani shot him again, twice in the head at close range. He then got into his vehicle and fled the scene, only to crash a short distance away and then flee on foot. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
After the murder, Scalafani fled New York with the help of his brother, Daniel Scalafani, 31, of Shirley, and friend Jeffrey Mercury, 62, of Mastic Beach. Daniel Scalafani and Mercury each provided money to the defendant to assist him in fleeing New York and then lied to law enforcement when asked about his whereabouts. Additionally, Mercury drove Joseph Scalafani down to Virginia and dropped him off to assist him in evading apprehension.
On June 4, 2023, Joseph Scalafani was tracked down and arrested in Florida by members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. He was then extradited back to Suffolk County on July 6, 2023.
On December 20, 2023, Daniel Scalafani pleaded guilty to Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree, a Class D felony, before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins. Daniel Scalafani is due back in court on December 6, 2024, and he is being represented by Peter J. Creedon, Esq. and Jonathan Gill, Esq.
On February 1, 2024, Mercury pleaded guilty to Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree, a Class D felony, before Justice Collins. Mercury is due back in court on November 21, 2024, and he is being represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.
On November 12, 2024, Joseph Scalafani pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony before Justice Collins. Joseph Scalafani is expected to be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.
Joseph Scalafani is due back in court on January 21, 2025, and he is being represented by Anthony LaPinta, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Guidarelli of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Thomas M. Palumbo and Detective Brendan O’Hara of the Suffolk County Police Department Homicide Squad.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Oct. 30 that David Trent, 19, of Mastic Beach, was sentenced to 28 years in prison after pleading guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, and other related charges, for shooting and killing Jorge Mauricio Sevilla Barrera and injuring two others outside of the Minx Nightclub in Farmingville, as well as the armed robbery of a Lyft driver that occurred in Wading River. Trent was one of 18 defendants indicted in December 2022 following a long-term investigation into violence committed by a criminal street organization, “No Fake Love,” also known as the “NFL.”
“We are satisfied that this lengthy sentence will keep this violent offender off the streets of Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This was a violent and brutal act and now this defendant will be held accountable for his indefensible actions.”
As established by the investigation and guilty plea allocution, on December 5, 2021, Trent, a member of the violent street gang No Fake Love, and his associates were gathered in the parking lot of the Minx nightclub in Farmingville. Jorge Mauricio Sevilla Barrera and his friends were walking through the parking lot after exiting the nightclub and an argument ensued. The argument turned physical, then Trent went to the vehicle that he arrived in, retrieved a firearm, and shot Barrera.
Trent and another individual then kicked Barrera while he was on the ground, before Trent stood over Barrera and shot him again, killing him. Trent and his associates then got into their vehicle and Trent leaned out of the window and fired multiple shots while the vehicle was fleeing the scene. Two additional victims suffered non-fatal injuries in the shooting.
Additionally, on April 13, 2022, Trent, along with co-conspirators Shati Roy, Jr. and Corey Foggy, ordered a Lyft rideshare car to an address in Wading River. When the driver arrived, Trent, Roy, and Foggy entered the rear of the vehicle. A short time into the trip, Roy reached over and repeatedly struck the driver about the head and body. Trent and Roy then both pointed guns at the driver’s head and stated to each other and the driver several times, “Shoot him! Get out of the car.” During this time, Foggy exited the vehicle and forcibly pulled the driver out of the vehicle, causing the driver to fall to the ground. Roy then jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off with Trent still in the rear. Roy then ripped out the dashboard camera and threw it onto the road (the camera was later recovered by investigators and captured the entire incident). Both Roy and Foggy have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this robbery and carjacking.
On September 30, 2024, Trent pleaded guilty to the following charges before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr.:
One count of Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
Two counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Class B violent felonies;
One count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a Class B felony;
Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent
felonies;
One count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony; and
One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.
On October 30, 2024, Justice Senft sentenced Trent to 28 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He was represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Martha Duffy and Donald Barclay of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by District Attorney Investigator Jean Graf of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Gang Task Force.
Kerri Bedrick Was Allegedly Fleeing Law Enforcement While Impaired by Methamphetamine When She Caused a Four-Car Collision that Killed Her Son
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 4 that Kerri Bedrick, 32, of Centerport, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, and other related charges, for allegedly causing a multi-vehicle crash that killed her son, who was a passenger in the back seat of the vehicle she drove in the wrong direction of the Southern State Parkway while allegedly impaired by methamphetamine.
“The charges returned by the grand jury reflect the severe nature of the alleged offenses. The loss of life in this incident, particularly that of a young child, is heartbreaking,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We are committed to seeking justice not only for the child but also for those whose lives were affected and disrupted by this heinous act.”
According to court documents and the investigation, on August 22, 2024, at approximately 2:15 a.m., a Suffolk County deputy sheriff was patrolling the eastbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway when he observed Bedrick driving westbound at a high rate of speed in a 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse on the eastbound lanes of the parkway.
When he spotted Bedrick driving the wrong way, the deputy sheriff made a U-turn, activated his lights and sirens and attempted to stop Bedrick’s car as she continued to drive in the direction of oncoming traffic. Bedrick allegedly accelerated and drove around the deputy’s vehicle as he attempted to guide her car safely off the road. The deputy sheriff continued to travel behind Bedrick at a safe distance for more than five miles, as she allegedly reached speeds of approximately 100 miles per hour. Bedrick’s actions caused multiple vehicles traveling eastbound to avoid being struck by veering out of the way of her oncoming car. For safety reasons, the deputy sheriff had to enter the westbound lanes of travel in order to maintain sight of Bedrick’s vehicle while she continued to drive the wrong way on the eastbound lanes of the parkway.
Shortly afterwards, just east of Exit 42N, Bedrick struck multiple vehicles. The crash ended with Bedrick striking a Mercedes GLS SUV head-on. The force of the impact caused catastrophic damage to both cars and ejected a large field of debris across the roadway. The engine of Bedrick’s vehicle was launched into the woods.
When the deputy sheriff who had been following Bedrick and New York State Police troopers approached her vehicle, they observed an unconscious nine-year old child in the backseat passenger seat. The child was removed from the vehicle and attempts to provide life saving measures were taken. The child was later taken to South Shore Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Two other motorists involved in the collision were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.
Multiple pills were recovered from the defendant’s vehicle in a prescription bottle with the name peeled off. The defendant was later taken to the hospital, determined to be impaired by the use of a drug, and placed under arrest. A review of Bedrick’s driving history revealed that she had 56 suspensions on 8 separate dates.
On September 4, 2024, Bedrick was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for the following charges contained in the indictment:
Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A felonies;
One count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a Class B felony;
One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
One count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class C felony;
One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
One count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
One count of Unlawful Feeling a Police Officer in the First Degree, a Class D felony;
One count of Reckless Endangerment in First Degree, a Class D felony;
One count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child, a Class E felony;
One count of Driving While Ability Impaired by a Drug, an unclassified misdemeanor;
Two counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors;
One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor;
One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class
A misdemeanor;
One count of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Second Degree
an unclassified misdemeanor;
One count of Reckless Driving, an unclassified misdemeanor;
One count of Operating a Motor Vehicle without a License, a traffic infraction;
One count of Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Inspection Certificate, a traffic
infraction;
One count of Operating a Motor Vehicle without Insurance, a traffic infraction; and
One count of Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, a traffic infraction.
Justice Horowitz ordered Bedrick to be remanded without bail and that her license be suspended during the pendecy of the case.
Bedrick is due back in court on October 22, 2024, and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count. She is being represented by Scott Zerner, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James McCormack of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Investigator Kevin Doyle of the New York State Police.
Scott Peterson is currently serving life in prison for the murder of his wife, Laci. Photo courtesy of Netflix
Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel
The facts are these:
On Christmas Eve 2002, 27-year-old Laci Peterson, eight months pregnant with her first child, disappeared from her home in Modesto, California. Her husband, Scott, claimed to have last seen her at 9:30 a.m. Originally, Scott announced he was golfing but later revealed that he had gone fishing at the Berkeley Marina. When he returned home that afternoon, he found their dog, McKenzie, still leashed in the backyard. After showering and washing his clothes, Scott contacted Laci’s mother to see if Laci was there. Both Scott and Laci’s stepfather reported Laci missing. While investigating, detectives found Laci’s keys, wallet, and sunglasses in her purse and closet.
Scott Peterson is currently serving life in prison for the murder of his wife, Laci. Photo courtesy of Netflix
Immediately, a massive search was underway. Initially, Laci’s in-laws defended Scott, but as the investigation continued, the police became more suspicious. On Dec. 30, Amber Frey contacted the hotline, revealing that she had been dating Scott since November as she believed he was single. She recorded their conversations over the next month. On Jan. 24, 2003, the information went public.
On April 13, the fetus remains of Conner, Laci’s unborn child, was discovered in San Francisco Bay. The following day, the remains of a woman—later identified as Laci—washed up a mile away from where Conner’s remains were found. The area was just a few miles from where Scott had been fishing.
Police arrested Scott Peterson on April 18 in La Jolla, California. In addition to knives and credit cards (and his brother’s I.D.), Scott had fifteen thousand dollars in cash. He had grown a mustache and beard and dyed his hair.
Scott’s trial began on June 1, 2004, with jury deliberations beginning on Nov. 3. On Nov. 12, Scott was found guilty of first-degree murder for Laci’s death and second-degree murder for Conner’s death. On Dec. 13, the jury recommended the death sentence, which a judge enacted on March 16. After years of appeals and accusations of an unfair trial (2012 to 2015), the death sentence was overturned on Aug. 24, 2020. He was resentenced on Dec. 8, 2021, to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
On Dec. 20, 2023, Scott Peterson’s request for a new trial was denied, and in January 2024, the Los Angeles Innocence Project began its representation of Scott Peterson, claiming that he was innocent.
Since 2002, millions of words have covered the tragic death of Laci Peterson. Thousands of articles and hours of media coverage. The Perfect Husband: The Laci Peterson Story aired on USA Network in 2004. In 2005, CBS broadcast the movie Amber Frey: Witness for the Prosecution.
The case featured on The E! True Hollywood Story, True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, Murder Made Me Famous, Crime Junkie Podcast, The Laci Peterson Story: A Dateline Investigation, Snapped, Truth and Lies: The Murder of Laci Peterson, How It Really Happened, 48 Hours, 20/20, etc. A&E produced a six-part series, The Murder of Laci Peterson (2017).
Netflix now presents American Murder: Laci Peterson. Directed by Skye Borgman (Girl in the Picture, Abducted in Plain Sight), the three-part documentary offers little new information. It mostly focuses on interviews intercut with archival footage and blurry, slow-motion B-roll recreations.
Part 1: “What Do You Mean, Missing?” highlights the first six days and establishes the Petersons as the “perfect couple.” Part 2: “I Wasn’t a Mistress” follows Amber Frey, Scott’s girlfriend, as she aids the police by taping their conversations. Part 3: “Nothing Can Change the Truth” takes the story from arrest through trial and conviction.
There is no question that this is a heartbreaking story. Laci’s disappearance and murder was terrible in every respect. However, the point of revisiting the murder is to shed new light and a new perspective. For the most part, American Murder fails to do this.
Throughout the two-and-a-half hours, the filmmakers fail to address why this particular case grabbed the country’s attention from the first moment. It acknowledges that Scott Peterson was tried on a great deal of circumstantial evidence (no DNA, no witnesses, no definitive weapon) but goes no further, emphasizing his disturbing behavior and questionable personality. It almost celebrates the mob mentality at the announcement of the verdict. It also never addresses the Innocence Project taking up his case, suggesting that Laci was murdered by the burglars of the neighbor’s house. In short, the documentary leans into ominous chords, peripatetic cuts, and eerie images.
For the most part, the interviews add little insight. The detectives revisit the same material and perspectives. Journalist Gloria Gomez speaks of the media frenzy but takes no responsibility for being part of that circus. There is an uncomfortable interview with two of the jurors that offers little perspective.
The one powerful throughline is Laci’s mother, Sharon Rocha. While reliving this is painful, she maintains dignity and clarity. She divides her life between before Laci and after Laci and knows that this changed everybody’s lives. One of the last things she states is, “You don’t get over it; you just get through it.” Her interview is the most valuable part of the documentary.
On Aug. 20, Peacock presents Face to Face with Scott Peterson, featuring his first interview in decades. Undoubtedly, this will be a different perspective, emphasizing alternate theories.
Stepping back from pure objectivity, Scott Peterson was a liar, a cheat, a narcissist, and most likely murdered his wife, Laci, a kind, gentle person. Like any victim of a violent crime, her story deserves and needs to be told—but always with integrity, sensitivity, and raw honesty. Unfortunately, American Murder does not rise to this standard.
The three-part documentary is currently streaming on Netflix.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office
Oliver Schor and Christopher Fernandez Allegedly Shot and Killed Michael Hartmann
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 9 that Oliver Schor, 22, and Christopher Fernandez, 28, both of Sound Beach, were indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, and related charges, for allegedly fatally shooting Michael Hartmann, 49, at his Bohemia home.
“This case involves the heartbreaking loss of Michael Hartmann, a husband, father and beloved family man, who was brutally killed at his own home,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We are committed to seeking justice for him. Our condolences go out to the Hartmann family during this difficult time.”
According to the investigation, on November 2, 2022, Fernandez and Schor allegedly descended upon the victim’s home in Bohemia armed with rifles. The defendants were about to enter the residence through the rear back door when they encountered the victim. Schor allegedly opened fire and killed the victim before both defendants fled the area in Schor’s mother’s car. Based upon law enforcement’s subsequent investigation, it is believed that this is a case of mistaken identity.
Fernandez also allegedly robbed a gas station employee at an Exxon Mobil Gas Station in Manorville shortly before the murder.
Schor was indicted for the following charges:
One count of Murder in the First Degree, a Class A felony;
Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A felonies;
One count of Attempted Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B felony;
One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;and
One count of Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree, a Class C felony.Fernandez was indicted for the following charges:
One count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony;
One count of Attempted Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B felony;
One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
One count of Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree, a Class C felony; and
One count of Robbery in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.On August 9, 2024, both defendants were arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Justice Pilewski ordered both defendants be remanded during the pendency of the case.
Schor is due back in court on September 16, 2024, and faces life in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Jason Bassett, Esq.
Fernandez is due back in court on September 11, 2024, and faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Christopher Cassar, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Schroeder of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Scott Romano of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Frankie Sierra of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.
Inside the tent, police recovered a machete, and a knife covered in blood, lying on top of the decedent’s neck. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that the victim died of a combination of blunt force trauma, strangulation, and a stab wound to the neck that lacerated his carotid artery.
